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Hilliard had a bad smashup on April 17th and the plane was so badly wrecked it had to be returned to the factory for rebuilding. After having waited around for several weeks to get some training Hammond and Atwood became very discouraged and decided to leave. Atwood did go home, but Hammond remained, determined he would stay until he had learned to fly. About this time Captain Thomas S. Baldwin returned from a trip to the Orient, learned of Hammond's situation and enrolled him at once on his team of aviators. Accordingly, Hammond started training at Mineola about June 1, 1911, on a Baldwin biplane with a Hall-Scott 60 h.p. engine. By the end of the month he was flying well and continuing his practice. 

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On July 4th he flew an exhibition for Baldwin at Norwich, Connecticut, and on July 10th flew from Mineola to Nassau Boulevard and return, then July 16th and 17th he flew in a small benefit meet at Mineola. He was flying daily at Mineola that month and on July 22nd flew his license tests and F.A.I. License No. 34 was granted him on July 24th, flying an 80 h.p. Hall-Scott powered Baldwin "Red Devil" biplane. 

Another Baldwin student, William Badger of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was also in training at Mineola with Hammond at the same time, and Baldwin entered both men in the famed Chicago Meet at Grant Park, held August 12th to 20th. The troupe, with machines and mechanics, left New York for Chicago on August 6th. This was a large event with many of the world's most notable airmen competing. 

With very little flying experience Hammond and Badger were soon caught up in the excitement of the event and Baldwin had difficulty holding them in check. On August 13th Hammond fell into Lake Michigan about three miles offshore while competing in one of the over-water events. He was quickly picked up by a fast motorboat, but his plane sank. Baldwin posted a reward for the recovery of the machine and it was retrieved on August 26th. Following this Hammond was given another plane with which he had a minor smashup later in the event. Badger was

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