WILLIAM S. BENSON
(1855 - 1932) American admiral and the first Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), holding the post throughout World War I. Benson oversaw a huge expansion of the Navy, the extension of its operations to European waters and the transportation of the A.E.F. to France. After the November 1918 Armistice, he was an active participant in the lengthy peace negotiations held in France. Large archive of about 38 A.L.S.s "Papa" and "Father", a total of about 120pp., most 8vo., written from a variety of places with many penned aboard a warship at sea between 1898 and 1929, all sent to his son Howard Hartwell James Benson (1888-1975), a future Navy commodore himself who would command submarines, the USS TENNESSEE, and serve as Commandant Seventh Naval District, 1942-45. Benson discusses the refitting of the USS VERMONT, a cruise to the Azores, his pleasure in learning his son had been sworn-in as a midshipman while warning him to abide by his religion, effusive praise for the young man's efforts, a lengthy description of the UISS TENNESSEE and "cannibals" of the Admiralty Islands, construction of the USS UTAH, the increased manning of the Navy, events and activities concerning the U.S. Shipping Board, writing his memoirs, stock transactions, politics, etc. Mostly personal content but nevertheless a heart-warming archive spanning thirty years and two Navy careers.