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William L. Price, of Leesport, PA, wrote numerous long, lively narratives about his travels to his "cousin Alice", an unknown figure. A lifelong bachelor from a wealthy Quaker family, he traveled alone as a boarder. His letters offer an outstanding observational portrait of a quiet, learned man forging his way through life with little plan. ~~The first 10 letters date to 1898 and introduce William as a former Yale professor who followed his intuition to Mobile, Alabama to enlist in the army. A Quaker by birth, William is nevertheless determined to fight in the Spanish American War, despite being too old and frail. He obtains a clerk position under quartermaster Lt. Wiley at Camp Thomas in Chickamauga, GA. He writes Cousin Alice from camp before traveling to Arroyo, Puerto Rico in August. Of interest are his vivid descriptions of camp life, impressions of the island, and the people around him. ~~After a long pause, the letters resume in 1915 and continue through 1927 and continue to be substantial, descriptive, and optimistic in tone. Teaching when employed, he maintains his financially insecure but simple lifestyle, moving frequently. Prominent themes include a passionate regard for nature, literature, and an intolerance of cold weather. This collection presents the interesting and affectionate correspondence of a man gifted with language, discussing his gentle life to a beloved lifelong friend. The paper varies; the penmanship is legible and visibly ages with him; all letters in very good condition with some fold lines and occasional minor tears/losses.~~.
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