_Dear Mamma_,—Enclosed is a photograph of Victor Chapman and myself, taken two days before his death. It is a print of what is probably the last photograph taken of him. I have sent one to Mr. Chapman. We are too busy and short of pilots at our Escadrille to think of taking a _permission_ at present. _Tout va bien. Bonnes nouvelles de_ Freddy. Your affectionate son, NORMAN. * * * * * _July 2, 1916._ _Dear Mamma_,—A few lines to tell you that _tout va bien_. This letter will be taken over and mailed in New York by an American Ambulance driver who dined with us last night. To-day I am _de garde_ all the morning—that is to say, from dawn to noon. I must be by my avion ready to start as soon as any Boches are signaled. None have been so far this morning—worse luck! Your affectionate son, NORMAN. _Esc. 124, Secteur 24._ * * * * * _Esc. N. 124, Secteur 24, July 6, 1916._ _Dear Governor_,—Enclosed is a letter which speaks of Freddy. The Escadrille is running well. St.-Saveur lunched at our _popole_ last week and wished to be remembered to you and Mamma; de R⸺, who was on our team at Bagatille, was here for lunch to-day with R⸺; both wish to be remembered; de P⸺ came last week looking very fit and will write to you shortly. The aviaphone for my helmet arrived in good shape and I have lent it to my captain, as I am riding at present a single-seated aeroplane. Your affectionate son, NORMAN. [Illustration: _Memorandum of the bringing-down of his first German machine_] * * * * * _Deauville, Sept. 2, 1916._ _Dear Mamma_,—I am down here with friends, passing part of my _permission_. It is very pleasant and refreshing, the change. One soon gets enough of Paris in summer and in wartime. Here no one pays the slightest attention to the war. There are few _militaires_—mostly _civiles_ from Paris and their _amies_. Good bathing,—golf in the afternoon—many good-lookers, making the _plage_ rather good fun. Freddy is nearly through at Pau. He is now at the acrobacy school learning to do stunts in the air. It is a part of the training of a _chasse_ pilot. I gave him some pointers before he left and told him to do the least possible with the old machines which are quite out of date and clumsy.