127 - MERMOZ, Jean

MERMOZ, Jean 2 letters “Mermoz” and “Ton Jean,” Casablanca, July 12 and 24, 1927, to his “Dearest Mom”; 1 and 2 pages, in-4. Legion of Honor, and search for an airplane for his flight. July 12. “You know I’ve had the cross for two days now—in other words, I’m on cloud nine!! At the same time, I’ve been named a Knight in the Order of the Alaouite Wisham of the Sultan of Morocco. What’s more, I’ve been appointed acting airfield commander in Agadir until my leave, and I’ll be reporting to my new post tomorrow”... July 24. He’s eager to see his mother again… “Don’t worry yourself sick ahead of time, my dear Mom. I haven’t left for New York yet!!! It’s so hard to get an aircraft. Colonel Denain is doing what he can for me. He’s always in charge of getting me authorization, but convincing the manufacturers to risk their equipment is quite a challenge. I’m waiting for a reply from Bréguet. Next year, as Denain told me, it’ll be easier to get one. But this year, ever since Nungesser and Coli, confidence has vanished—even though now is the time, if ever, to move forward. It’s unfortunate, all the same, to see such a narrow-minded attitude here after three successful transatlantic flights!! What sad obstacles to our drive—bureaucracy and self-interest!!! I’m preparing for my air navigator’s license, which I’ll probably take in October. It’s tough! So don’t worry, my dear Mom! And besides, I feel that if I tried this, I’d succeed—and boy, do I get butterflies… just thinking about it!”…He adds in a postscript: “I forgot to tell you that I’m the owner of a magnificent green tapeworm that I’m going to send to the other world in two or three days. It’s been bothering me for a few months without my realizing it. I plan to gain five kilograms after this ‘expulsion order.’” Enclosed is a handwritten note signed “Jean,” Casa, July 2 (1 page, in-4 format, in grease pencil), briefly informing “Dear Mom ” “that I’m fine, that nothing is broken, but that I’m heading back to Juby as soon as I arrive.” Correspondence, nos. 119, 121, and 118. Provenance: - Jean Mermoz (1901–1936); - Gabrielle Gillet-Mermoz (1880–1955); - Then passed down within the family