Description
First edition of From the Mississippi to the Sea by Rear Admiral Robert E. Coontz, with signed inscription to Major Sophie Pearce Casey.
Octavo, 483pp. Navy blue cloth, title in gilt on spine and front cover. Stated “First Printing” on copyright page. Solid text block, faint wear to corners and spine, a touch of toning to endpapers, a near fine example. In publisher’s dust jacket, $4.00 retail price on front flap, toning to spine, wear to joints and flap folds, chipping to spine and corners, small hole in spine, tape repair to verso, a scarce example. Inscribed by the author on front free endpaper, “To Miss Sophie Pearce Casey, With greetings and all good wishes of the author. 1930. R.E. Coontz.”
Robert E. Coontz (1864-1935) held a 47-year naval career, with notable assignments including Commandant of Midshipmen at the Naval Academy from 1910-1911, Governor of Guam from 1912-1913, and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) from 1919-1923. In his time as CNO, Coontz established a United States Fleet, later becoming Commander in Chief of this fleet in 1923. In 1925, the United States Fleet, similar to the Great White Fleet Coontz earlier sailed with (which circumnavigated the world from 1907-1909), embarked on a trans-Pacific visit to Australia, highlighting the strength of the Navy and improving international relations. Major Sophie Pearce Casey was the Supervisor of Instruction at the First National Service School during World War I. The First National Service School was organized under the Women’s Section of the Navy League.
