John J. Pershing (1860-1948). Commander in Chief, American Expeditionary Forces in WWI. Nicknamed ‘Black Jack, ’ he went on to become Chief of Staff, U.S. Army (1921-24). Signed letter, 1p, 8vo., in French, to Lily Pons, a French American soprano and actress. The letter reads: 'To Mlle. Lily Pons. Very charming, very chic. I am delighted, John J. Pershing.' With a portrait photograph of Pershing in Uniform by Underwood Studio. From the estate of Stephen W. Bumball (1919-2005), a WWII First Lieutenant and US Army intelligence officer in the 103rd Infantry Division (Cactus Division), 307th CIC Detachment, and interrogator in the 970th CIC Det. He was a noted collector of military autographs and relics. This auction includes a selection of autographs and relics from his personal collection.