19 February 2001
    Donna Blair writes:

    I am the niece of Jim Matt Mathieson who was attached to the Headquarters Company in Manila.   He wrote that he worked in the Adjutant General's office in the Publications Division.   He previously was affiliated with the 59th Coast Artillery, Battery C.

    I am seeking any information about him -- his time in the service and the circumstances of his death.   He left no wife or children and I would like to write an account of his life for my children.   I do not want it to seem as if he never existed.

    Thank you for any information you can supply.
    Donna Blair
    Donnabmeri@aol.com


    8 March 2001
    I have a question About General MacArthur

    When men were lost in the Philippines during the war, was it common for the family of the deceased to receive a letter of condolence from Gen. MacArthur?   My grandmother received such a letter and I was wondering if it was a so-called "form" letter of its time or was it unique?   I cannot tell if the signature is a stamp or original.   My uncle worked for the Headquarters Department but I'm not sure if that meant in the same area as MacArthur.

    These are some excerpts from his letters that would help you determine if he indeed worked in the same area:

      Aug. 12, 1941
      "I just received word today that I am to be transferred to Manila to General MacArthur's division as a clerk."

      Aug. 31, 1941, Port Area, Manila
      "I am now working for the General MacArthur whose picture is there.   He is in charge of all the Army and Navy in the Far East.   I work in the N S Army Forces in the Far East."

      October 20, 1941, Headquarters Co.
      "I am stationed in the office of the The Adjutant General."



    There was a family story -- that my uncle knew secrets about a naval movement and was tortured but never told this information to the Japanese as our ships would have been met by the Japanese if he had talked.   I do not know the validity of this story, however.

    Thank you for any information you can provide.

    Donna Blair
    Donnabmeri@aol.com