GENERAL JOHN J. "BLACK JACK" PERSHING - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/09/1935 - HFSID 259180

JOHN J. PERSHING. TLS: "John J. Pershing", 1p, 7¼x10¾. Washington, 1935 January 9. To Dr. L.S. Rowe, Pan American Union, Washington. In full: "I thank you very much for your letter of the fourth instant enclosing copy of the resolution adopted by the Governing Board on behalf of Captain Stannard, Leader of the Army Band. I am indeed pleased that the Band has been such a great success." The U.S. Army Band was created in 1922 by General Pershing to emulate European military bands he had heard during WWI. The band became known as "Pershing's Own". The Pan American Union was founded in 1889-1890 to promote international cooperation. In the 1920s, the band frequently played at Pan American Union events. In 1929, due to its close association with the Pan American Union, the Army Band was chosen as part of the U.S. exhibit at the Ibero-American Exposition in Seville, Spain over the more established Marine and Navy Bands. On July 5, 1933, a Pan American Union Concert in joint tribute to the 122nd anniversary of the independence of Venezuela and the 157th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence was given in Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Army Band (Capt. William J. Stannard, mentioned in this letter, conducting) and Leopoldo Gutierrez, Chilean baritone, performing. Stannard conducted the Band from 1923-1935. Lightly creased. Light diagonal crease touches the "g". Paper clip stain at upper margin, pinhead-size hole touches letterhead.