John Speed writes to his daughter, Polly, at Nazareth School in Nelson County, about her education and education for women in general: “it is impossible to conceive of a fine woman not possessed of a good disposition, refined feelings, and a good heart. These are also to be cultivated with great care.” Expresses his pride at Polly’s wish to learn the catechism, but desires she spend this time devoted to her other studies, such as arithmetic, geography, and reading.
Jack Speed (left) with Jenkins and Sergeant Colombo in a communication trench, during training at an artillery school in France. Jack was his battalion’s telephone officer and led a team of men who laid and repaired cable lines.
A French soldier guarding a captured German gun emplacement for a large piece of artillery, possibly the 419mm caliber howitzer mortar gun known as the "Big Bertha."