Long, Cordie C. (1898-1919) Papers, 1917-1939

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  Long, Cordie C., 1898-1919 

Title:  Papers, 1917-1939 

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department. 

Size of Collection: 0.33 cubic feet 

Location Number:  Mss. A L848 

Scope and Content Note 

Collection is made up of seven folders in one box. Correspondence recounts Long’s service in the U.S. Marine Corps, basic training at Parris Island, S.C., duty in the Dominican Republic as part of the American occupation forces, and his death from influenza. Parris Island letters describe camp life, saltwater showers, mosquitoes, living in tents, the food, guard duty, and physical training. Letters from the Dominican Republic discuss Long’s daily routine, rifle team practice, recreational activities, the tropical nature of the country, its people, the language barrier, and an outbreak of influenza. They also describe the political and social upheaval leading to the occupation, and the Marines’ role in keeping the peace. Miscellaneous items include a brief memoir, broadsides, songs, obituaries, clippings, a list of funeral readings, and Long’s poetry. 

Biographical Note 

Cordie C. Long (1898-1919) was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He graduated from Louisville Male High School in 1915 and served as class poet. After graduation, he went to work with his father, Lattimer H. Long, in the family business, Long’s Towel Supply and Laundry. 

Patriotism caused him to enlist as a Private in the United States Marine Corps on 20 June 1918 at Paris Island, S. C., where he completed his basic training and qualified as an expert rifleman. He was eager to join U.S. forces in France during World War I, but was instead sent to the Dominican Republic as part of the American occupation forces. As a member of the Headquarters Company of the 4th Division Regiment, Long served as a clerk and was a member of the company rifle team. In October 1918, Long was promoted to Corporal. His obituary said he died of pneumonia, but personal letters state that Long died on 5 January 1919 of influenza while awaiting orders to leave the Dominican Republic. 

Folder List 

folder 1: Correspondence, 1917-July 1918 

folder 2: Correspondence, August 1918-October 1918 

folder 3: Correspondence, November 1918-1929, no date 

folder 4: Poetry, no date 

folder 5: Broadsides and Programs, 1918 

folder 6: Envelopes, 1918, no date 

folder 7: Miscellaneous, 1918-1939, no date brief memoir, obituaries, list of funeral readings, World War I era songs, Cuba pictures, newspaper clippings.