Scope and Content Note
The papers of General William (“Billy”) Mitchell (1879-1936) span the years 1888-1946, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1907-1946. Consisting of letters, diaries, clippings, photographs, writings, and other material, the collection treats the early days of aviation as well as Mitchell's ideas and military career. The papers are organized into six series: Diaries and Journals ; General Correspondence ; Family Correspondence ; Speech, Article, and Book File ; Subject File ; and Miscellany .
Of particular interest among the unpublished writings are typescripts of books on Alaska as the key to the air defense of the United States, the Pacific as the probable scene of a second world war, and a history of aviation in World War I. These works, with illustrations, are accompanied by the diaries, reports, and eyewitness notes on which they were based. Other documents include typewritten transcripts of General Mitchell's testimony before various committees of Congress, many portions of which do not appear in the printed record; material relating to the court-martial of 1925-1926 that resulted in his resignation from military service; correspondence with members of Congress, especially John J. McSwain, chairman of the House Military Affairs Committee; letters endorsing Mitchell for appointment as assistant secretary of war for air; and a series of communications in 1932 and 1933 with Franklin D. Roosevelt whose candidacy for the presidency Mitchell supported.