2008 JUNE Auction of The Plaud Collection of Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt Items

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Photograph.
-Black and white. 7.75" x 10". Ortho, N.Y. studio mark at lower right corner.
-With stiff stock from a file folder affixed at several points to the verso. Signature slightly faded, else near fine.

A dramatic sepia portrait of FDR taken near the end of his tenure as Governor of New York or at the beginning of his first presidential term. He has signed in full at the lower margin of the photograph.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Clipped Signature.
-4.5" x 1.25" mounted to card.
-Very fine condition.

A large and beautiful autograph perfect for framing with a portrait of FDR.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Clipped Signature.
-3.5" x 1".
-Very fine condition.

Full signature taken from a check.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Inscribed Photograph.
-12" x 11.75". Harrison & Ewing, Washington, D.C. studio mark in blind at the lower left corner.
-Fine.

A handsome sepia toned Harrison & Ewing photographic portrait of Franklin D. Roosevelt in a distinguished pose, handsomely signed and inscribed on the white margin below the image: "To Al Cohn, from Franklin D. Roosevelt". Alfred A. Cohn (1880-1951), was a public servant and screenwriter, most notably known for his screenplay for The Jazz Singer (1927).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Inscribed Photographic Portrait.
-[Undated]. 9.25" x 13.25". Harris & Ewing studio mark.
-Fine.

A beautiful portrait of FDR, certainly taken as president, and inscribed to Helen Allen, wife George E. Allen, a Roosevelt intimate. FDR writes: "For Helen Allen from Franklin D. Roosevelt". A bold inscription on a handsome portrait.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Bound Limited Edition- 1933 Inaugural Address Signed as President.
-March 4, 1933. Washington, D.C. Eight pages in blue cloth boards. 7" x 10". Published by the United States Government Printing Office.
-Excellent condition.

A handsome and rare signed copy of FDR's landmark first Inaugural Address delivered at the Capitol, Washington, D.C., on March 4, 1933- a speech considered by many to be one of the greatest in American history. The country, on the day of the inauguration, was at the lowest point of the worst depression in our history. The banks had closed in thirty-two of the forty-eight states (plus the District of Columbia), unemployment was above 25%, farms were failing, and there were two million people homeless. The New York Federal Reserve Bank would not be able to open on the very next day, as panicky customers had withdrawn huge sums in the previous days. Amongst all this doom and gloom, Roosevelt set forth a positive message addressing the country's biggest needs: relief, recovery, and reform. His confidence, optimism, and the massive amount of "New Deal" legislation he sent to Congress in his first 100 days did much to reassure the American people that better times were on the way. He ended the speech, " ...We do not distrust the future of essential democracy. The people of the United States have not failed. In their need they have registered a mandate that they want direct, vigorous action. They have asked for discipline and direction under leadership. They have made me the present instrument of their wishes. In the spirit of the gift I take it. In this dedication of a Nation we humbly ask the blessing of God. May He protect each and every one of us. May He guide me in the days to come." Just below this humble and stirring close, Roosevelt has boldly penned his signature. A rare opportunity to own a signed, limited edition of this oft-quoted and historic speech.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Photograph Taking the Oath of Office.
-1933. 14" x 11". Photograph credited to The Photocraft Company.
-Small areas of chipping along the top edge, with a few rubbed spots mainly at the lower left corner not affecting the image, signature slightly faded, else very good.

A historic and large black and white photograph of FDR taking the oath of office as the Nation's Thirty Second President of the United States. Roosevelt has signed boldly by his image, his signature stretching an astonishing 4 ½" across the top of the original inaugural photograph. FDR is shown being administered the oath of office from Chief Justice of the United States Charles Evans Hughes while his right hand is raised, on the east front portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. FDR's eldest son James Roosevelt and former President Herbert Hoover both stand to FDR's left, with the throng of other notables behind the central figures at this historic Presidential inauguration. There is also a separate large 3 x 14" caption, with red border, that accompanies this signed inaugural photograph, which reads: "New President Taking Oath of Office/ Franklin D. Roosevelt with hand raised being sworn in by Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes on the Rostrum in front of the Capitol. At the right is his son, James Roosevelt, and former President Hoover." In small letters at the bottom right of the caption it reads: "Produced by Photocraft News Co., New Haven, Conn."

Franklin D. Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover: Cut Signatures Matted with 1933 Inauguration Photograph.
-[March 4, 1933] FDR: 4" x 1". HH: 3.25" x 1.5". Photograph: 8" x 10" black and white. Matted and framed to 14" x 18"
-Fine.

Two excellent presidential signatures matted with a photo depicting the historical "changing of the guard" at the White House as Hoover, after being defeated in the landslide 1932 election, rides with Roosevelt in his convertible on Inauguration Day, March 4, 1933. A few photos of this event were snapped. This one shows Hoover in slightly better spirits than the others.

Franklin D. Roosevelt & First Cabinet: Photograph Signed.
-Black and white. 8" x 10".
-Mounting remnants on the verso, signatures moderately faded, some cracking to the image surface mainly at the corners, else good.

A historic photograph of FDR's first cabinet gathered around his desk. In addition to Roosevelt's full signature the photograph is also signed by cabinet members Cordell Hull, Frances Perkins, Harold Ickes, James A. Farley, Claude Swanson, George Dern, Homer Cummings, Daniel Roper, and Henry Wallace. The only member that didn't sign is Treasury Secretary William H. Woodin.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-April 1, 1933. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Andrew Robeson, Newport, Rhode Island.
-Even brown toning with one fold, very good.

FDR writes "Ever so many thanks for that nice letter you have sent me. I am touched and delighted to have it. Do be sure to come in to see me when you are in Washington." A very early FDR presidential item written during his first month in office.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Looking Forward (New York: The John Day Company, 1933), third printing, 279 pages, blue cloth with gilt titles, 12mo (5" x 7.75"), inscribed and signed on the front endpaper in full "To Oliver Perry Medsger / Franklin D Roosevelt / April 6th 1933". Included with this volume are an original TLS from FDR's secretary, M. H. McIntyre, and an original Western Union telegram that refer to the owner of the book who was requesting the President's autograph.

In the preface of this book, FDR writes: "This is essentially a compilation from many articles written and speeches made prior to March 1, 1933. I have added parts which bind the material together as a whole...Faith in America, faith in our tradition of personal responsibility, faith in our institutions, faith in ourselves, demands that we recognize the new terms of the old social contract. In this comment I outline my basic conception of these terms with the confidence that you will follow the action of your new national administration, understanding that its aims and objects are yours and that our responsibility is mutual." This rare copy signed by FDR as President is in fair condition with wear on binding; fading, discoloration, and stains on spine; some foxing and toning in the paper. The inscription and signature are fine and bold.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed White House Admittance Pass.
-June 3, 1933. 4.5" x 3.5". With the original transmittal envelope.
-About fine.

An original entry pass issued to Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Grimes of Edgemoor, Maryland and good for entry at the east gate of the White House. The printed card reads: "The White House/ Admit at East Gate/ Not Transferable/ June 3, 1933/ Display on Windshield of Car" under which FDR signs his name in black ink "Franklin D. Roosevelt". Sold with the original transmittal envelope featuring "The White House" in gilt in the return space of the envelope. The Grimes family was an old Democratic political family from Maryland.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-July 26, 1933. Washington, D.C. Two pages. 8" x 10.5". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. John Devane, Fayetteville, NC.
-Mailing folds, overall toning and two pin holes in upper left corner, else very good.

FDR writes, "I have just sent you the following telegram:/ 'I have appointed you member advisory committee of three for your state under public works organization. I hope you can accept.'/ The other two members are Dr. Herman G. Baity of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Mr. Frank Page of Raleigh, North Carolina. Your State is associated with West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Kentucky in the Tenth District. Mr. George L. Radcliffe of Baltimore, Maryland, will serve as the Regional Advisor./ All State and local projects for public works are to be submitted initially to the State Advisory Committee, which will be charged with the duty of carefully scrutinizing all proposals, rejecting those that in its judgment should be weeded out, and forwarding to the Federal Administrator of Public Works at Washington those that it is willing to recommend...". A significant letter, outlining the mechanics of one of the first major New Deal elements of economic stabilization with attention being paid to labor in America. Accompanying this long and detailed letter to Mr. Devane are three letters to Devane from Interior Secretary Harold L. Ickes. The first, dated February 17, 1934, states that the State Advisory Boards are to be terminated at the end of the month, and two dated in March, 1934 thank Devane for his letter to the President, the carbon of which is also present, advising him on steps which might be taken so that states get more of their promised allocations. Mr. Devane was engaged in the lumber business, and described as a leader in business and civic life in the community of Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Memorandum Signed "FDR".
-July 28, 1933. Washington, D.C. 5.25" x 8". White House stationery.
-To: Internal memo for the Postmaster General James A. Farley.
-Folds, light toning, penciled shorthand note along top margin, else fine.

FDR writes "Memorandum for the Postmaster General- Senator Dietrich is very anxious to have us put Colonel Culbertson on the Mississippi River Commission in place of Senator Glenn's brother who is a hold-over. Colonel Culbertson is now on the National Guard Advisory Commission and comes from Delevan, Illinois."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-August 14, 1933. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Rev. R. Maxwell Bradner, Staatsburg, New York.
-Even toning, one fold, very good.

FDR writes "I wish much that I could come to St. Margaret's on Sunday, the twenty-seventh, but I had already told Mr. Wilson that I would go to the service at Hyde Park that day and also attend the vestry meeting. I shall hope to be with you some other time." The Reverend Robert Maxwell Bradner was born on January 22, 1874 in County Wicklow, Ireland, and died in New York on November 14, 1948. FDR writes this letter to Reverend Bradner to highlight his local participation as a vestryman at St. James's Episcopal Church in his home of Hyde Park, New York, and to avoid any hurt feelings by not attending services in nearby Staatsburg.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Partially Printed Document Signed as President.
-August 19, 1933. Poughkeepsie, New York. Three pages with docketing. 8.5" x 14". This is a mortgage release for a portion of FDR's Hyde Park property.
-Folds and toning, very fine condition.

The document reads, in part, "This Indenture, Made the 10th day of August, Nineteen Hundred and thirty-three./ Between Franklin D. Roosevelt, of Hyde Park, Dutchess County, N.Y., party of the first part, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, of Hyde Park, Dutchess Co., N.Y., party of the second part,/ Whereas, Sarah C. Tompkins by Indenture of Mortgage, bearing date the 10th day of January, Nineteen Hundred and twenty-four, recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Dutchess , in Liber 330 of Mortgages, page 310, on the 10th day of January, Nineteen Hundred and twenty-four, for the consideration therein mentioned, and to secure the payment of the money therein specified, did convey certain lands and tenements, of which the lands hereinafter described are part, unto Franklin D. Roosevelt."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-October 26, 1933. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Bernard J. Rothwell, Chicago, Illinois.
-Light aging with fold, else very fine.

FDR writes, "I have received your telegram of October twenty-fifth advising me of the resolutions adopted by the National Council of Catholic Men assembled in Chicago, pledging their continued support to the National Recovery Administration. It is indeed gratifying to have this pledge of support on the part of your organization and I deeply appreciate the action taken by the Convention. Thank you heartily for wiring me."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Photograph as President.
-[no date] Harris & Ewing, Washington, D.C. 8" x 10". Black and white. Matted and framed to 26.75" x 22.75".
-To: Admiral Percival S. Rossiter, former Surgeon General.
-Very fine.

This superb Harris and Ewing Presidential portrait of FDR is inscribed and signed (in full): "For Percival S. Rossiter-my Surgeon General / with my very warm regards / Franklin D. Roosevelt". Rossiter's support of FDR's dream of building a federal medical facility helped create the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The photo is elegantly double-matted and framed with the Presidential Seal, a brief biography of FDR, and a description of the recipient.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-December 4, 1933. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Major General John A. Lejeune, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
-Fold, toning, attached to larger sheet, very good.

FDR writes "Thanks for your very cordial and tempting invitation. I wish it were possible for me to visit V. M. I., and if the opportunity presents itself will be only too glad to do so. Just at present, as you know, there is very little time beyond the exacting duties of the office. Mrs. Roosevelt joins me in regards to you and Mrs. Lejeune." Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune (1867 - 1942), often referred to as "the greatest of all Leathernecks," during his more than 40 years service with the United States Marine Corps, led the famed Second Division (Army) in World War I, and was Major General Commandant of the Marine Corps from June 1920 to March 1929.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Looking Forward (New York: The John Day Company, 1933), fifth printing, 279 pages, blue cloth with gilt titles, 12mo (5" x 7.75"), inscribed and signed on the front endpaper in full "To George Bond with a Merry Christmas from Franklin D Roosevelt / 1933". In the preface of this book, FDR writes: "This is essentially a compilation from many articles written and speeches made prior to March 1, 1933. I have added parts which bind the material together as a whole...Faith in America, faith in our tradition of personal responsibility, faith in our institutions, faith in ourselves, demands that we recognize the new terms of the old social contract. In this comment I outline my basic conception of these terms with the confidence that you will follow the action of your new national administration, understanding that its aims and objects are yours and that our responsibility is mutual." This rare copy signed by FDR as President is in fair condition with considerable wear on binding; fading, discoloration, tears, and loose cloth on spine; some foxing and toning in the paper. The inscription and signature are fine and bold.

Franklin D., Eleanor, and Anna Roosevelt: Cut Signatures Matted with Photograph.
-ER and AR: January 16, 1934; 4" x 2.25". FDR: 3.5" x 1". Photograph: 8" x 10" black and white. Matted and framed to 14" x 18".
-Fine.

This framed item includes a 3.5" x 1" cut FDR signature and a 4" x 2.25" cut featuring the signatures of Eleanor Roosevelt and their oldest child, Anna Roosevelt Dall, who also wrote "The White House 1/16/34" beneath her name. The signatures are matted with a 10" x 8" black-and-white photograph of the three of them in the back seat of a convertible surrounded by smiling and waving admirers.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-February 13, 1934, Washington D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Bobby Steigerwalt, New York City.
-Discoloration from mat, tape residue on verso. Very good overall.

FDR writes, "I want to tell you that I am really deeply touched, not only by your thought of me on my birthday, but also for your wanting to help in the work which we are doing for crippled children. I am sending your letter to the Treasurer of the Warm Springs Foundation and you will receive a formal acknowledgment of your gift in due time."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: West End Citizens' Association Three Items Signed as President.
-March 1, 1934. Washington, D.C. Check: 6.5" x 2.75". Application: 4.75" x 3". Membership card: 3.75" x 2.5". Matted and framed to 33.75" x 14".
-Minor toning, ink slightly faded on application, else fine.

This interesting display includes three items pertaining to the West End Citizens' Association, to which FDR applied on March 1, 1934. The check, in the amount of one dollar, is drawn on the Guaranty Trust Company of New York, and was filled out entirely by FDR. The application, which features FDR's signature, also includes "The White House" handwritten by the President. The three items are matted with two 7.5" x 9.5" black-and-white photographs, one of FDR signing a document at his desk, and the other showing the driveway leading up to the White House. Still in existence today, the West End Citizens' Association is part of the larger Federation of Citizens Associations of the District of Columbia. By joining the association, FDR was making it known that he was also citizen Roosevelt, committed to the community in which he lived.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Dinner Program Signed as President.
-March 24, 1934. Washington, D.C. 5.5" x 8.5". Heavy, reflective gold coating on outside.
-Horizontal fold, moderate staining. Good condition.

"Membership Dinner of the National Press Club in Honor of its Fellow Member Franklin Delano Roosevelt President of the United States". Inscribed "for Betty" above signature on third page. The National Press Club has been a part of Washington, D.C. life for more than 90 years. Its members have included 17 consecutive Presidents of the United States - from Theodore Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Dated Autograph as President.
-April 21, 1934. One page, 7.5" x 10.5".
-Folds and a small stain, neither affecting signature. Fine condition.

Inscription reads "Franklin D Roosevelt / April 21st 1934".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-May 2, 1934. Washington, DC. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Frederic Kernochan of New York City.
-Original fold, minor creases and wear, pencil annotations, else fine.

In this brief letter to Fred Kernochan, Chief Justice of the New York Court of Special Sessions, FDR writes (in part): "Thanks for your nice letter. I am writing Dr. Maltz suggesting that he have a talk with Dr. Hoke at Warm Springs. That was a grand trip and I am reaping the benefits from it now." The "grand trip" mentioned by FDR was a ten-day Presidential fishing excursion about the Astor family's yacht Nourmahal, which sailed from Miami on March 28, 1934, and then cruised off the Bahama Islands. Some pencil annotations (in another hand) are included in the bottom margin and on the verso.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed as President.
-May 30, 1934. Black and white. 10" x 8". With International News Photos, Inc. stamped credit information and printed caption encapsulated and affixed to the verso.
-With a few cracks in the surface of the photograph, else very good.

This International News photo depicting FDR visiting the Civil War battlefield at Gettysburg, accompanied by Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot and his wife, Cornelia Bryce Pinchot, is signed by all three. On May 30, 1934, an enthusiastic crowd of 50,000 had gathered to see the President deliver his Memorial Day address. Earlier in his career, Pinchot had served as Chief of the Division of Forestry of the Department of Agriculture, and he gave added weight to FDR's speech, which focused primarily on public works at the federal level.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-June 11, 1934. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Norman C. Miller, Atlanta, Georgia.
-Fold, soiling, light toning, else very good.

FDR writes "I am informed of the dinner given by his Atlanta friends to Bishop Warren Candler upon his retirement after a half century's service as Minister and Bishop of the Methodist Church in the South. I want to join his friends in this deserved tribute and to express my hearty congratulations to him and to the nation for his invaluable service and his contribution to our moral and spiritual uplift."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Mt. Ranier 1934 Imperf. Sheet Signed as President.
-August 1934. Scott #750. 4" x 4".
-Natural toning, else mint.

Special souvenir sheet of six 3¢ commemorative stamps marginally identified as being made "In compliment to the American Philatelic Society for its Convention and Exhibition Atlantic City, New Jersey, August 1934..." with bold signature of FDR in lower selvage. An excellent signed item as Roosevelt was an avid philatelist.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-September 9, 1934. Hyde Park, New York. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. William Diehm, Pasco, Washington.
-Fold, light marginal stains.

FDR writes, "I have just learned that you have been suffering from infantile paralysis. I do hope you will keep up your courage and that you may soon be much improved. I am sorry that I did not have an opportunity to see you at Wallula." Diehm would, however, get to see Roosevelt eventually. A 1937 copy of the KBU Circle, published by the Kinman Business University of Spokane, has a picture of Diehm on its front page and states that the had recently met with the president while the latter was touring the Grand Coulee Dam.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Memorandum Signed "FDR" as President.
-December 24, 1934. Washington, D.C. 5.25" x 8". White House stationery.
-To: The Attorney General, The Postmaster General and The Secretary of the Interior.
-Folds, minor crinkling and light soiling, else fine.

FDR writes "Will you please get together on the problem of the Judgeship in Puerto Rico? A careful study of the situation leads me to agree with Dr. Gruening that the suggestion of implementing Mr. Horton with two able assistants is not a good one...". Under FDR Gruening became Director of the Division of Territories and Island Possessions of the Department of the Interior (1934-1939).

FDR: Signed (as President) Copy of Thomas Day, The History of Sanford and Merton (London: Darton and Clark, c. 1830s), 284 pages, brown cloth with gilt titles, 16mo (3.75" x 6"), signed and dated as president in full "Franklin D Roosevelt / The White House / 1934" inside the front cover. The popular morality tale The History of Sanford and Merton was given widely to children until the late 19th century. This rare copy from FDR's White House library is in good condition with wear and some chipping on the binding, some cracking at the front hinge, and foxing and toning in the paper.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed as President.
-[no date] One page. 4.75" x 6.75".
-To: Secretary of State Cordell Hull.
-Original folds, some creases, paper clip mark at top, small piece missing from top right corner, else near fine.

FDR writes (in full): "Dear Cordell / As you know I am very keen about the Roerich Peace Pact and I hope we can get it going via 'the Americas'-Will you and Henry Wallace talk this over and have something for me when I get back?/ FDR". Influential during FDR's administration, Russian born artist, poet, and writer Nicholas Roerich was the pivotal force behind placing the Great Seal of the United States on the dollar bill. The Roerich Peace Pact, which obligated nations to respect museums, cathedrals, universities, and libraries, was established in 1935 and became part of the United Nations organizational charter. This handwritten note to Cordell Hull gives an early indication of FDR's support for the Peace Pact, and his strategy to adopt its principles via hemispheric coordination and cooperation in the Americas, which was consistent with his Good Neighbor Policy. Secretary of Agriculture Henry Wallace signed the Roerich Peace Pact on April 15, 1935.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 8, 1935. Washington, DC. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Charles J. McDermott of New York City.
-Original fold, toning along top and right edge from previous attachment to another sheet of paper (the remnants of which can be seen on the verso), else near fine.

In this letter to New York judge Charles McDermott, FDR writes (in part): "It gave me a great deal of pleasure to hear from you again and to know that we still travel parallel roads of thought. I haven't made any plans for the summer-it is likely to be a very busy one-but I cannot help thinking from time to time how nice it would be to be able to accept an invitation like yours."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Dinner Program as President.
-March 2, 1935. Washington, D.C. 6.5" x 8".
-"Annual Founders' Day Dinner of the National Press Club", four pages and cover, the title page signed in pencil by FDR as "Guest of Honor."
-Moderate soiling to cover.

Accompanied by a TLS from Lieutenant Commander L. S. Perry, United States Navy, Aide to the Commandant, dated March 27, 1936 to Mr. George W. Stimpson, President of the National Press Club, agreeing to provide the services of the United States Navy Band as entertainment.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-April 13, 1935. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. William Sulzer, New York City.
-Fold, minor creases, else very good.

FDR writes "I am grateful to you for that little note of yours about poor Warren Robbins. He was a splendid fellow and it is most untimely that his career should have been thus cut short." Warren Delano Robbins (1885-1935) was FDR's first cousin. He served as an American Minister to El Salvador, 1928, and Chief of Protocol to Herbert Hoover, but he also served as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Canada under FDR, 1933 until his death in 1935. The letter's recipient, William Sulzer, was a former governor of New York.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-May 16, 1935, Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. William S. Paley, President, Columbia Broadcasting System, New York City.
-Overall light browning, fingerprint stains on verso, paperclip outline on upper left corner, folds, else very good.

FDR writes "Thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending me the pamphlet outlining the new policy Columbia has adopted in an effort to establish higher program standards than any yet known to broadcasting and, at the same time, afford greater enjoyment to the listening audience of the country. I note with interest your plans to improve children's programs, to eliminate offensive advertising and to set time limits for commercial announcements. This, in my opinion, is a most commendable undertaking and I am happy to extend best wishes for its success."

William S. Paley (1901-1990) was one of the most powerful broadcasting executives. Paley organized the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) and ran if for a half century. In 1928, Paley bought control of the struggling CBS network and grew it into one of the three most powerful radio networks in the country. He then successfully moved into television. In 1934, CBS began broadcasting "Voice Of The Crusaders", an anti-New Deal program backed by corporations and advertising firms. The rhetoric became increasingly harsh, until CBS eventually dropped the program. In 1935, Henry Ford backed the "Ford Sunday Evening Hour" that featured classical music. During the intermission, a Ford executive attacked the New Deal and praised Henry Ford. Eventually, Paley canceled that program too, but not until after an outraged Ford yelled "send that Jew to me!" In this important letter from FDR to Paley, the President was personally thanking the President of CBS for eliminating these two programs from the airwaves during a critical period for the New Deal.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-May 25, 1935. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead. Original envelope of transmittal included.
-To: Mr. Frank O. Salisbury, Hampstead, England.
-Folds, one creased corner and light soiling, else very good condition.

FDR writes "I have received your letter of May 10, 1935, and am happy to tell you that I have requested the Secretary of the State to notify the British Ambassador that I shall be pleased to accept on behalf of the American nation your generous gift of a portrait of His Majesty King George V. The portrait will be hung in our National Gallery. Your donation, coming as it does at such an appropriate time, will bring a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction to the many visitors to the Gallery. On their behalf and on my own I offer you heartfelt thanks." Francis Owen Salisbury (1874-1962) was a noted British portrait painter.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-July 13, 1935. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Jeannette M. Thurber, New York City.
-Fold, some soiling and fading, else very good.

FDR writes: "I have carefully read your letter of July ninth and the previous letters. I fear that existing law does not make it possible to allot any funds for the purpose you suggest, and a special act of Congress would in this case be necessary." Mrs. Thurber was seeking government financial assistance for the National Conservatory of Music, founded by herself in 1885.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-August 9, 1935. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Basil O'Connor, Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, New York City.
-Docketed by recipient with stamp, faint fold, very fine.

FDR writes, "It is good to get yours of August seventh and to know that things are going well with the Foundation. I heard about all kinds of changes in a vague way from one of the former patients in Washington, but I am glad to know that everything has been worked out satisfactorily and the thin ice has been skated over. I am, of course, somewhat concerned about the financial future, because we are spending a tremendous lot of money for charity patients and also a good deal for overhead and though we can keep on going a year or two longer, I think there should be more definite planning ahead. In other words, I am applying to the Warm Springs Foundation the same planning that I am using on the budget of the National Government which, in spite of the opposition papers and some croakers within our own ranks, is working out towards a satisfactory solution within a rather definite period of time. In regard to next week, I am still a bit vague. If Congress does not appear to be adjourning before the twenty-fourth, I shall run up to Hype Park for F.D.'s twenty-first birthday. If Congress seems inclined to adjourn earlier, I shall stay here and in that event will telephone you earlier in the week." FDR continued to be involved with the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation while President of the United States. The recipient of this letter, Basil O'Connor, was FDR's law partner and co-founder of the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation.

Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt: Memorabilia Display Including Typed Letters Signed as President and First Lady.
-FDR letter: August 21, 1935. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead. ER letter: July 26, 1936. Eastport, Maine. One page. 6.5" x 9". White House letterhead.
-FDR letter to John Canning of Providence, Rhode Island. ER letter to Mr. Lehman.
-Letters have original folds and minor toning, else fine. Overall display is fine.

This large, beautifully double-matted and framed display piece contains a variety of memorabilia connected to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. The two signed letters from FDR's first term are accompanied by an FDR circular plaque (9" in diameter); an admission ticket (6" x 3") to the 1936 Democratic National Convention at Franklin Field in Philadelphia; a cut "FDR" signature (3.75" x 2"), a selection of six FDR stamps of various denominations (5.5" x 3"), a bronze FDR medallion (3" in diameter), a bar of one ounce .999 fine silver featuring FDR's profile (1" x 2.5"), an FDR red, white and blue campaign ribbon (3.5" x 10"); a reproduction portrait of ER (6.5" x 9.5"); two ER stamps (3" x 1"); and two campaign buttons (one pro-FDR, one anti-ER). This piece is capped off with a plaque listing FDR's numerous accomplishments and challenges.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Mechanically Signed as President.
-September 24, 1935. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". White House letterhead.
-To: Reverend Bertram M. Werkheiser, Coplay, Pennsylvania.
-Folds and toning, very good.

FDR writes "...I am turning to representative Clergymen for counsel and advice,-feeling confident that no group can give more accurate or unbiased views./ I am particularly anxious that the new Social Security Legislation just enacted, for which we have worked so long, providing for old age pensions, aid for crippled children and unemployment insurance, shall be carried out in keeping with the high purposes with which this law was enacted."

Franklin Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-December 1, 1935, warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Honorable Edward A. Conger, Poughkeepsie, New York.
-Fold, a couple of tiny creases, toning, very good.

FDR writes "Many thanks for all the trouble you have taken in regard to Mrs. William Irish. You were fine to go into the matter personally. I do hope to see you one of these days soon." Edward A. Conger had represented FDR personally as an attorney when Roosevelt was Governor of New York.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Program Booklet Signed as President.
-December 9, 1935. University of Notre Dame. 6" x 9".
-A few stains, very good condition.

"Program of Special Convocation". FDR's bold signature appears in the top margin of the cover. The program outlined here honored the new Commonwealth of the Philippines.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-December 27, 1935. Washington, D.C. One page. 7"x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. David Sarnoff, New York City.
-Multiple folds, light staining, else very good.

FDR writes "The very kind message of Christmas greetings from you and Mrs. Sarnoff pleased us immensely. Very many thanks for it." David Sarnoff (1891-1971) was instrumental in creating the National Broadcasting Company in 1926, and as president of RCA was actively engaged in developing television. During World War II, Sarnoff served in Europe with General Dwight D. Eisenhower, constructing radio communication facilities for the Allied armed forces.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Dinner Program Signed as President.
-January 8, 1936. Washington, D.C. 6" x 9.25"
-Excellent condition.

"Jackson Day Dinner". FDR's signature is directly below an embossed profile of Andrew Jackson on the cover. The signature of Roosevelt's secretary, Marvin H. McIntyre, is below that of the president. "Mac" served FDR until his own death in 1943.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 15, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Miss Mary Wilkins Hoyt, Simsbury, Connecticut.
-One mailing fold, else excellent condition.

FDR writes, "It is delightful to receive such a letter as yours of January twelfth, especially when it comes from a cousin of my old Chief, President Wilson. Many thanks to you for sending it to me. You are quite right - we do advance; and I am confident we will continue to advance. Best wishes for a very happy year."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 20, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. C. W. Drepperd, Washington, D.C.
-Mailing fold, else fine. Envelope toned.

FDR writes, "Ever so many thanks for your kind thought in sending me the print. It is most interesting and I am delighted to have it. I hope very much that I shall have the pleasure of showing you some of my early Naval prints some day." Carl W. Drepperd, also known as Morgan Towne, lived in the Washington, D.C. area, writing several noted publications about clocks and antiques. FDR, even as President of the United States during turbulent times, pauses to discuss a personal collection.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-February 24, 1936. Hyde Park, New York. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Florida Senator Duncan U. Fletcher, Washington, D.C.
-Folds, very good.

FDR writes, "I have carefully checked all the figures and it is really impossible to go ahead with the Canal project very much further under the Work Relief Act of 1935. Therefore, Congressional action is really necessary. Do not forget that the amount was included in the Budget." Duncan Upshaw Fletcher (1859-1936), served in the U. S. Senate from 1909 until his death. The Florida Democrat was largely behind the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-February 29, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mobile Lodge No. 67, Knights of Pythias, Mobile, Alabama.
-Overall browning, fold, else good.

FDR writes "Dear Brethren: I want to assure you of my sincere appreciation of your kind message of February nineteenth. As one of the newer members of the Knights of Pythias I am grateful to you for the cordiality of your greeting as well as the spirit of brotherhood which prompted you to send it." FDR was a member of several fraternal organizations, including the Free Masons.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Pardon Document Signed as President.
-April 18, 1936. Washington, D.C. Presidential Pardon for Herbert Samuel Hockin. Two pages. 9" x 13.5". Countersigned by Attorney General Homer S. Cummings. Included is a pardon warrant, April 22, 1936, one page, 8" x 10.25", signed by Acting Pardon Attorney Robert H. Turner.
-Folds, light soiling, staple perforations in upper left corner.

Herbert Samuel Hockin was involved in what was called, at the time, the "Crime of the Century," the bombing of the Los Angeles Times Building on October 1, 1910 which killed twenty-one newspaper employees. This present document reads, in part, "... Whereas Herbert Samuel Hockin was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Indiana of the transportation of dynamite and nitroglycerin and of conspiracy so to do, and on December thirtieth, 1912, was sentenced to imprisonment for six years in the United States Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas; and/ Whereas the said Herbert Samuel Hockin began his sentence January third, 1913, served his terms, less the allowances for good conduct, and was finally discharged by expiration of sentence June third, 1917; and/ Whereas it has been made to appear to me that the said Herbert Samuel Hockin, for more than thirteen years, has been conducting himself in a law-abiding manner:" The Presidential Pardon continues on the verso: "Now, therefore, be it known, that I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, divers other good and sufficient reasons me thereunto moving, do hereby grant unto the said Herbert Samuel Hockin a full and unconditional pardon for the purpose of restoring his civil rights./ In testimony whereof I have hereunto signed my name and caused the seal of the Department of Justice to be affixed./ Done in the District of Columbia this Eighteenth day of April in the year of our Lord on Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty-six..."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed U.S. Navy Shellback Certificate.
-May 20, 1936. 21" x 15". Matted and framed to 27" x 21".
-To: Private Jean E. Rooe, USMC.
-Minor creases, light toning, else fine. Some chipping to gold leaf on frame.

This U.S. Navy shellback certificate was issued to Private Jean E. Rooe, USMC, on May 20, 1936, for Fleet Maneuvers.aboard the U.S.S. Indianapolis, and the events surrounding a special Presidential cruise. Boldly signed by FDR at lower left. It has been a long naval tradition to initiate "pollywogs" into the Kingdom of Neptune, the legendary god of the seas, upon their first crossing of the Equator. Captains of ships have always taken time, either in war or peace, to uphold this long practiced tradition. The heavy cruiser U.S.S. Indianapolis, CA 35, was commissioned in November 1932. After seeing her first WWII combat in the South Pacific in February1942, she became the flag ship for the 5th Fleet, receiving ten battle stars for action in numerous engagements.

Presidential Pen Used by Franklin D. Roosevelt to Sign H. R. 12896 into Law. The wooden shaft dip pen, measuring 8" long, is marked "Made by Bradley of Brattleboro. No. 32." The pen is in pristine condition.

Accompanying the Presidential bill-signing pen is a letter from Marvin H. McIntyre, Assistant Secretary to President Roosevelt to the recipient of the pen, to Congressman John W. McCormack.
-June 27, 1936. Washington, D.C.. One page. 6.25" x 9.25". White House letterhead.
-Double original folds flattened, light darkening at edges, else fine.

McIntyre writes: "My dear Mr. McCormack:/ I have pleasure in sending you herewith the pen used by the President on June twenty-second in signing H. R. 12896, An Act to provide for the transfer of the surplus decommissioned lightship numbered 82 to United States Ship Constitution Post, Numbered 3339, Veterans of Foreign Wars./ Very sincerely yours,/ M. H. McIntyre [signed]/ Assistant Secretary to the President." McCormack served in congress from 1928 until his retirement in 1971. He served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from the Eighty-seventh Congress to the Ninety-first Congress.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-June 27, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Congressman James R. Claiborne of Missouri.
-Folds, else very good.

FDR writes, "Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of June nineteenth suggesting that the money in the recently enacted Relief bill for highways, roads, and streets be allotted to the Bureau of Public Roads for expenditure in cooperation with the State highway departments./ A measure has already been enacted, H. R. 11687, to give very full recognition to road building along the lines established by the Congress. The road item in the emergency appropriation is additional, and was designed primarily to afford employment." James Robert Claiborne (1882 - 1944) practiced law in St. Louis before serving in Congress.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President Framed with Cards.
-September 11, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Joe Tipman of Baltimore.
-Some toning, minor stains at left edge, else very good.

This typed letter to boxer Joe Tipman signed by FDR is framed with a 7" x 5" Christmas card sent out by Mr. and Mrs. Roosevelt during his time as Governor of New York, a 4.5" x 3.5" White House Garden Party invitation from Eleanor with original envelope, and two 4" x 2" cards: one printed "President Roosevelt" and the other printed "Mrs. Roosevelt". A matted 15" x 7" black and white pencil lithograph of the north side (front) of the White House caps off this impressive display piece. The original envelope for the letter to Tipman and a newspaper clipping about his connection to FDR are mounted on the verso.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Inscribed as President.
-12" x 9.5", Harris & Ewing, Washington, D.C. studio mark at the lower left corner.
-Old mounting remnants along the top edge of the verso, else fine with a bright, strong inscription in FDR's own hand.

An exceptional sepia-toned photograph of FDR captured in serious contemplation as he ponders important documents at his desk. In the margin at the lower edge FDR has inscribed the photo: "For Judge William N. Burwell from Franklin D. Roosevelt". A somber portrait of FDR probably taken during his first term as president. Burwell was a noted politician and judge from Virginia.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed as President.
-Sepia. 11" x 8.5". [no date].Hessler-Henderson, Washington, D.C. studio mark at the lower right corner of the photograph.
-Three holes punched in top edge for mounting in a binder, else fine.

A classic portrait of FDR seated at his desk before a microphone while delivering a speech. He has signed his signature boldly in the lower right margin. A fine, clear example of Roosevelt's signature. Accompanying the photograph is a typed biography of Roosevelt and on which we find that the photo was presented to Mrs. James William Somerville, one of the White House secretaries at the time.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed as President, also includes the Signatures of Advisors Louis McHenry Howe, Stephen Early, and M. H. McIntyre.
-[no date] 11" x 14". Sepia. Hessler-Henderson, Washington, DC.
-FDR signature faded to brown, else fine.

This collage of FDR and three important advisors features (clockwise from top) four portrait images: President Roosevelt; Colonel Marvin H. McIntyre, Secretary to the President; Stephen T. Early, the first White House Press Secretary; and Colonel Louis McHenry Howe of FDR's "Brains Trust." Each signed the photo below his respective image, with FDR signing the center of the bottom blank margin. This is a rare Roosevelt Administration item signed by all four. Though the photo is not dated, it is from FDR's first term (1933-1937).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Limited Edition White House Watercolor Lithograph Signed as President.
-10.5" x 14".
-With mounting remnants on the verso, else fine.

A beautiful color lithograph of the White House taken from an original edition of the Democratic Book 1936. FDR has applied a beautiful signature just below the central image. A caption at the bottom of the page reads: "This is one of a limited edition autographed by Franklin Delano Roosevelt/ This is number 1561".

Franklin Roosevelt Signed Edition of The Democratic Book 1936, (Philadelphia: C. Brill, 1936). Limited/Numbered. First Edition/Leather-bound. Measures 11" by 14" and weighs over 7 pounds. Folio, 384 pages. Bound in brown leather with gilt lettering intact on front. Signed by Franklin Roosevelt beneath a color image of the White House on the limitation leaf. This is number 539 of an unstated 2500 copies.

A fine copy with only minimal wear and slight fading to the interior rim of the interior cloth-lined boards. Entirely intact, bright and tight. The cover embossed with the name, Ralph F. Smith.

Franklin Roosevelt: Signed Edition of The Democratic Book 1936, His Mother's Copy. (Philadelphia: C. Brill, 1936). Limited/Numbered. First Edition/Leather-bound. Measures 11" by 14" and weighs over 7 pounds. Folio, 384 pages. Bound in brown leather with gilt lettering intact on front. Signed by Franklin Roosevelt beneath a color image of the White House on the limitation leaf. This is number 34 of an unstated 2500 copies.

A fine copy with only moderate wear and slight fading to the interior rim of the interior cloth-lined boards. Entirely intact. A red ink stamp on the flyleaf that reads, "Bob Drabble - Mr. ICS/ International Correspondence Schools/ E. Market Street, Hyde Park, N.Y. The cover embossed with the name, Mrs. James Roosevelt.

The Democratic Book 1936 is a substantial historic reference and resource, numbering over 375 pages, with copies of the proceedings and speeches of the 1936 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, including FDR's acceptance speech and the speeches of John Nance Garner for Vice President, as well as the speeches of James A. Farley (chairman of the Democratic National Committee), the temporary (Senator Alben W. Barkley of Kentucky) and permanent (Senator Joseph T. Robinson of Arkansas) chairmen of the convention, the 1936 Democratic National Platform, results of the election of 1936, biographies of FDR and Garner, histories of the Democratic Party and members of the Democratic Party in the Congress, histories of the United States Congress and Supreme Court (the latter of which FDR would take on the following year) and the history of The White House, reports from all cabinet secretaries and executive agencies, from the Department of State to the Social Security Board, multiple pictures of members of Congress, cabinet secretaries and other noteworthy Democrats with facsimile signatures, the work of Democratic women in politics, information about delegates to the convention, and copies of the United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence, with a plethora of period advertising by American industry. After FDR's signature page is the Foreword by FDR, with a black and white picture of The White House, which reads: "Democracy is not a static thing. It is an everlasting march. When our children grow up, they will still have problems to overcome. It is for us, however, manfully to set ourselves to the task of preparation for them so that to some degree the difficulties they must overcome may weigh upon them less heavily. I am confident that the people of the nation, having put their shoulders to the wheel, will build a better future for the children of the days to come. / Franklin D. Roosevelt."

The historic background for the production of this book concerns the fact that after FDR's successful re-election to the Presidency in 1936 the Democratic Party was in debt $400,000. In addition to Jackson Day Dinners at $100 a plate in Washington, and at lower prices throughout the country, which were addressed by the President by radio, and which yielded $315,000, the Democratic Book 1936 was prepared and autographed by the President, inscribed to major Democratic donors for $250 each to pay off the DNC debt. An article on the Democratic Book 1936 appeared in the August 9, 1937 issue of Life. On page 20, under the caption "Life on the American Newsfront: Roosevelt Article Makes Political Trouble" is a black and white photograph of a copy of the Democratic Book 1936 and the following story: "The volume at left is a souvenir campaign book published by the Democratic National Committee. It contains the 1936 convention program, articles and advertisements. In plain binding, it was sold at Philadelphia for $2.50.

The leather-bound President's edition, wrote the New York Times' Arthur Krock on July 26, 'be overpriced at $25.' Yet hundreds of copies of it have been sold to corporations and individuals at $250, ostensibly because each book contains the autograph of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Chiefly through the efforts of New York's Bert Snell, Republican leader of the House, that sale has now become a good-sized Washington scandal. / This scheme for cleaning up the Democratic campaign deficit was concocted by the late William Forbes-Morgan, Democratic treasurer and Mrs. Roosevelt's uncle by marriage, whose family was later given by Eleanor Roosevelt a rare and historic fifty four piece sterling silver flatware set belonging to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, which is also part of this collection. Last November he persuaded the President to sign 2,500 blank sheets, which were promptly bound into copies of the convention book. The Federal Corrupt Practices Act forbids corporations to make campaign contributions in Federal elections. On June 7, Representative Snell produced in the House a photostat of a purported sales letter from the Democratic Committee declaring 'The sale of the book enables us to legally accept corporation checks, and this is the way all the companies who are assisting us are handling these expenditures.' After House inaction on his resolution for a Congressional investigation, Mr. Snell on July 27 hopelessly asked Attorney General Homer S. Cummings to investigate."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: His Cabinet, the Congress, the Senate, and the Supreme Court, Signatures on Three Documents.
An absolutely unique collection of significant historical value consisting of three documents, described as follows:
-First Document, printing at the top reads, "1st/ Re-Elect/ Franklin D. Roosevelt for President Club/ United States Senate members who passed the New Deal Laws - 1933/ A Club promoted throughout the United States/ to re-elect President Roosevelt in 1936/ 'He brought us out of the depression/ the Benefactor of Mankind.'" Beneath, in two neat columns are the signatures of seventy-four U.S. Senators, many of whom have added the state they serve. Included are the following: Vice President John Nance Garner (as President of the Senate), Senators Joseph T. Robinson from Arkansas, Majority Leader, (future President) Harry S. Truman from Missouri, Bennett Champ Clark from Missouri, Huey P. Long from Louisiana (whose signature appears along with his successor in the Senate after his assassination, Allen J. Ellender), David I. Walsh from Massachusetts, (future Supreme Court Justice) Hugo Black from Alabama, Marcus A. Coolidge from Massachusetts, Carter Glass from Virginia, Harry F. Byrd from Virginia, Burton K. Wheeler from Montana, James F. Byrnes from South Carolina, Robert F. Wagner from New York, Royal S. Copeland from New York, Claude Pepper from Florida, Richard B. Russell from Georgia, (future Vice President) Alben W. Barkley from Kentucky, William Gibbs McAdoo from California, Thomas Connally from Texas, Theodore F. Green from Rhode Island, Millard E. Tydings from Maryland, George W. Norris from Nebraska, Patrick A. McCarran from Nevada, Key Pittman from Nevada, and Pat Harrison from Mississippi. Also signing are the secretary of the senate and the sergeant-at-arms. Inexplicably, a very faded (or possibly erased) signature of Lyndon B. Johnson can be seen at the right margin. Since this was before his days in the senate, he must have signed this at a later date. Another odd, but interesting, feature is the signature of Claude Pepper who has erased and signed over the original signature of Florida Senator Park Trammell. Pepper had lost a "rigged" vote to Trammell in 1934 and, when he finally made it to the senate in 1936, he took some measure of revenge by expunging Trammell's signature from the document, replacing it with his own.

Following directly below the Senators' signatures is the label "The Cabinet" and in three columns are contained the original signatures of all ten cabinet members in the Roosevelt Administration during the mid 1930s: Cordell Hull, Secretary of State; Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor (and the first female Cabinet member in American history); Harold L. Ickes, Secretary of the Interior; James A. Farley, Postmaster General; Claude A. Swanson, Secretary of the Navy; Harry H. Woodring, Secretary of War; Homer S. Cummings, Attorney General; Daniel C. Roper, Secretary of Commerce; Henry A. Wallace, Secretary of Agriculture; and Henry Morgenthau, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. Below the cabinet signatures, centered at the bottom of this large sheet full of signatures, is the bold signature of Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America.

-Second Document, printing at the top reads, "1st/ Re-Elect/ Franklin D. Roosevelt for President Club/ House of Representative members who passed the New Deal Laws - 1933/ A Club promoted throughout the United States/ to re-elect President Roosevelt in 1936/ 'He brought us out of the depression/ the Benefactor of Mankind.'" Beneath, in four columns are the signatures of two hundred-fifteen U.S. Congressmen, many of whom have added the state they serve. Included are the following: Henry T. Rainey, Speaker of the House; John McCormack from Massachusetts; William B. Bankhead from Alabama; Joseph W. Byrns from Tennessee (signed as Majority Leader); Samuel T. Rayburn from Texas; Arthur H. Greenwood from Indiana (signed as Majority Whip); John D. Dingell from Michigan; Will Rogers from Oklahoma (not the humorist), (future Treasury Secretary and Chief Supreme Court Justice) Frederick M. Vinson from Kentucky, and Martin Dies Jr. from Texas, the founder of the House Un-American Activities Committee (Dies Committee).

The above two documents are beautifully and archivally double matted side-by-side and framed in gold leaf to a massive 48" x 39" overall.

-Third Document, printing at the top reads, "The Supreme Court of the/ United States/ During President Roosevelt's Administration/ This Court outlawed many New Deal laws and produced the famous controversy between the President and the Tribunal." Directly below this description, which in all probability was added after the Supreme Court Justices' signatures were obtained, is the centered signature of Charles Evans Hughes, Chief Justice of the United States. Below Justice Hughes' signature are the signatures of the other eight Associate Justices of the Supreme Court contained in two columns: Willis van Devanter, Louis D. Brandeis, Pierce Butler, Owen J. Roberts, James C. McReynolds, George Sutherland, Harlan Fiske Stone, and Benjamin N. Cardozo. Below the Justices' signatures is the signature of the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court.

This document, along with a B&W photo of this court is matted and framed to match the other to an overall size of 19" x 28". Included with this lot are additional display and background material.

A truly one of a kind, totally unique, all-encompassing, and greatly historic set of original documents obtained during the height of the New Deal. There is nothing like it in any museum or collection. Already framed to Smithsonian standards, these documents are ready for the wall of that or any other fine museum, institution, or private collection.

Presidential Election of 1936, Instructional Automatic Voting Machine. The piece, made by the Automatic Voting Machine Corporation of, Jamestown, New York measures 14.5" x 12". The voting machine has the original metal easel stand on the back and weighs approximately ten pounds.

This 1936 voting machine, number 6157, is a smaller version of the actual voting machine that was used in the voting booth. Listed are the candidates, Franklin D. Roosevelt and John N. Garner for President and Vice President on the Democratic ticket, and Alfred M. Landon and Frank M. Knox for President and Vice President on the Republican ticket, with voting choices for five ballot questions, as well as voting choices for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, United States Senator and Representative in Congress for both Democrats and Republicans from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This fabulous instructional voting machine works in the same fashion as the larger machine. The voting machine is in fine working order with just some age to the paper inserts.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Alf Landon Congratulatory Concession Telegram.
-November 4, 1936. Topeka, Kansas. One page. 8.25" x 6.5".
-Dated in pencil. Small splits along folds, light soiling, uneven right edge, else good condition.

The "Postal Telegraph" reads ""RXH9 36=H TOPEKA KANS 4 1234A/ THE PRESIDENT=/ HYDE PARK NY=/ THE NATION HAS SPOKEN STOP EVERY AMERICAN WILL ACCEPT THE VERDICT AND WORK FOR THE COMMON CAUSE OF THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY STOP THAT IS THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY STOP YOU HAVE MY SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS=/ ALF M LANDON." This gracious telegram was FDR's first "official" notice of concession from his Republican opponent in the 1936. Even though most of the nation's newspapers and many key Democrats including Al Smith endorsed him, Kansas Governor Alf Landon's moderate conservatism could not sway an electorate finding hope in the New Deal.

Big business accused FDR of destroying the nation's individualism and threatening its freedom, but FDR put together a coalition of intellectuals, blue-collar workers, southern farmers, and urban minority voters, including a huge number of blacks who shifted to the Democratic Party. The end result: FDR won in another landslide, and Landon won only the states of Maine and Vermont. "As Maine goes, so goes the nation" was a traditional axiom of American political culture from 1888 to 1936, when FDR's presidential victory against Landon prompted Democratic National Committee Chairman James A. Farley to quip, "As Maine goes, so goes Vermont." Included is a letter of provenance from a family member of the telegram's original owner.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Inscribed and Signed as President.
-November 16, 1936. Washington, D.C. 6.75" x 8.75".
-To: Dorothy Mac of Antioch, California.
-Unevenly trimmed borders, else fine.

This Harris and Ewing profile portrait showing FDR at his desk is boldly inscribed and signed to Dorothy Mac by the President. Accompanying the photo is a typed letter, 6.25" x 8.75", dated November 16, 1936, on White House letterhead to Miss Mac signed by FDR's Press Secretary Steven T. Early.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Pair of U.S.S. Indianapolis Postal Covers Signed as President.
-Pair of envelopes, 4" x 5" and 3.5" x 6.5", each imprinted "White House" above logo for the 1936 U.S.S. Indianapolis Presidential Cruise. Bold Roosevelt signatures in upper left corners. The larger envelope carries a 6-cent stamp from Trinidad and Tobago while the other hosts a fantastic Indianapolis cancellation from Buenos Aires.
-To: Captain William R. Van Auku, U.S.N., Washington, D.C.
-Light soiling, else fine condition.

On November 18, 1936 the Indianapolis took FDR on a Good Neighbor Tour cruise to South America, including the Pan American Conference in Buenos Aires (the Inter-American Conference for the Maintenance of Peace). This was the first time in history that a serving President of the United States had visited outside North America. The Indianapolis, however, is best remembered for the harrowing ordeal suffered by those of her crewmen who survived being torpedoed in the Pacific on July 30, 1945.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 21, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Honorable Carl A. Hatch, Clovis, New Mexico.
-Horizontal fold, some crinkling, else fine.

FDR writes "Your reelection has, of course, given me great happiness and especially the fact that for the coming four years we shall be together in Washington. I count on seeing you very soon. My best wishes to you." From 1933-1949, Carl Atwood Hatch (1889-1963) served as a United States Senator from New Mexico. A forceful advocate for a federal minimum wage law, anti-racketeering controls, expansion of the national parks, and reciprocal lowering of trade barriers. Hatch also insisted upon cleansing the election process. As chairman of the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections for the Seventy-seventh Congress (1941-1943), Hatch authored and managed the successful adoption of the so-called "Hatch Act."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-December 16, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. George K. Briggs, Boston, Massachusetts.
-Folds, light aging. Very good.

FDR writes: "It is good to get your note and I do hope that you and Hazel can come down to Washington sometime this winter. I will show you some of the pictures of the Neptune party. The Navy certainly gives the Royal Works in the correct way." According to the Archivist at the FDR Library in Hyde Park, New York, there are two files on Mr. Briggs: PPF 402 (about 100 pages) and OF 3828 (about 25 pages). Briggs was described in one memorandum as the President's "sailing partner," which makes FDR's references to the Navy in this letter quite understandable. Briggs was from Salem, Massachusetts, and he was an insurance salesman in Boston.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-December 23, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Honorable Frank C. Walker, New York City.
-Central mailing fold, else fine.

FDR writes, "Stanley High has told me of his talk with you about the Good Neighbor League. I agree with you and Jim that the present obligations of the League should be taken over by the Committee. I am also in accord with Stanley's plan to keep a modest organization intact, the plans for which I have asked him to discuss further with you." Stanley High was the President of the Good Neighbor League in 1936, which was an allied organization in the Democratic National Committee tasked with assisting in FDR's re-election to the Presidency in 1936. A fine example showing FDR's active involvement in coordinating the infrastructure of the DNC. In this letter to Frank C. Walker, FDR's later Postmaster General and upcoming Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, the President indicates his desire for the DNC to avail itself more functional control over election issues. This letter is also a definite foreshadowing of FDR's unprecedented and successful run for a third term in 1940, since he is actively planning for the next election cycle, barely a month after his successful re-election in 1936 to the Presidency of the United States.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-December 31, 1936. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. B. F. McLain, Chicago, Illinois.
-Marginal soiling.

FDR writes, "I send hearty felicitations and warmest personal greetings to the members of the National Retail Furniture Association. Your convention this year is held under auspicious conditions. The furniture business has shared in the prosperity which has returned to the country. I am informed there is every indication that the return of prosperity in the furniture business which has been continuous for several years will be enhanced in the New Year. This enhancement will be the natural result of a wider distribution of earnings and wages which will permit the establishment of new homes and the re-establishment and rehabilitation of old homes which had been abandoned or allowed to decline during the years of the depression. I trust that the New Year, therefore, will bring happiness and prosperity to all." McLain was President of the National Retail Furniture Association.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 23, 1937. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Ernest D. Story, Viking Products Corporation. New York City.
-Soiling with fold, very good.

FDR writes, "I am glad to have your letter and to know that all goes well with you. Let Mr. McIntyre know about a week before you come to Washington and I shall be glad to see you./ Those old envelopes and papers are interesting and you must be sure in going over the old letters at Schultzville not to throw away anything that may be of historic importance to Dutchess County. The Dutchess County Historical Society, which we organized a few years ago, is making a collection of all old letters, etc., relating to the County."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-February 8, 1937. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" X 10.5". White House letterhead.
-To: Walter C. Clephane of Washington, D.C.
-Original folds, some creases and ripples, signature is slightly faded, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "You are hereby designated and appointed, under authority conferred by the Railway Labor Act, as a member of an emergency board created by proclamation of the President dated February 8, 1937, to investigate and report to me respecting the dispute existing between the Chicago Great Western Railway (Patrick H. Joyce and Luther M. Walter, Trustees) and certain of its employees, and you are hereby especially authorized to act in conformity with law and my proclamation. The Board will organize and investigate promptly the facts as to such dispute, and on the basis of facts developed, make every effort to adjust the dispute and make a report thereon to me within thirty days from February 8, 1937." Walter Collins Clephane was a Connecticut attorney who had practiced in Washington, D.C., since 1889. He was a professor of law emeritus at George Washington University, and served on several railway arbitration and presidential emergency boards. In the spirit of bipartisan cooperation, he was a Republican.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-February 8, 1937. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Dwight L. Hoopingarner, New York City.
-Fold, else fine.

FDR writes "I am awfully sorry you were bumped by the train. I had no idea that you had started an argument with one!/ Your suggestion is a mighty interesting one and I am sending it on to Bob Wagner who is working hard on the proposed legislation. I do hope you will run in and see me some day when you are all right again." Dwight L. "Hoopy" Hoopingarner served as the executive of the American Construction Council, and later, when FDR was president, served him on the executive council of the National Emergency Council.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-March 5, 1937. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. Henry Suydam, Washington, D.C.
-Very light toning at mailing fold, else fine. Envelope soiled and faded.

FDR writes, "While I can appreciate your desire to return to newspaper work I regret that the Government, through your decision, must lose the services of such an able executive. I hope you will be very happy in your new editorial post for which your experience and personality, your learning and your broad culture give you such a splendid equipment. With all good wishes." Henry Suydam became a Bureau Chief at Life Magazine in the 1950s. He was the personal friend of many American Presidents, including FDR, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy.

Vellum Lampshade Signed by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, Members of the Cabinet, Supreme Court, and Virtually Every Senior Roosevelt Advisor.
-Before April 1, 1937. Washington, D.C. The shade measures 2" in diameter across the bottom, 14" across the top, and is 10.75 inches high.
-Several of the vellum panels have come loose at the top and/or bottom. Panels six and seven have tears.

A truly unique multiple signature item from Roosevelt's first term. Each panel of the eight-sided lampshade is numbered in the lower right of the respective panel in script. Isabelle V. Wamsley, who assembled this lampshade signed by New Deal notables was secretary to Louis McHenry Howe, and upon Howe's death in 1936 she became one of FDR's secretaries. Accompanying the eight-panel lampshade is a photocopy of a letter on White House Washington stationery dated April 1, 1937, detailing the many signatures.
-Panel one of the lampshade bears the signatures of President Roosevelt, Vice President John Nance Garner, and all nine members from FDR's early Cabinet: Cordell Hull (Secretary of State); Henry Morgenthau, Jr. (Secretary of the Treasury); Harry Woodring (Secretary of War); James A. Farley (Postmaster General); Claude A. Swanson (Secretary of the Navy); Harold L. Ickes (Secretary of the Interior); Homer Cummings (Attorney General); Henry A. Wallace (Secretary of Agriculture); Daniel C. Roper (Secretary of Commerce); and Frances Perkins (Secretary of Labor).
-Panel two includes the signatures of Marvin H. McIntyre (Secretary to the President); James Roosevelt (FDR's oldest son and at the time Secretary to the President); Marguerite A. "Missy" LeHand (FDR's Private Secretary); Ross Q. McIntire, FDR's personal physician; and Alben W. Barkley, United States Majority Leader and later Vice President.
-Panel three includes Ralph V. Hitchcock, (FDR campaign worker); H. M. Kannee (Secretary to Marvin H. McIntyre); Rudolph Forster (Chief Clerk of the White House); M. C. Latta (Assistant to Mr. Forster); William D. Hassett (Secretary to the President); Pat McKenna (Receptionist at the front desk of the White House); Robert Fechner (Director of the CCC); Donald R. Richberg (NRA Administrator); Frank K. Sanderson (Disbursement Clerk of the White House); and Jesse H. Jones (Chairman of the RFC).
-Panel four bears the signatures of entire Supreme Court of the United States who nullified elements of the New Deal: Charles Evans Hughes (Chief Justice); Willis van Devanter; J. C. McReynolds; Louis D. Brandeis; George Sutherland; Pierce Butler; Harlan F. Stone; Owen Roberts; and Benjamin Cardozo.
-Panel five bears the signatures of fourteen female secretarial assistants (known as "the girls") including Isabelle V. Wamsley.
-Panel six has the signatures of Fred D. Pryor (who served with FDR when he was Assistant Secretary of the Navy); Hugh S. Jackson (Chairman of the N.R.A.); S. C. Jackson (Head Usher and Assistant to Pat McKenna); Father Sheehy; Colonel E. W. Starling (Advance Man of the Secret Service); Russell C. Wood (Secret Service); Bob Clark (Secret Service).
-Panel seven bears the signatures of Eleanor Roosevelt, J. F. T. "Jefty" O'Connor (Comptroller of the Currency), Edwin "Pa" Watson (Secretary to the President), Louis McHenry Howe, (FDR's most important friend and mentor before his death in 1936) and his wife Grace H. Howe, Charles T. Russell (Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue), Guy T. Helvering (Collector of Internal Revenue), United States Senator Joseph F. Guffey, and W. W. Howes (First Assistant Postmaster General).
-Panel eight bears the signatures of Harry L. Hopkins (next to Howe FDR's most trusted friend and advisor, Administrator of WPA and Federal Relief), as well as Joseph P. Kennedy (Chairman of the SEC and later Ambassador to the Court of St. James and father of future President John F. Kennedy), Charles Michelson (Director of Publicity for the Democratic National Committee), Edward L. Roddan (Publicity for the Democratic National Committee), Charles West (Under Secretary of the Interior), and Thomas G. Corcoran (Tommy the Cork, another key FDR advisor and then Council for RFC).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Two Typed Letters Signed as President.
-June 19, 1937: Washington, D.C. 6.25" x 7.5". September 4, 1937: Aboard the U.S.S. Potmomac. White House letterhead. Matted and framed to 17.75" x 11.75".
-To: Charles Schneikraut of Brooklyn, New York.
-Original folds, minor wear and foxing, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Thank you for sending me the check for $662.41 to my order and the check for $622.44 to the order of the Executors and Trustees under my Father's will. I have forwarded the letter to the office of the Trustees. I am enclosing my check for $262.96 in payment of your bill for services and have sent the other bill for the same amount to the Trustees. May I, at the same time, express to you my thanks for clearing up this old asset of my Father's estate."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-July 3, 1937. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins
-Fold, docketed with stamp, else very good.

FDR writes, "What do you think I should reply to this? He is a fine old fellow and I am not sure that we may not arrive at something like his suggestion one day by a process of evolution." Frances Perkins (1882-1965), whose original name was Fannie Coralie Perkins, was United States Secretary of Labor during the Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Besides being the first woman to be appointed to a cabinet post, she also served one of the longest terms of any Roosevelt appointee (1933-1945).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-July 13, 1937. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Reverend H. G. Schwegler, Louisville, Kentucky.
-Smoothed fold, light soiling, very good.

FDR writes "Every man and woman who leads a full life learns sooner or later the lesson that adversity is not always an unkind teacher. Indeed most of us have found spiritual strength and restored courage by traveling over rough roads. I am sure the lessons which come to us individually will be brought home to you and your congregation collectively when you rededicate the rehabilitated fabric of Memorial Lutheran Church on July twenty-fifth. I send to you and through you in the members of the congregation my hearty greetings. I know that out of all of the misfortune and sacrifices caused by the flood, your congregation still faces the future with new zeal and determination." One of the worst floods in American history left more than 60 percent of Louisville under water and without power during the cold weeks at the end of January and beginning of February 1937. Over 200,000 had to evacuate their homes; some 200 died.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
Henry A. Wallace: Signed Card.
-TLS: July 29, 1937. Washington, D.C. One page. 6" x 7". White House letterhead. Card: 4.5" x 2.5". Double matted and framed to 21.5" x 25.75".
-TLS to W. Lloyd Keepers of New York City.
-TLS: Original fold, slight creases, else fine. Card: Minor soiling, else fine.

This FDR signed letter and card signed "H A Wallace" by his Vice President are double matted with an original invitation for their inauguration dinner on January 19, 1941, and 8" x 10" portraits of each. Also included is the official program for the inauguration dinner, housed in an archival sheet protector affixed to the back of the frame.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Flag Lithograph Signed as President.
-September 17, 1937. 8.5" x 11" heavy cardstock.
-Excellent condition.

Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Constitution of the United States of America, a full color lithograph "The Flag of Destiny/ Constitution Day..." Boldly signed by FDR above the flag.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed as President.
-October 1937. Hyde Park, New York. One page. 8" x 10". O'Connor and Farber letterhead.
-To: Basil "Doc" O'Connor of New York City.
-Very fine.

On October 13, 1937, FDR's friend and colleague Basil "Doc" O'Connor writes (in full): "My dear Mr. President: Will you be good enough to sign the enclosed nine letters for Trustees for the new Foundation, so that Richard of my office can bring them back? I will telephone you in the morning and bring you up to date on this situation. Faithfully yours," signed "Doc". FDR replies (in full): "Am holding Warburg and will have it rewritten when you tell me which? FDR."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 8, 1937. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Herbert Bayard Swope, New York City.
-Smoothed creases, central fold, else fine.

FDR writes "It gives me great pleasure to be associated with those who are planning to honor Senator Wagner in recognition of the work he has done in behalf of public housing. A good beginning has now been made to rid our cities of those slum areas which for all too long have been a menace to health and happiness. We rejoice that slum clearance and low cost housing are now recognized under the law for which Senator Wagner labored so faithfully and that at last something tangible may be accomplished in a reform long overdue. We are grateful to Bob Wagner for all he has done in behalf of so worthy an undertaking and welcome an opportunity to make public acknowledgment of our appreciation of his vision as a statesman and his worth as a man." Herbert Bayard Swope (1882-1958) was a journalist who became famous as a war correspondent and editor of the New York World. The senator referred to here was New York's Robert F. Wagner (1877-1953).

Franklin Roosevelt, The President's Personal Gray Felt Fedora. With the exception of his cigarette holder and glasses there are few personal items more closely associated with Franklin D. Roosevelt than his fedora. This is an exceptional hat that belonged to FDR. Made by Dunlap Hats of New York City, the hat's leather interior sweatband is stamped "FDR" in gold lettering. It is also stamped with the hat style, "Kings Ransom", and the retailer, "Littler" of Seattle. FDR's only daughter, Anna, was married to John Boettinger, a reporter for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt often visited their daughter and son-in-law in Seattle. One of their longest trips was in the fall of 1937. Littler (1931-1996) was a Seattle department store that catered to the carriage trade.

The hat, size 7¼, is in near pristine condition. This hat, was given to the President's valet, Irineo Esperancilla, by Eleanor Roosevelt. According to Mr. Esperancilla's widow, the First Lady did not like this particular hat, so to keep FDR from wearing it, she gave it to Esperancilla in the early 1940s.

This lot is accompanied by a handwritten Letter of Provenance from Mrs. Esperancilla on White House letterhead.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-March 8, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. Harry W. Voege, New York City.
-Tear along top margin, fold and light aging, else very good.

FDR thanks Mr. Voege for "...those old broom labels which are indeed reminders of another and vanished day in New York..." Affixed to the letter is a 19th century label.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-March 11, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, a few small ink stains, else very good.

FDR writes "I have your letter of March fifth in support of the Small Claims Court Act (S. 1835)./ I was pleased to approve the measure. It will assist in securing justice for persons having small claims who are financially unable to retain counsel. It is also a move in the general direction of simplification of legal procedure." Frances Perkins (1882-1965), whose original name was Fannie Coralie Perkins, was United States Secretary of Labor during the Presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt . Besides being the first woman to be appointed to a cabinet post, she also served one of the longest terms of any Roosevelt appointee (1933-1945).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-April 16, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Herbert Bayard Swope, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City.
-Central mailing fold, else fine.

FDR writes, "It is most encouraging to have that fine telegram from you. Please accept sincere thanks." Herbert Bayard Swope (1882-1958) was a journalist who became famous as a war correspondent and editor of the New York World.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-April 22, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Thomas F. McAllister, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, old staple perforation in upper left corner, else fine.

FDR writes: "I will be glad if you will convey to the delegates of the Regional Conference for Democratic Women of Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, New Mexico and Missouri my sincere thanks for their thoughtfulness in forwarding to me, through you, the resolution adopted at their Regional Conference in Oklahoma City on April fourteenth. I deeply appreciate this splendid token of loyalty and support." Dorothy Smith McAllister became the Director of the Women's Division of the Democratic National Committee in 1937.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-June 28, 1938. Hyde Park, New York. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Dr. Samuel Guy Inman, New York City.
-Folds, soiling, else very good.
FDR thanks Dr. Inman for "...that book on Latin America which you were good enough to so generously inscribe and send me." Dr. Samuel Guy Inman (1877-1965) was a missionary, teacher, and social reformer who helped to formulate the national "Good Neighbor" policy toward Latin America. Also included in this lot is the following item:

Eleanor Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-December 30, 1953, New York City. One page. 6" x 7". On personal letterhead
-To Mrs. Inman
-Fold, very good.
The former First Lady sends thanks for a Christmas greeting.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed U.S. Navy Shellback Certificate.
-July 25, 1938. 21" x 15".
-To: William A. Bartos, CBM.
-Three vertical creases running the length of the paper, minor wear and tiny tears at edges, else fine.

This U.S. Navy shellback certificate was issued to William A. Bartos, CBM, on July 25, 1938, for a trip on board the U.S.S. Houston south to the Galapagos Islands, returning from escorting FDR to San Francisco. Boldly signed by FDR at lower left. It has been a long naval tradition to initiate "pollywogs" into the Kingdom of Neptune, the legendary god of the seas, upon their first crossing of the Equator. Captains of ships have always taken time, either in war or peace, to uphold this long practiced tradition.

The U.S.S. Houston (CA-30) was launched by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company on September 7, 1929. In Manila on November 19, 1940, she became the flagship of Admiral Hart, Commander of the Asiatic Fleet. On the night of the Pearl Harbor attack, the Houston left from Panay Island bound for Darwin, Australia, where she arrived on December 28, 1941. Following the Battle of the Java Sea on February 26, 1942, the Houston, after scoring hits on three destroyers and sinking a minesweeper during the Battle of the Sunda Strait the next day, sank after being hit by torpedoes and machine-gun fire. Nearly nine months later, the American public finally learned of her fate, including the fact that only one-third of the crew had survived.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-August 20, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Thomas F. McAllister, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, light staining along left margin, else very good.

FDR writes "Thank you for yours of the seventeenth. I am delighted with the thought that you are reviving the Rainbow Fliers for they have proved their value. Also, I hope the Women's Division will send speakers to the key states. The question of a weekly radio program in the final weeks you had better talk over with Jim Farley and Charlie Michelson. I hope to see you soon." Dorothy Smith McAllister became the Director of the Women's Division of the Democratic National Committee in 1937. At the 1940 Democratic National Convention she became the first woman to deliver a full-fledged speech on a policy matter before a Presidential convention. Her speech demanded that women be given equal representation on all of the convention's major committees.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-August 23, 1938. Hyde Park, New York. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Gertrude Ely of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
-Multiple folds, minor wear, else fine.

In this letter to Gertrude Ely, FDR writes (in part): "Thank you for your note and the interesting memoranda of Raymond Buell. I think the talks in Canada did good, especially in Europe, and incidentally, even the New York Herald Tribune has to go along, though it thinks that an obvious fact need not have been stated. I do hope to see you soon." Ms. Ely added a handwritten notation at top: "For your information-G.E. Need not return." Ely served with the Pennsylvania Works Progress Administration. Raymond Buell was a conservative author, lecturer, and professor. FDR wrote this letter following his return from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where, five days earlier, he had delivered an important foreign policy statement while receiving an honorary degree from the school.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-September 30, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Frances Parkinson Keyes, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, minor creases, old paperclip impression to upper left corner, else very good.

FDR writes "I want to thank you for your thoughtful courtesy in sending me a copy of the All American Number of the National Historical Magazine published by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. I shall look forward with keen anticipation to its perusal. I feel that your studies and experience have given you an exceptional equipment for editorial work in the field of history and historical research in which you are now so deeply engrossed. Please accept best wishes for your happiness and success." Accompanying this letter from FDR to Mrs. Keyes is the original carbon of the letter sent to The White House by Mrs. Keyes that occasioned this response by the President. Novelist Frances Parkinson Keyes (1885-1970) was serving the DAR as editor of the organization's magazine.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-October 31, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Symon Gould, American Library Service.
-Acid transfer staining on front, tape residue and fingerprints on verso, else good.

FDR writes: "The receipt is acknowledged of your letter of October fifteenth, making further inquiry concerning the issuance of a special postage stamp as a memorial to Stephen Collins Foster, beloved composer of American folk songs. As explained in my prior communications, Stephen Collins Foster is to be given a place in the special series of stamps now in prospect, in which tribute will be paid to outstanding Americans in the arts and sciences. It is hoped to have this special series of stamps released some time during the coming year, but detailed plans regarding the same have not yet been completed to the extent that will permit public announcement..." The Stephen Collins Foster, Famous Americans Series one-cent stamp had its first day of issue on May 3, 1940.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 1, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5".
-To: Dean James M. Landis, Harvard School of Law, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
-Mailing folds, insignificant crinkling, else very good.

FDR writes, "The appreciation which I expressed to you last Saturday when you submitted the report of the Emergency Board of which you were a member, I now wish to add a word of congratulation. Your report has contributed to the railroad industry an outstanding milestone in the long line of peaceful settlements of wage disputes. I marvel at the skill and speed with which you and the other members of the Board completed the investigation and report. Your task was indeed a strenuous one. The intensive hearing, the time spent in efforts to mediate, and finally the writing of a twenty-five thousand word report in the few days available could only have been accomplished by untiring efforts such as you gave to the work. I am particularly pleased with the intelligent and painstaking suggestions you made with regard to cooperation of management and employees, and I have every reason to believe that these suggestions, following my own suggestions to the parties along similar lines, will lead to the necessary action for the good of the industry and of the country. You have performed a very valuable public service." James McCauley Landis (1899-1964) helped draft the Federal Securities Act of 1933, which established the first government regulation over the sale of corporate stocks. He also played a leading role in preparing the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-December 13, 1938. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On white House letterhead.
-To: Honorable Herbert Bayard Swope, New York City.
-Fold, light soiling, else very good.

FDR writes, "Thank you very much for that grand message you sent me on December sixth about my speech at Chapel Hill. I am awfully glad you approved so highly and appreciate much your thoughtfulness in wiring me. With all good wishes," Roosevelt refers to the famous "grilled millionaire" speech delivered at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on December 5, 1938.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 9, 1939. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Miss Molly Goodwin at the Todhunter School, New York City.
-Central mailing fold, else fine.

FDR writes, "Thank you ever so much for the box of delicious peppermints which you sent me for Christmas. As you know they are my favorites and we have all enjoyed them. I hope you enjoyed the holidays and I look forward to seeing you very soon." In 1926 Eleanor Roosevelt and her two friends, Marian Dickerman and Nancy Cook, bought Todhunter School for Girls in New York City. Eleanor was a teacher of history and government at Todhunter, having to give up her duties after FDR was elected President in 1932. This letter shows that FDR kept up his personal friendships made as a result of ER's work at Todhunter; a nice letter with personal content.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 12, 1939. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Andrew Scherer, St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church, Hoboken, New Jersey.
-Fold, marginal soiling, paper clip stain at top, else very good.

FDR writes "Please extend my cordial greetings to the congregation at St. Paul's Church on the happy occasion of its one hundred fourth anniversary. I trust the church will ever be true to the high traditions which are its heritage out of a long past."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 18, 1939. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. W. H. Kennedy, Albany, New York.
-Central fold, light creases and soiling, else good.

FDR thanks Mr. Kennedy for "...copies of the elevation of Hyde Park School." Accompanied by a 1988 letter to Kennedy's nephew, John C. Nugent, from the FDR Library Director William Emerson in which Nugent is thanked for donating FDR letters to the archive.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed "Roosevelt" as President.
-No date [possibly February 1939]. No place [aboard the U.S.S. Houston]. One page. 8" x 10.5". Lined paper. In pencil.
-To: Governor Lawrence W. Cramer of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
-Soiled area at lower right affecting nothing, else fine.

The text of a telegram to Governor Cramer, written on board the U.S.S. Houston, entirely in Roosevelt's hand with his own corrections and changes. FDR wrote "Clear" at the top denoting that this particular message did not require a restricted channel for transmission. In full, "Governor Cramer- Please express to the people of the Virgin Islands my great regret that I was unable to go ashore at Charlotte Amalie [capital city of the Virgin Islands], and also my great satisfaction in knowing of the definite progress that has been made in many ways in the islands in the last few years. I send them my very good wishes and I am sure they know of my continuing interest in their welfare./ Roosevelt". Cramer had taken over as the second civilian governor of the Virgin Islands in 1935 and served until 1940.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed "Roosevelt" as President.
-No date [possibly February 1939]. No place [aboard the U.S.S. Houston]. One page. 8" x 10.5". Lined paper. In pencil.
-To: Secretary of State [Cordell Hull]
-Small stains affecting one word of text, else fine.

The text of a telegram to Secretary of State Hull, written on board the U.S.S. Houston entirely in Roosevelt's hand. At the top, FDR wrote "Restricted" meaning that the message was to be transmitted on a secure communications channel. In full, "For Secretary of State. I hope that Secretary Lascelles will return to Washington from Ottawa after I get back as some of the plans spoken of in press dispatches do not seem wise. This relates especially to visit to the battery in New York. Roosevelt" Cordell Hull was FDR's secretary of state for eleven years (1933-1944)- the longest period served by anyone in that position. He would go on to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945 for his key role in establishing the United Nations. The "Secretary Lascelles" mentioned was The Rt Hon. Sir Alan Frederick "Tommy" Lascelles who served in various positions during the 1930s, including secretary to the Governor Central of Canada and assistant private secretary to King George VI.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed "Roosevelt" as President.
-No date [possibly February 1939]. No place [aboard the U.S.S. Houston]. One page. 8" x 10.5". Lined paper. In pencil.
-To: Secretary of Treasury [Henry Morgenthau, Jr.]
-Fine.

The text of a telegram to Secretary of Treasury Morgenthau, written on board the U.S.S. Houston entirely in Roosevelt's hand. At the top, FDR wrote "Restricted" meaning that the message was to be transmitted on a secure communications channel. In full, "For Secretary Treasury. Think I approve your suggestion about Lockhead but in view of fact nomination cannot possibly go in till my return please hold everything. Roosevelt" Morgenthau and Roosevelt had been friends since 1913 and had served together in New York state government before FDR was elected president. Even though Morgenthau, an orthodox economist, was a controversial choice for Treasury Secretary in 1934, he was loyal to Roosevelt and the New Deal and retained his office until 1945. His son, Robert M. Morgenthau, is currently District Attorney of New York County.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed "Roosevelt" as President.
-No date [possibly February 1939]. No place [aboard the U.S.S. Houston]. One page. 8" x 10.5". Lined paper. In pencil.
-To: Stephen Early, White House press secretary.
-Paper clip stain at top, else fine.

The text of a telegram to Press Secretary Early, written on board the U.S.S. Houston entirely in Roosevelt's hand. At the top, FDR wrote "Restricted" meaning that the message was to be transmitted on a secure communications channel. In full, "For Stephen Early Please call up Senators Barkley Shepard [sic] and Walsh and tell them Quote - (Add marked passage) Paragraph I shall be glad to confer with the Military and Naval affairs chairmen as soon as I get back Unquote Inform Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries of War and Navy of above message to the Senators and also let May and Kinson know Period All well and proceeding on schedule. Roosevelt" Early and Roosevelt met at the 1912 Democratic National Convention and maintained their friendship throughout the following years. When elected president in 1932, FDR asked Early to be his press secretary, a post in which he served until Roosevelt's death in 1945. He is considered to be the first "modern" press secretary. The senators mentioned in the note were Alben W. Barkley (Democrat, Kentucky), Morris Sheppard (Democrat, Texas), and David I. Walsh (Democrat, Massachusetts).

Harry L. Hopkins: Rare 1939 Autograph Narrative Concerning FDR's Supreme Court Reorganization Battle.
-April 3 1939. Warm Springs, Georgia. Three pages. 11" x 15.25".
-Paper slightly toned, with a central fold crease, staple holes in the upper left corner, else fine.

Written barely two years after the events, this unbelievably rare and historic multi-page narrative handwritten by Harry L. Hopkins, one of FDR's key political advisors, confidantes, and friends gives an intimate account of the genesis of FDR's struggle with the Senate to reorganize the Supreme Court. This historical, hitherto unknown first-person account begins: "A statement to me by Thomas Corcoran giving his recollection of the genesis of the Supreme Court fight between the President and the U. S. Senate." Thomas Gardiner Corcoran (nicknamed "Tommy the Cork" by FDR), was a member of Roosevelt's brain trust during the New Deal. The entire document is worthy of quoting but the first few paragraphs set the stage for the rest of this fascinating document. It reads in part: 'The President offered Felix Frankfurter the post of Solicitor General at the beginning of his first term which offer Felix refused because he feared he would be pitched into the political arena thereby destroying his usefullness [sic] as a Presidential advisor. Furthermore, he had no confidence in the Attorney General, Homer Cummings. Cummings and his friends induced the President to appoint [James Crawford] Biggs of N.C. - an incompetent lawyer - to the most important legal position in the Executive branch. This started the trouble because our legal guns were of very small calibre. [sic]...". Hopkins adds an interesting footnote to the narrative: "Footnote:/ Neither Tommy Corcoran or Ben Cohen had anything much to do with the Court fight. Tommy believed the Court should have simply been enlarged by three members. Once the President moved Tommy and Ben did what they could but Cummings and Richberg were jealous of all the other legal advice and kept Tommy at arms length./ H.L.H." A very unique and historical first person account of the 1937 Supreme Court reorganization fight by the Roosevelt Administration, as dictated by Tommy the Cork to Harry Hopkins, with Hopkins's own footnote and interpretation of Corcoran's role in this defining battle involving all three branches of Government during the second Administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-April 24, 1939. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. John Boettiger, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle, Washington.
-Folds, light toning, fine.

FDR writes "The enclosed with a note which can be published. I wish I could make the contribution more, and I am delighted that this simple memorial is to be erected to "J. D." As ever yours,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." FDR is referring to J. D. Ross, Administrator of the Bonneville Project, who died March 15, 1939, right before the letter was written to Boettiger. Another lasting legacy of the New Deal, the Bonneville Project Act of 1937 (Public Law 75-329) created the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which pioneered the Federal power marketing administrations. John Boettiger, born March 25, 1900, married Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, the eldest child of FDR and Eleanor, in 1936. Together they worked on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer until 1943 when Boettiger went into the military and Anna returned to the White House as FDR's confidential assistant.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-June 7, 1939. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Honorable John Knight, U.S. District Court Judge, Buffalo, New York.
-Folds, stains along left margin, else good condition.

FDR writes: "Thank you very much for your letter of February second, endorsing Judge Knox for appointment on the Circuit Court of Appeals for the Second District when that post becomes vacant. I was glad to know of your high opinion of Judge Knox's qualification and do want to assure you that your interest will be borne in mind." As a State Senator when FDR was Governor of New York, John Knight served as the Republican Majority Leader of the New York Senate who was one of the main political opponents of FDR at the time, especially on the issue of FDR's innovative plan to open the Midwestern United States to the Atlantic Ocean and simultaneously harness hydro power from the Saint Lawrence River.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-August 24, 1939. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Duncan G. Harris, New York City.
-Ghostly trace of a fold, some fading to signature, else very fine.

FDR writes, "It was good to get your note at Halifax last Monday and I sincerely hope you have not had as much fog as we had. I planned to go into Mahone Bay but the fog delay and the international situation made it impossible. I am delighted to see those 'Popular Mechanics' stories, and I am much interested in Gilbert Hadden's expedition. I do hope he succeeds. What a grand crew you had with you. I wish I could have joined up."/ As ever yours,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." FDR is writing about his last getaway before the beginning of World War II on September 1, 1939, mentioning the fact that the "international situation" made it impossible for the President to continue his vacation into Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.

FDR and Harris' relationship went back many years to an expedition FDR undertook in 1909, when he became interested in the treasure and tales of Oak Island, Nova Scotia. Tales of the "Money Pit" had spread all over Canada, including Campobello Island, the summer home of FDR. His group raised $5000 and Roosevelt, Duncan G. Harris, Frederick Childs, and Albert Gallatin sailed from New York on August 18, 1909. Their expedition included diving suits (which proved impractical) and test drillings at one hundred and fifty feet found the same cement-like material. Samples of it submitted to Columbia University were reported to be man-made. FDR's work on the island was brief but his interest continued for many years. In August, 1939, while he was visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia, he privately devised a plan to anchor his battleship off Mahone Bay and see the work then being conducted by Erwin T. Hamilton but, as mentioned in the letter, the impending war in Europe prevented him from following through on his plans.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-November 1, 1939. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. John Boettiger, Seattle, Washington.
-Fold, else very fine.

FDR writes, "I haven't had a chance to thank you for your letter before this and I think I fully appreciate the very difficult circumstances, not only of your own particular case, but of a good many others like it in other parts of the country. The particular process of the NLRB is one of evolution and things are slowly but surely getting on to a more equitable and just basis. In other words, here is a case of a law which is essentially sound in its main policies but which has fallen down in many cases very badly because of the method of administering it./ It is grand to know that you will all be here for Christmas. Meanwhile, I doubt if I get much holiday, though I may get to Warm Springs for a few days over Thanksgiving. I am not working particularly hard but this is one of the situations where anything in world affairs may happen in the middle of the night and I cannot be far away." John Boettiger was FDR's son-in-law by way of his marriage to Anna Roosevelt.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Presidential Appointment Signed by FDR and Harry L. Hopkins.
-November 4, 1939. Washington, D.C. 20" x 16".
-Appointment of Carroll L. Wilson of Massachusetts as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Commerce.
-Minor toning, else fine.

This official document signed by FDR and Secretary of Commerce Harry L. Hopkins appoints Carroll L. Wilson of Massachusetts Special Assistant to the Secretary. Includes a golden seal of the Department of Commerce affixed at lower left, above Hopkins' signature. Carroll L. Wilson was a Professor of Management at the Sloan School and first Mitsui Professor in Problems of Contemporary Technology at MIT. Wilson devoted much of his career to seeking solutions to important global problems through the application of scientific, engineering, economic, and political analyses to programs of action. The underlying goal of his work was the improvement of relations among countries and the strengthening of their institutions and people.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 25, 1939. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Honorable Harvey Couch, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
-One fold, else very fine.

FDR thanks Mr. Couch for receiving "...the Scrap Book of Arkansas Literature." No doubt this proved a good escapist read for a president fretting over Hitler's next move.

Franklin Roosevelt Signed Original Pencil Portrait by E. A. Burbank. The sketch, measuring 11" x 16", is inscribed by the artist "For President F. D. Roosevelt. Compliments of E. A. Burbank 1939" and signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" in pencil by the president. The drawing is attractively framed and matted (18" x 22.5" overall).

The drawing appears to be a portrait from life as the dark pencil used by FDR to sign the portrait appears to be the same pencil used in the dark areas of the drawing. The detailed head and shoulders portrait of the president shows his left profile, with FDR looking up slightly.

Elbridge Ayer Burbank (1858-1949) was an American artist born on in Harvard, Illinois. A painter of portraits of Native Americans whose work is represented in the Field Museum, the Newberry Library in Chicago, and the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. In his first job for Northwest Magazine, after graduating from the Chicago Art Academy, Burbank traveled along the territory of the Northern Pacific Railway, across the Rockies to the Pacific Coast, painting scenes which would sell the area to potential homesteaders. He then studied in Munich, Germany under Paul Nauen and Frederic Fehr in 1886, alongside Leigh, Sharp, and Rosenthal. Returning to Chicago in 1892, he specialized in painting black subjects. In 1895, his uncle, a museum president, commissioned a series of Western Indian portraits. Burbank painted the first portrait of Geronimo at Fort Sill, the only artist to paint Geronimo from life, and continued through the tribes of the Southwest, the West and the Pacific coast. Burbank depicted the leaders of one hundred twenty five tribes in more than twelve hundred works, including Chiefs Joseph, Sitting Bull, Rain-in-the-Face, Curley, and Red Cloud. Given the Indian name Many Brushes, his autobiography was Burbank among the Indians. Burbank, Oklahoma is named after him. Burbank's work is regarded as historically important. E. A. Burbank died on April 21, 1949 in San Francisco, California after being struck by a cable car.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Inscribed Photograph to Representative Joseph Bryson of South Carolina.
-Black and white, 8" x 10.25", mounted on a page of black paper removed from an old photograph album.
-Slightly cockled at the edges, primarily from the mounting process, with some crazing to the image, else very good.

An attractive image of FDR which he has nicely inscribed: "For Joseph R. Bryson M.C. from his friend/ Franklin D. Roosevelt". Bryson, a Democrat, served as South Carolina's Representative to Congress from 1939 until his death in 1953.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed and Inscribed as President.
-[no date] 10.75" x 13.75". Sepia.
-To: George.
-Minor wear, slight fading to small portion of inscription, else fine.

FDR writes (in full): "For George-Changing Calendars / Franklin D. Roosevelt". At one of his bi-weekly press conferences, FDR speaks with three reporters representing the wire services: Douglas Cornell of Associated Press, Merriman Smith of United Press, and George Durno of the International News Service.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Engraving as President.
-[no date] 10" x 12". Framed.
-Minor foxing, signature slightly faded, else fine.

Fine engraving of FDR as President.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed as President.
-[no date] 10" x 8". Black and white. Mounted and framed to 13.25" x 11.5".
-To: Columnist Jack Wilson.
-Fine.

This rare signed photograph depicts a celebratory FDR locking arms with his oldest son, James, and clasping the hand of Vice President John Nance Garner, as Postmaster General James A. Farley smiles and waves. FDR's inscription reads (in full): "For Jack Wilson from his friend Franklin D. Roosevelt".

Franklin Roosevelt Autograph Note Signed, as President of the United States. A 3.75" x 2.25" Presidential card, with "The President" centered in engraved script on the center. Written to the mother of FDR's secretary Grace G. Tully. This personal handwritten note reads in full: "Many Happy Returns -/ Come and see me soon! / FDR/ For Mrs. Tully." Included is the original The White House transmittal envelope. No date.

Grace G. Tully (1900-1984) was one of FDR's longest serving secretaries, and when Missy LeHand was stricken by a stroke in mid-1941, became FDR's principal secretary. Tully worked for the Democratic National Committee. She was assigned to help Eleanor Roosevelt, who was already organizing support for the 1928 Democratic Presidential nominee, Alfred E. Smith. When FDR was nominated for the New York governorship, Louis McHenry Howe co-opted Tully's services for the Roosevelt campaign, and thereafter Ms. Tully moved fully into the FDR orbit. As FDR's personal secretary, Tully was present at many of FDR's most memorable occasions as he made history during the 1930s and 1940s. Tully also oftentimes participated in FDR's late afternoon cocktail hour, the so-called "children's hour," and FDR frequently referred to Tully as "Child." Grace G. Tully was with FDR when he died at Warm Springs, Georgia on April 12, 1945.

She spent her remaining working years on Capitol Hill as secretary for both Senator Lyndon B. Johnson and Senator Mike Mansfield. The FDR handwritten note to Grace Tully's mother is professionally matted and framed in dark wood to an overall dimension of the presentation piece of 8.5" x 6" on a decorative stand, the back of which houses the original The White House transmittal envelope. A wonderful handwritten and signed FDR item.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note and Envelope Signed as President and $20 Bill.
-[no date; 1929 bill] 3" x 5" ruled paper and 3.75" x 6.5" White House envelope.
-To: Grace Tully.
-Near fine to fine.

FDR's note written on the outside of the White House envelope reads (in full): "Grace - Many Happy Returns! To help towards your contributions to the United Hebrew Charities at [word crossed out by FDR] Asbury Park. FDR". FDR's note that was inside the envelope reads (in full): "Grace-With love from FDR". The 20-dollar "National Currency" note includes the date "Series of 1929." Grace G. Tully (1900-1984) was one of FDR's longest serving secretaries.

FDR's Secretary Marquerite "Missy" LeHand: Autograph Letter Signed.
-Sunday [no date]. Washington, D.C. Two pages. 4.5" x 6.75". White House letterhead. Matted and framed to 18.5" x 12".
-To Samuel Mandelbaum.
-Original folds, else fine.

"Missy" LeHand was FDR's personal secretary and close companion from 1920 until her death in July 1944. In this brief letter to U.S. District Court Judge Samuel Mandelbaum, she writes (in part): "Thank you so much for that beautiful black suede bag which you sent me for Christmas. It is a joy and I needed a black bag. I do hope the New Year will bring you much health and happiness-you deserve it richly." The two pages are matted with a 4" x 6" black-and-white photo depicting Le Hand assisting FDR. The frame includes a sticker (on back) from Irving Berlin, Inc. of New York City.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: White House Card Signed as President.
-Imprinted "The White House / Washington" in upper right corner, 4.25" x 2.5".
-Browning to all edges, some fading to signature, else very good.

An excellent autograph card suitable for framing with a portrait of FDR.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: White House Card Signed as President.
-4" x 2.5", imprinted "The White House / Washington".
-Excellent condition.

Well-centered, bold signature on crisp, clean card.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Two Clipped Signatures Mounted. No date or place, both reading "FDR" and likely taken from White House memos. 4" x 3". Very fine.

Franklin Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 3, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Florence J. "Daisy" Harriman, Oslo, Norway.
-Fold, light aging, paperclip stain, else good condition.

FDR writes "I am perfectly enchanted with the miniature of Lafayette which Dr. Mohr sent to me through you. It will go into my own room in the new Library. I think it is a really lovely thing. This takes you my affectionate good wishes for the coming year." Daisy Harriman (July 21, 1870-August 31, 1967), political activist and diplomat, was appointed minister to Norway, becoming the second female head of an American diplomatic mission (Ruth Bryan Owen Rohde had served in Denmark from 1933 to 1936).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-February 13, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Honorable Herbert Bayard Swope, New York City.
-Fold and diagonal crease, light toning, else very good.

Roosevelt thanks Bayard for a note regarding an address to the Youth Congress. Enclose, too, is Bayard's penciled draft of his letter to the president and a file copy of the finished letter. Herbert B. Swope (1882 - 1958) introduced the "Op-Ed" page to American newspapers.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-March 4, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Honorable Clyde L. Seavey, Washington, D.C.
-Numerous folds and soiling, good.

FDR writes, "I was delighted to find your letter on my arrival at Pensacola. Will you be good enough to ask the California Nursery Company when they ship the trees, to send them to William Plog, care of Mrs. James Roosevelt, Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York. Meanwhile I will let Mr. Plog know just where to plant the trees. The larger trees I will put - half of them, near the new library, and the other five at the edge of our front lawn. The smaller trees, I think, I will try on the east end of our place near my new cottage. I am thrilled at the thought of having them." Clyde L. Seavey (1847-1943) became Chairman of the Federal Power Commission in 1939.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-March 11, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Dorothy (Mrs. Thomas F.) McAllister, Washington, D.C.
-Fine condition.

FDR writes, "I am glad to have an opportunity to wish all success to the National Institute of Government which the Women's Division of the Democratic National Committee is planning to hold in Washington, May 2, 3 and 4, next. I hope the attendance will be large and representative of every state in the Union." Dorothy Smith McAllister became the Director of the Women's Division of the Democratic National Committee in 1937. At the 1940 Democratic National Convention, she became the first woman to deliver a full-fledged speech on a policy matter before a Presidential convention.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-March 25, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Thomas F. (Dorothy) McAllister, Washington, D.C.
-Light soiling, bump to lower left corner, else fine.

FDR writes, "I am delighted with the copy of the new 'News Letter'. May you multiply your circulation ten times." Mrs. McAllister was Director of the Women's Division of the Democratic National Committee.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-April 10, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Professor Nelson C. Brown, State Forestry College, Syracuse, New York.
-Fold with a few creases, light soiling, else very good.

FDR writes "Thank you for your telegram. I spent two days at home and the frost will be out of the ground inside of a week. The fields to be planted have been cleared and are all ready. Let Linaka and Plog know when to expect the trees. I understand they are coming in two or three batches so as not to have to lie around too long before being put in the ground. I hope to be home again the first Sunday in May and perhaps you will run down sometime this Spring." Professor Nelson C. Brown joined the faculty of the New York State College of Forestry at Syracuse University in 1912, only one year after the college was founded. He had been a utilization forester with the United States Forest Service, and became the Chair of the Department of Forest Utilization.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-April 15, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead with stamped docketing.
-To: Governor Henry Horner, Springfield, Illinois.
-Fold, stains and minor creases, else good.

FDR writes "Thanks very much for that splendid telegram of April tenth, giving me the account of last Tuesday's primaries. Of course, I place a high estimate on your appraisal of the situation. I need not assure you of my appreciation of your loyalty and of the generous terms in which you speak of my leadership. I am more grateful than I can say. Be careful of your health and guard against overexertion. Mrs. Roosevelt joins me in all good wishes." Governor Henry Horner (1878-1940), born Henry Levy in Chicago, was the first Jewish governor of Illinois. Governor Horner passed away less than six months after receiving this letter.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-April 18, 1940. Washington, D.C. One Page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Senator William H. King.
-Original folds, minor creases, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I have your letter of April fifteenth, calling to my attention the qualifications of Mr. Charles A. Root of Salt Lake City, for the position of Interstate Commerce Commissioner to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. Marion M. Caskie. You may be assured that I shall give your recommendation very serious consideration when I choose a successor to Mr. Caskie."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-August 2, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Senator Lister Hill, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, light soiling, else very good.

FDR writes, "I have your letter enclosing a copy of your speech putting me in nomination at Chicago. I of course was at my radio and heard every word that you said, and understand the depth and genuineness of your feeling. No matter what happens we will go along together, and your remarks will always be a precious souvenir of this occasion." This historic letter refers to Alabama Senator Hill's nomination of Roosevelt for an unprecedented third term.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Photograph as President.
-September 12, 1941. Black and white, 7.5" x 11", AP wire photo.
-Light crazing at the edges of the photograph, else a very good example.

In this photograph Roosevelt is captured wearing a black arm band and black four in hand, in mourning for the passing of his mother Sara Delano Roosevelt who had died five days previously. FDR has signed his name in full above the integral AP photo caption at the bottom of the photograph. The caption indicates that the photograph was taken during a September 12, 1941 radio broadcast in which FDR warned that the U. S. Navy would strike Axis raiders encountered in "defensive waters".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Free Frank Postal Cover as President.
-September 15, 1940. Washington, D.C. 7.25" x 4.75". White House envelope.
-To: Mr. Abe Schoenfeld, New York City.
-Excellent condition.

Signed in full above postmark. Very, very rare. The original 1957 letter from legendary autograph dealer Charles Hamilton to the original purchaser is included. It provides an interesting description of the envelope and a relative context for its extreme rarity. It reads, in part: "Some time ago I chatted with a collector who owns the only two known franked envelopes of Franklin D. Roosevelt as President. He was once offered $8,000 for one of them! The envelopes to which I refer are not ordinary signed covers... but are genuine franks. Only because he had done an important political favor for F.D.R. was the owner able to persuade the President - to use F.D.R.'s words - 'to break the law.' Before me lies one of those envelopes - a beautiful example on a pale blue White House cover. Not a penalty cover, but a regular White House envelope. The signature of Roosevelt is in the upper right hand corner, and beneath it, almost touching it, is the Washington postmark. It is in beautiful condition, and is the rarest of all Presidential franks."

Presidents of the United States enjoyed the franking privilege until 1873, when after much official abuse, it was abolished. Although Congress granted itself the frank only two years later, it was never granted again to a sitting president of the United States.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-September 26, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Senator Lister Hill, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, else very fine.

FDR writes "I have your letter and I am sure you know how much I would like to go to Alabama. I am afraid, however, that I shall not have an opportunity very soon...". Joseph Lister Hill (December 29, 1894 - December 21, 1984) was a Democratic United States Senator from Alabama. A political moderate, Senator Hill was a Roosevelt supporter and, in fact, nominated FDR as the Democratic presidential candidate for 1940.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 1, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. William Taber, Chicago, Illinois.
-Fold, light marginal aging, else fine condition.

FDR writes, "I am grateful for your recent telegram. In these times of stress and anxiety it is very reassuring to have the pledge of confidence and loyalty in which your friends and associates join. In expressing my heartfelt appreciation, may I in return pledge the faith of this Administration to maintain, defend and pass unimpaired to those who are to follow us, those democratic institutions to which we owe all of our happiness as a free people." Taber was a labor leader, serving as treasurer for a union representing public transportation workers.

Presidential Election of 1940, Instructional Automatic Voting Machine. The piece, made by the Automatic Voting Machine Corporation of, Jamestown, New York measures 14.5" x 12". The voting machine has the original metal easel stand on the back and weighs approximately ten pounds.

This 1940 voting machine, number 15488, is a smaller version of the actual voting machine that was used in the voting booth. Listed are the candidates, Franklin D. Roosevelt and Henry Wallace for President and Vice President on the Democratic ticket, and Wendell Willkie and Charles McNary for President and Vice President on the Republican ticket, with voting choices for Presidential Electors from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This fabulous instructional voting machine works in the same fashion as the larger machine. The voting machine is in fine working order with some age to the paper inserts.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 8, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead.
-To: Brigadier General Frank T. Hines, Washington, D.C.
-Acid transfer evident on left side of sheet, else fine.

FDR writes "I am grateful indeed for your kind letter, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks to you and Mrs. Hines for your good wishes. Your generous words touched me very deeply." Frank Thomas Hines (1879-1960) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 11, 1879. He was a Republican, and served in the United States Army during the Spanish-American War; and a general in the United States Army during World War I. Hines was an alternate delegate to Republican National Convention from Utah, 1924, and later United States Ambassador to Panama, 1945-1948.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Type Letter Signed as President.
-November 8, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Honorable George L. Radcliffe, U. S. Senate, Washington, D.C.
-Docketed with stamp by recipient, fold and light stains, else very good.

FDR writes "My hearty thanks to you, Miss Williams, and Mr. Young for your cordial message. I have also been deeply interested in noting your telegram of the seventh in which you tell of the fine work done by Chairman Truman Cash and his associates. This is indeed gratifying and sincerely appreciated. May I also congratulate you upon your reelection to the Senate! " George Radcliffe (1877-1974) represented Maryland from 1934 until 1946.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 9, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Miss Joan Bennett of West Los Angeles.
-Central fold, else fine.

Just four days after his election to an unprecedented third term, FDR writes, "Dear Miss Bennett:/ I am deeply grateful for your message of congratulations. Thank you ever so much for it./ Very sincerely yours..." Much as it is today, most Hollywood actors were firmly behind the Democratic candidate in 1940. It's been estimated that 85% of the film industry supported Roosevelt that year. Joan Bennett was a founding member of the Hollywood for Roosevelt Committee, a group that worked closely with the Democratic Party, and participated in two national radio broadcasts just a week before the election. A nice crossover item for the entertainment memorabilia collector.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President with Holographic Correction.
-November 9, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Honorable Roland S. Morris, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
-Central fold, secondary creasing, else very good.

FDR writes "I want to thank you for your thoughtfulness in sending me that message of felicitations. Your assurance of cooperation in achieving national unity is deeply appreciated." The name typed in letter's greeting - Mr. Morris - has been crossed out and replaced by "Roland" in Roosevelt's hand. Roland Morris (1874 - 1945) had been Ambassador to Japan under Woodrow Wilson from 1917 until 1921.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 12, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mrs. Thomas F. (Dorothy) McAllister, New York City.
-One fold, else very fine.

FDR writes "Ever so many thanks for that nice wire you sent me at Hyde Park. Needless to say I was delighted with the outcome, and I want you and those who worked with you to know how much I appreciate all you did during these past busy weeks. A great deal of the credit for the result is due you and I am tremendously grateful for your untiring efforts. I hope to see you soon." FDR had just been elected for a historic third term and here thanks Mrs. McAllister for her efforts as Director of the Women's Division of the Democratic National Committee.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 19, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". On White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Joseph Curran, National Maritime Union of America. New York City.
-Two mailing folds, soiling and four spots of glue residue from mounting on verso, else very good.

FDR writes "Because of the serious nature of the allegations contained in your communication of October 19, 1940, I caused a careful study to be made by both the Department of Justice and the Department of Labor. You state: 'members and officials are being shadowed and hounded by representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. A one hundred page report of an investigation of the National Maritime Union by the F.B.I., which was supposedly pigeonholed, has, in some mysterious manner, fallen into the hands of certain Congressmen, who, without any basic reason, immediately read portions of it into the Congressional Record. The press, which even you will agree, has been extremely reactionary of late, immediately carried all these fantastic tales in an effort to discredit our organization in the eyes of the public.' You ask then that you be given an opportunity to answer these statements and allegations in an open and impartial hearing. I am able to say to you that the Federal Bureau of Investigation has not investigated the National Maritime Union; that no such one hundred page report which you mention is in existence; neither has the Department of Justice made available to any Congressmen any information it obtains by virtue of investigations made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The function of that Bureau is to conduct investigations of complaints which justify such action and its records and files are maintained in a strictly confidential manner. The contents of its reports are not made public but are for the exclusive guidance of those officials charged with the responsibility for the enforcement of the nation-wide laws." Born in 1906, Curran was an outspoken activist on behalf of seamen's rights and working conditions.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 25, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Reverend Maurice S. Sheehy, D.D., Catholic University, Washington, D.C.
-Central fold, else very good.

FDR writes, "I have your letter and I agree with you fully as to the fine qualities of Mr. Adolph Berle. I am sure you will continue to find him always ready to respond when his engagements and responsibilities permit." Berle was a key member of FDR's "Brain Trust," a group of advisers to Franklin D. Roosevelt during his first campaign for the Presidency in 1932.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 26, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Miss Anna M. Harlfinger, Albany, New York.
-Central mailing fold, else very fine.

FDR writes, "It was thoughtful of you to send me that nice letter of congratulations and I deeply appreciate it. Heartiest thanks and the best of good wishes to you." A wonderful letter following FDR's triumphant and historic third election as President of the United States, to an old supporter from his earlier political stomping grounds in Albany, New York.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President with Holographic Addition.
-November 29, 1940. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Governor A. Harry Moore, Trenton, New Jersey.
-Multiple folds, a few small stains, overall good.

FDR writes "It was good to get your letter of November 27, and to hear that you are ready to dedicate the Thomas Alva Edison bridge. I am sorry that I can not be present at these ceremonies, but if my present plans work out I expect to be on a brief vacation in the South on the fourteenth. Will you please be good enough to extend my sincere greetings to all those attending the dedication ceremonies. and especially to the Gov. Elect! (the italicized words are written in FDR's own hand). With all good wishes." Arthur Harry Moore (1879-1952) was the 39th Governor of New Jersey and a United States Senator. The Governor-Elect mentioned by Roosevelt was Charles Edison, son of the great inventor.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Lithograph Portrait Signed as President.
-9.5" x 12". Black and white pencil lithograph. Copyright 1933.
-Toned, with some staining in the margins with the central image being mainly unaffected. Mounting remnants on the verso, else very good.

FDR has signed his full signature and the date "1941" in pencil at the lower left of the portrait. The consignor indicates that this signed lithograph of FDR was hung at Val-Kill Cottage in Hyde Park, New York by Eleanor Roosevelt. A captivating sketch by Washington George Rounds which originally appears in The Boston Globe in February, 1934.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 8, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. J. David Stern, The Philadelphia Record, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
-Fold, else very fine.

FDR writes "Many thanks for your thoughtful letter of January third. I am always glad to have the benefit of your judgment and I shall give very careful consideration to the fears which you express to the end that undesirable consequences may be avoided." J. David Stern was publisher of the pro-New Deal Philadelphia Record. From 1933-1939, he also published the New York Post.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Photograph as President.
-1941. Washington, D.C. 14" x 11".
-Penciled crop marks in left and right margins, else excellent condition.

Large print showing President Roosevelt, Vice President Wallace, and their wives. FDR boldly penned "For Frank / from / Franklin D. Roosevelt" above the subjects of this fantastic image.

Franklin D. & Eleanor Roosevelt: Photo Signed by Both
A handsome photo of the president and first lady in a car, greeting crowds of well-wishers. Signed by each near their images.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 21, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Marian Johnson, Bethesda, Maryland.
-Mailing fold, lightly toned, mounting traces on verso, else very good with a bold, clear signature.

On the day after his third inaugural, FDR writes, "Ever so many thanks for your letter of the nineteenth. It was good of you to write so generously and I hope I may continue to merit such high praise. It is letters like yours which lighten the tasks that lie ahead. My affectionate greetings to you." Always sincerely,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." Marian Johnson was married to FDR's friend and former Harvard classmate, Aymar Johnson.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 22, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: James Forrestal, Under-Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
-Light toning, minor stains, mounting traces on verso, else very good.

FDR thanks the Secretary for supporting his historic third inauguration as President of the United States. James Vincent Forrestal (1892 -1949) had a laudable record of public service when he became Secretary of the Navy in 1944. His fortunes plummeted, however, following the war. In 1948 the journalist Drew Pearson revealed in his newspaper column that during the 1930s Forrestal had been guilty of tax evasion and share manipulation. Other journalists made claims that he had owned shares in large companies in Nazi Germany and had used his influence to stop the bombing of German cities during the Second World War. Harry S. Truman was unhappy with Forrestal's performance as Secretary of Defense and on March 28, 1949 forced him to resign from office. Soon afterwards, Forrestal, suffering from depression, was admitted to Bethesda Naval Hospital. On May 22, 1949 James Forrestal committed suicide by throwing himself out of a 16th-floor hospital window.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President with Holographic Addition.
-February 7, 1941. Washington, D.C. Two pages plus two pages of addenda. 8" x 10.5". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Basil O'Connor, New York City.
-Mailing folds, even toning, numerous pencil notations, docketing with handstamp by recipient. Overall fine.

A fascinating overview of Roosevelt's land being made available to the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation at cost. The letter's recipient, "Doc" O'Connor, was Roosevelt's former law partner. FDR writes, "I enclose a list of my purchases of land at Warm Springs, taken from my checkbook, together with the dates of purchase. I am willing to sell this land to the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation or the Meriwether Reserve, Inc., for the original purchase cost to me. I am willing to see such portion of it as the Foundation may be able to afford at this time, and to hold the balance for a reasonable time until the Foundation is able to pay for it./ In regard to the title to three of the pieces of property on this list, check should be made by you...". Attached to this two page letter is a two page addendum, entitled "Memorandum of Cost of Land Bought By Franklin D. Roosevelt At Warm Springs, GA." Listed are fifteen properties, including dates of purchase, property descriptions, and amounts of purchase, forming a very detailed analysis of FDR's activities in the 1920s acquiring land in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-March 11, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Dudley Field Malone, Los Angeles, California.
-Folds, marginal browning, and light soiling, else good.

FDR writes "It was good of you to send me that message regarding the passage of the Lend-Lease Bill, and it is a great satisfaction to have your word of approval. Many thanks." Malone writes below FDR's signature "April 21st 1941/ Dear Peter - Franklin D. Roosevelt would back your love of peace, and your faith in him. He gave this thought to me and I give it to you, Dear Friend. Dudley." Divorce lawyer Dudley Malone (1882 - 1950) was a Washington player who had earned considerable fame while a defense attorney in 1925's "Scopes Monkey Trial". The FDR letter offered here was written the very day the Lend-Lease Bill was finally passed.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-March 18, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: George M. Harrison, President of the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks.
-Original horizontal center fold, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I need not tell you, I am sure, that I appreciate that message of congratulations you sent me. It is gratifying to know that the radio address touched a responsive chord." A leading voice for American labor, George M. Harrison served on FDR's Committee on Economic Security (CES).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Souvenir Naval Booklet as President.
-April 1941. Washington D.C. Twenty pages. 8.5"x 11".
-Soiled covers, else very fine.

"The Log of the President's Inspection Trip and Cruise on Board U.S.S. Potomac 19 March - 1 April 1941".Signed "For Captain Leahey / from Franklin D. Roosevelt", this booklet chronicles a nearly two-week trip that was a mixture of business and pleasure. Included is a glossy photo showing a model of the Potomac. Especially interesting are records of the deep-sea fish caught by the President and members of his cabinet.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Souvenir Naval Booklet as President.
-April 1941. Washington D.C. Twenty pages. 8.5"x 11".
-Lightly toned front cover, else very fine.

"The Log of the President's Inspection Trip and Cruise on Board U.S.S. Potomac 19 March - 1 April 1941".Signed "For George Durno / from Franklin D. Roosevelt" on the title page, this booklet chronicles a nearly two-week trip that was a mixture of business and pleasure. Durno was a reporter for the International News Service who went along on the trip. A particular favorite of Press Secretary Stephen Early, Durno would often allow himself to be used for "planted" questions in news conferences. The Log Narrative gives daily accounts of the activity of the President, the day's catch (FDR did fancy himself an accomplished fisherman), communications between the President and his Staff in Washington, D.C., and many amusing anecdotes. The trip did serve as a getaway for a beleaguered FDR, but he did have to attend to official business as well.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-June 1, 1944. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House stationery.
-To: Mr. Joseph P. Curran, President, National Maritime Union of America, New York.
-Central mailing fold, else fine.

FDR writes, "I am deeply touched by that beautifully inscrolled resolution adopted by the National Maritime Union at its convention last year. This expression of confidence in my leadership is particularly gratifying to me. You and the members of your Union have my warm thanks and appreciation for the loyal spirit which the resolution evidences." Amazingly, FDR took time to write a union leader during the final countdown to D-Day.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Presidential Pardon Signed.
-August 28, 1941. Two pages. 9" x 13.5". Justice Department Seal.
-To: J. W. Horning.
-Original folds, minor wear and yellowing, else near fine.

Partially printed document on both sides, with typed description of the case against J. W. Horning and FDR's subsequent pardon, signed by the President and Acting Attorney General Francis Biddle. Horning had been charged for violating the National Prohibition Act in October 1929, when he was jailed in Savannah, Georgia, after failing to pay a $250 fine. The document reads (in part): "Whereas it has been made to appear to me that the said J. W. Horning, since his discharge from imprisonment, has been conducting himself in a law abiding manner: Now Therefore, be it known, that I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America...do hereby grant unto the said J. W. Horning a full and unconditional pardon for the purpose of restoring his civil rights."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-September 22, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mrs. Oswald Karpf, Chicago, Illinois.
-Folds, else very good.

FDR writes "I want you and the members of the Emma S. Haskell Club to know that I sincerely appreciate the kind expression of sympathy in my great loss, which your letter conveys. Such a thoughtful tribute to the memory of my Mother has touched me deeply."/ Very sincerely yours,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." Sara Delano Roosevelt died on September 7, 1941.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 7, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: New Mexico Senator Carl A. Hatch.
-Single fold, light aging. 1941 newspaper clipping affixed to verso.

One month before the Pearl Harbor invasion, FDR writes, "Thank you for yours of October first. I wholly agree with you that Straus and his staff have done a very good piece of work."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President with Holographic Correction.
-November 24, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead docketed by recipient.
-To: Arthur J. Morris, Fulton Trust Co., New York City.
-Fold, light soiling. Very good.

FDR writes, "Thanks for the pass-book. I am returning the signature cards herewith. I think it enough for the Trust Company to send statements of my account once every three months./ By the way, do you good people give interest on six month's time deposits? If so, I am enough of a Dutchman to suggest that I leave this amount intact [FDR joins "in" and "tact" into one word, initially typed as two separate words, in his own hand] on that basis and get a few additional dollars. I imagine the estate taxes will not be paid for about that length of time."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November, 27, 1941. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. Curtis B. Dall (former son-in-law), 70 Wall Street, New York.
-Mailing fold, else fine. Envelope rough at edges.

FDR writes, "Many thanks for sending me a copy of your letter to Uncle Fred. I wrote him in regard to the account of my Mother's Trust that I considered the management to have been amazingly successful in view of the forty years since the Trust was created. I hope all goes well with you." FDR's mother, Sara, had died in September, 1941. This personal letter, predates the Pearl Harbor attack by a mere ten days.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signature as Commander-in-Chief with Typed Quote Added.
-[Undated]. [No place]. 7" x 3.5". Clipped from a larger document or letter.
-A bold signature in fine condition.

On December 8, 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt appeared before the United States Congress and delivered an impassioned request for a declaration of war against Japan that began: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941-a date that will live in infamy-the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." Roosevelt's immortal lines have been typed beneath his signature on the clipped closing section of an original war-time letter. In addition to featuring a nice example of FDR's full signature, the President has also signed "C. in C." (Commander-in-Chief) below. The green-tinged stationery is consistent with the White House stationery in use during this period. Given the font style it is obvious that the quote was typed at a much later date.

Franklin Roosevelt, Original Carbon Copy of His Complete Last Will and Testament, December 14, 1941. Fully annotated by Grace G. Tully, and signed by Ms. Tully. On the first page, Basil "Doc" O'Connor initialed the document, and instructed that the document be filed, also noting the date ("12/14/1941"). Grace G. Tully also signed FDR's name on the signature page, and signed "FDR" on the bottom left of each page throughout the document.

This particular version of FDR's Last Will and Testament is significant in that a major change was made to the document in 1941 regarding Marguerite "Missy" LeHand, FDR's long-time personal secretary from Somerville, Massachusetts, including Missy in FDR's estate should the President pre-decease her. Missy was FDR's personal secretary from 1921 until 1941 when Missy was felled by a stroke that left her partly paralyzed and almost unable to speak. She went to Warm Springs to recover. There, she attempted suicide in the cottage where she lived. The Roosevelts were never told. She spent the last three years of her life back at her family home in Somerville, Massachusetts. After her stroke, in 1941 FDR was concerned what would happen to her financially should he die. FDR told Basil O'Connor to alter his will to leave a significant percentage of the interest on his estate to Missy. O'Connor objected because it removed the Roosevelt children as beneficiaries, but FDR insisted feeling, "The children could care of themselves, but this faithful aide could not. If it embarrassed mother, I'm sorry. It shouldn't, but it may." "I owed her that much," he told son James. "She served me so well for so long and asked for so little in return." On July 30, 1944, while looking through old photos of FDR, she suffered a fatal cerebral embolism at age 46.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed as President.
-Matted to an overall size of 14" x 11".
-Fine.

FDR is featured sitting at his desk consulting a rather large book. The strain of office is apparent on the president as evidenced by his lined face and graying hair. A nice original signature is boldly applied at the lower right margin of the photograph.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Archive of Thirteen Typed Memoranda, 1941 - 1945. One memorandum is on 8" x 10.5" White House letterhead, the rest on 5" x 8" White House stationery. All are signed "F.D.R." in type. Eleven are addressed to economic advisor Dr. Isador Lubin; one is to Harry Hopkins and one is to Samuel I. Rosenman. Six of the FDR memoranda are accompanied by associated memos from Lubin. As would be expected, this internal correspondence primarily concerns issues critical to the wartime economy. One memo, however, is much more personal in that the president expresses a liking for "doeskin flannel" and actually orders a suit through Dr. Lubin! The latest of these memos was typed just six days before Roosevelt's death and is very rare thus. Folds, perforations, staples and marks. Overall good condition.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 12, 1942, Washington, D.C. One page, 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. A. W. Hawkes, Kearney, New Jersey.
-Folds, even toning, stapler perforation in upper left corner, docketed with stamp by recipient, else very good.

FDR writes, "I have today by Executive Order established the National War Labor Board. It will, as you know, be the duty of this Board to adjust and to settle any labor dispute which threatens the effective prosecution of the war and which cannot otherwise be settled. The imperative necessity that production continue without interruption places upon the Board a grave and an important responsibility. I have named you a member of this board, representative of employers. I believe that you will make a significant contribution to the nation's war effort. Copies of the Executive Order creating the Board, and of my statement announcing the appointees, are enclosed." (Mentioned enclosures not present.) Albert Wahl Hawkes (1878 - 1971), later to become a U. S. Senator from New Jersey, was President of Congoleum-Nairn, Inc. upon America's entry into World War II.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Photograph Taken at the Inter-American Conference at Rio de Janeiro.
-January 1942. Black and white, 9" x 7", with Associated Press photo credits stamped on the verso and printed tipped-on caption which was become detached from photo.
-Mounted to stiff card stock, else fine.

The Inter-American Conference held in Rio de Janeiro from January 15 through the 28th included representatives from 21 American republics meeting to coordinate policies in defense of the Western Hemisphere. This photograph, released by the Office of War Information, features FDR seated on the deck of an un-named U.S. destroyer surrounded by military and political dignitaries. The president has boldly signed across his own figure in the photograph.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Theatre Program Signed as President.
-January 25, 1942. Washington, D.C. 7" x 9.5".
-Light aging, else very fine.

"Watch on the Rhine". Roosevelt's bold signature is in the top margin. This National Theatre production celebrated FDR's "Diamond Jubilee Birthday Celebration" and served as a March of Dimes fundraiser.

Franklin Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as President.
-February 4, 1942. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Honorable Stewart McDonald, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, light paperclip stain, else very good.

FDR writes "What more could I desire on my birthday than good wishes from good friends. They bring warmth and strength, particularly in times such as these./ My thanks for all you say in your message!" Stewart McDonald was FDR's Federal Housing Administrator. FDR signed the act creating the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) on June 27,1934. FHA guaranteed home mortgage loans made by savings and loan institutions.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-February 5, 1942. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. E. Lansing Ray, The St. Louis Globe-Democrat, St. Louis, Missouri.
-Fold, else very fine.

FDR writes "I want to thank you for that grand birthday message you sent me telling me of the splendid contribution to the Infantile Paralysis Fund through the St. Louis Mile O'Dimes. My personal gratitude, as well as that of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to all of you who had a part in this gift is deep and unbounded." E. Lansing Ray was the St. Louis Globe-Democrat's editor and publisher as well as a tremendous civic booster for the St. Louis, Missouri area. Ray was also the person who encouraged a group of St. Louis businessmen to back Charles Lindbergh in his plan to fly across the Atlantic, and suggested to Lindbergh that the airplane be called the "Spirit of St. Louis."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-March 4, 1942. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". White House letterhead.
-To: Honorable William H. Davis, Washington, D.C.
-Even toning, somewhat brown on two edges, folds, two perforations for binding, overall very good.

FDR writes "In your capacity as a public member of the National War Labor Board, and in accordance with the provisions of Executive Order No. 9017 of January 12, 1942, I hereby prescribe that you shall receive compensation for your services at the rate of $10,000 per annum, effective March 1, 1942.". Here the president authorizes compensation of the Chairman of this important war-related Board. Following the United States' entry into the war, President Roosevelt called a conference of labor, employer and government representatives with the objective of ending industrial disputes which might hinder production during the war. By December 23, 1941, three general points were accepted: 1) there would be no strikes or lockouts; 2) all disputes would be settled by peaceful means; and 3) the President would set-up a war labor board to make a final determination on all disputes not settled by agreement between the parties.

Roosevelt Family Photo Album (1916-1920) with 244 Images, and a Franklin D. Roosevelt Signed Letter to Son James. A fascinating and intimate photographic collection of the Roosevelt family commissioned by FDR and sent to his oldest son James Roosevelt. The photographic album is a copy of the original album assembled by Anna Roosevelt's and recreated in 1942 by Kodak at FDR's request.

-The black leather photographic binder, 11.25" x 7.25", contains 244 photographs, ranging in size from 2.25" x 3.25" to 5" x 6.75". Many of the original photographs are captioned by Anna Roosevelt and cover a diversity of Roosevelt family events, vacations, family homes, and the 1920 presidential political campaign.

-Roosevelt family members predominate, with candid photographs of FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sara Delano Roosevelt, and the Roosevelt children (Anna, James, Elliott, FDR, Jr., and John). Also shown are: Louis McHenry Howe, Miss Bates, Missy Burk, Elizabeth Hitt, Russ, Mary, Murray, Henry, Miss Thompson, Warren M., family pets, acquaintances, and an array of friends and political persons of the time.

-The album is accompanied by a typed letter signed by FDR to his son James, in which he writes: "Dear Jimmy:/ I found an old album at Hyde Park belonging to Sis [FDR's daughter, Anna Roosevelt] and as it had pictures of all of you when you were younger, I thought each would like to have a copy. I had it photostated and am sending it under a separate cover./ Affectionately,/ FDR." The letter, 5" x 8", is on White House letterhead and dated March 17, 1942.

The photographs are clean and securely attached to the album pages. The leather cover of the album shows normal wear and dryness. The letter has uniform light darkening and tape at the top and bottom. An extremely interesting and seldom seen glimpse into the private side of the Roosevelt family.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed (Stamped) as President.
-June 15, 1942. Washington, D.C. 8" x 10.5". White House letterhead.
-To: Claude R. Wickard, Secretary of Agriculture.
-Folds, light browning.

FDR writes, in part, " During the present war period it is important that we try to avoid unnecessary hardships such as were experienced by farmers and others during and following the first World War. By adopting suitable safeguards now, many of these hardships can be averted...I cannot emphasize too strongly the need for a continuation of this constructive policy by the Farm Credit Administration and its cooperating borrowers." Included is a June 23, 1942 Typed Letter Signed by Wickard to A. G. Black of the Farm Credit Administration in Kansas City, Missouri. Wickard sends the above FDR letter and suggests "...that you make it available to each borrower." Roosevelt signature mechanically signed.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 30, 1942. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Major Richards Vidmer, London, England.
-Folds and even browning throughout, some fading, very good.

FDR writes, "I want to tell you how grateful I am to you for taking such good care of Mrs. Roosevelt on her trip in the British Isles. I wish I could have gone along even though I do not like cold houses or the climate of England at this time of year!" ('!' added by FDR in black ink in his own hand.) In 1942, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt accepted an invitation to visit England to see what British women were doing for the War effort and to convey a message of support from her husband, the President of the United States, to the American troops stationed there. The recipient of this letter, Richards Vidmer (1898 - 1978), was a well known sportswriter, flier, and intelligence officer.

Franklin Roosevelt Christmas 1942 Gift, Leather Cover for a Defense Stamp Album. An attractive black leather cover, 3" x 6.75", with gold embossed "Christmas, 1942 from F.D.R.". An official 25-cent Defense Stamp Album with two stamps is included. The leather shows very light wear and is still supple. Fine.

Franklin Roosevelt Christmas Gift to House Majority Leader John McCormack, Leather and 14K Gold, Mark Cross Wallet. This beautiful wallet, 3" x 3.75" (3" x 7.5" open) is clearly marked "Mark Cross, England" on the interior. It has a small, 14K gold oval plaque on which is engraved "J. M. from F. D. Roosevelt." The leather shows light to moderate wear, but is still supple. Near fine.

This wallet is a wonderful symbol of FDR's close relations with the Democratic leadership in Congress. John William McCormack (1891-1980) was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1928. His political skills attracted the attention of Franklin Roosevelt and Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn. He quickly rose in the house leadership to become House Majority Leader. He served as Speaker of the House (1961-1969) before his retirement in 1971.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Patriotic Sheet Music Signed by Over Fifty Entertainers.
-9" x 12.25". Published by Nationwide Songs, Inc., New York. Copyright 1942.
-Fine.

An exceptional piece perfectly evocative of the WWII period of Roosevelt's presidency. Titled "There's an 'FDR' in Freedom" and written by Clarence Kelley, Frank H. Stanton and Bob Matthews, the sheet music's cover features a photographic portrait of FDR with the American flag waving in the background. On the cover are over fifty signatures of some of the biggest name entertainers of the time including: Al Jolson, Fred Allen, Jack Benny, Guy Lombardo, Jimmy Dorsey, Tito Guizar, Vincent Lopez, Ray Block, Mario Janero, Paul Lavalle, Jack Miller, George Mcfarland, Mary Small, Johnny Messner, Irving Miller, Meyer Davis, Bill Bailey, Al Goodman, Raymond Paige, Jerry Wayne, Louise Wilder, Dennis Wayner, Hal Mcintyre, and more. A fabulous piece of FDR, World War II, and entertainment history.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 9, 1943, Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Postmaster General Frank C. Walker, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, else fine.

FDR writes "I realize that I have asked a great deal of you to take over the Chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. I understand that you can only do it for the next six months but, in that time, I am sure you will get the Committee reorganized and help us find a new Chairman."

Perhaps as a result of the sentiments FDR expressed in this letter, walker retained the position of Chairman of the DNC for a full year. Walker, a lawyer and one-time Montana politician, had been an early supporter and successful fundraiser for FDR.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: White House Envelope with Special Inauguration Day Postmarks Addressed to His Son and Signed on His 62nd Birthday.
-January 30, 1943. Postmarked January 11, 1943. 10" x 7.5".
-Mounted to backing board, envelope slightly cockled, FDR's signature slightly faded, else very good.

FDR has signed his name in full on an oversize official White House envelope postmarked from Washington, D. C., January 21, 1943, with a block of four 3-cent World War II victory stamps with special postmarks in succession: "President... Franklin...Delano...Roosevelt.". The White House envelope is addressed to FDR's youngest son and his wife, Lieutenant and Mrs. John A. Roosevelt, Coronado Beach, California. Below the calligraphic address, FDR signs in his own hand: "Franklin D. Roosevelt Jan 30, 1943," which also happens to be FDR's sixty second birthday. An unusual philatelic piece signed on the President's birthday during the middle of World War II. A wonderful piece of Roosevelt and American history.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-June 28, 1943. Washington, D.C. Two pages. 8" x 10.5". White House letterhead.
-To: Congressman John E. Fogarty of Rhode Island, Washington, D.C.
-Light mailing folds, faint paperclip impression.

FDR writes about wartime corn shortages, in part, "... While last year's corn crop was the largest on record, in recent weeks the movement of corn through commercial channels has been inadequate to meet all demands for it, and commercial stocks of corn are now at a very low level. One reason for the falling off in the movement of corn appears to have been the late wet spring. Farmers in the Corn Belt hesitated to sell such corn as they did not need immediately for feeding purposes until 1943 crop prospects appeared more certain. Moreover, Corn Belt farmers are finding it more profitable to market their corn by feeding it to hogs than by selling it for cash. Numbers of livestock on farms, including hogs, are by far the largest on record. I am advised that the War Food Administration has been concerned about this problem for some time and already has taken some steps to relieve, insofar as possible, the current emergency. These steps include the calling of 1942 corn loans, the requisitioning of the remaining stocks of corn in commercial elevators, and the closing out of corn futures contracts on the Chicago Board of Trade. These steps do not provide a permanent solution to the problem but will help materially to make sufficient corn available to keep essential war and civilian industries in at least partial operation for two or three weeks until a more permanent solution is developed and initiated."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President with Holographic Addition.
-October 26, 1943. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Wentworth Bacon, Canoe Hill Farm, New York.
-Central mailing fold, else fine.

Marked "Personal" at the top, FDR writes, "I think all the arrangements were made by Morgenthau before he left for the sale of his cows and it would be too late to stop it now. I am not worried about his cows being sold for beef! I think we can be assured that the purchasers will continue to use them for milk production. Also, it is my personal thought that Henry Morgenthau is not selling his cows because he was making a loss in the milk business. I think it was solely because of the fact that with his work here he could not give as much attention to the farm as before. You are right that we need more milk. We are getting more but we need still more." A great personal letter to one Dutchess County, New York neighbor about another neighbor, who just happens to be his friend and his Secretary of the Treasury, Henry Morgenthau, Jr.

Franklin Roosevelt Signed Paycheck as President of the United States and Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, dated October 30, 1943, payable to Franklin D. Roosevelt/ The White House/ Washington, D.C., in the amount of $5,020.80. The check, numbered 84,620 at the top right, measures 8.25" x 3.5". FDR endorsed the check on the verso as is customary when cashing a check. FDR's signature is bold, and there are red and black stamps on the verso surrounding FDR's signature that indicate his presidential pay was deposited to his Guaranty Trust Company of New York account. The check is professionally matted and framed in dark wood to an overall dimension of the presentation piece of 12 x 7" on a stand with decorative wood inlay.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 6, 1943. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. J. Levi, New York City.
-One fold, light soiling, else very good.

FDR thanks Mr. Levi for "...your wonderful gifts of the boys' pictures in those most attractive leather folders." The identity of said "boys" is uncertain at this late date.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed "Short Snorter" From the Historic Teheran Conference.
-Signed on a series 1935 one dollar silver certificate. 6" x 2.75".
-With old fold creases, signatures slightly faded, else very good.

The Teheran Conference was the first WWII meeting of the "Big Three" countries - Britain, the Soviet Union and the United States. It was at this conference that the leading powers planned the final strategy for defeating Nazi Germany and her allies. The conference was held November 28 to December 1, 1943 and was attended by Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt and their combined staffs. This short snorter was signed en route to the conference by Roosevelt and several of his aides including Harry Hopkins, Rear Admiral Wilson Brown, Major General E. M. Watson, Dr. Ross McIntire, Admiral William Leahy, and several other military men. The verso of the bill bears the heading "Special Mission 22/11/43". Roosevelt has signed his full signature about two thirds of the way down the bill.

A short snorter is a banknote which circulated during World War II and the Korean War upon which signatures were exchanged between those traveling together or meeting up at different events. The practice was widespread during WWII and also served as the basis of an informal drinking club where those without had to buy a round for the others. It is certain that short snorters bearing FDR's signature are few and far between, and this rare example made all the more significant with the association with the historic Teheran Conference.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Rare Signed 48-Star Flag.
-5' x 3'. Printed stars and sewn stripes. Two metal grommets on the hoist side. With a Lexington red ink maker's stamp on the hoist.
-Slightly toned with age, with a few very small holes, else fine.

FDR has signed this 48-star United States flag on the fourth white horizontal stripe from its top, adjacent to the canton. FDR's signature is very bold, in black ink, measuring a full 5" inches long and 1" high. A beautiful signature on an unusual medium.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-December 18, 1943. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". On White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Dr. Saul Padover, Washington, D.C.
-Multiple folds, soiling, else good.

FDR writes "I am deeply grateful to you for the inscribed copy of your book: 'The Complete Jefferson,' which was brought to me by Secretary Ickes. Jefferson was a many-sided man, as the unending series of studies of his life and work bear witness. Needless to say, I shall look forward with keen anticipation to an opportunity to read the book./ Again many thanks, and Merry Christmas." Saul K. Padover, an historian by training, was Assistant to the Secretary of the Interior from 1938 to 1943.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Radiogram Signed in Print as Commander in Chief.
-December 23, 1943. Headquarters / Service command / APO 502. One page. 8" x 10.5".
-To: "Our Ill or Wounded Fighters".
-Folds throughout, even toning, "Original" penciled along lower margin, very good.

The message reads: "On behalf of a grateful nation I welcome the privilege of sending you Christmas Good Wishes. The uncomplaining gallantry of our American Soldier and Sailor in his quiet patient battle against illness and aching wounds is no less epic than his uncompromising gallantry in his more widely heralded fight against the Axis. We cannot wish you a Merry Christmas. We can salute you- and we do. May God speed your recovery. We can pray- and we do."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-January 27, 1944. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. Isadore Lubin, Washington, D.C.
-Fold, small stain in field, else fine.

FDR writes, "I am terribly chagrined to find that I never have written to thank you for that very beautiful flannel suit material which you sent to me. It is a long time since I have material like it and I am asking my tailor to make it up for me. It was grand of you to think of me and I shall send for you to come over and take a look at me the first day I wear it." Isadore Lubin (1896-1978) was an economist who served as an advisor to the highest government officials.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Check Endorsement.
-January 28, 1944. Brooklyn, New York. One page. 8.25" x 3".
-$10 check from Revered Cornelius Greenway drawn on the Manufacturers Trust Company and made out to FDR. Endorsed in full on verso above stamp in red ink that states "Pay to the order of National City Bank Georgia Warm Springs Foundation." Directly below the stamp, also in red ink, is a cancellation stamp from the National City Bank of New York, dated February 18, 1944, with the notation that the check was paid.
-Soiling, staple mark on upper left corner, else very good.

Reverend Greenway was an autograph collector as well a practitioner of good works. This donation was routed to Warm Springs and thus met the requirements of both activities.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Elizabeth Shoumatoff Print Signed as President.
-January 30, 1944. 10.5" x 14".
-Foxing, small tear right border, top left corner chipped, else very good.

FDR signed this color lithograph on his 62nd birthday, "Franklin D. Roosevelt Jan. 30 1944". Below the image of the President in his Naval cape is the inscription "Copyright by E. S. / Color Collotype by A. Jaffe / Painted by Elizabeth Shoumatoff in April 1943". This was Shoumatoff's first painting of the President.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Lithograph Portrait Signed as President and Issued on Behalf of the Foundation for Infantile Paralysis.
-11" x 14".
-A few areas of foxing, else fine.

A large engraving of FDR consistent with the work of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing with a printed inscribed beneath the lithograph reading: "For Frank Meyer/ for his help in the fight against infantile paralysis". FDR signs his name in bold, blue ink beneath. Frank Meyer was an executive at Paramount Pictures Corporation, as indicated on the original oversized White House transmittal envelope that accompanies this wonderful signed FDR lithograph.

Accompanying the signed lithograph is a Western Union telegram from FDR dated January 30, 1944 (FDR's 62nd birthday), thanking Mr. Meyer for the "important role you play in the fight against infantile paralysis. If it were not for people like you such battles for health would not be possible and we would be back in those dark days when disease was considered the unavoidable lot of man. Don't stop until we have won this war also."

There is also a February 11, 1944 letter on March of Dimes letterhead from Nicholas M. Schenck, National Chairman of the National Motion Pictures Committee, thanking Mr. Meyer for his help, as well as a January 31, 1944 Western Union telegram from Schenck and National Co-Chairman Harry Brandt thanking Mr. Meyer for his financial support and stating "a good deal of the credit for the result is due" to Mr. Meyer and the work of the motion picture industry.

There is also a large 9 x 12" booklet entitled So They May Walk Again... A Book of Good Deeds/ Report of Collections by Motion Picture Theatres/ March of Dimes/ February 18 to 24, 1943/ In Co-Operation with National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The booklet contains an introductory message from FDR and facsimile signature of the President, as well as all the details about how the motion picture industry raised funds to support the March of Dimes. An exceptional lot, especially when one considers FDR's intimate association with the cause of fighting the crippling disease of polio.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-May 11, 1944. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Captain Frederick J. Bell, U.S.N., Washington, D.C.
-Light soiling, fold, else very good.

FDR writes: "Thank you very much for the autographed copy of your book 'Condition Red' which you so kindly sent to me by Captain Wood. I think that it is a fine piece of work. You have a wealth of interesting material which you have presented in a well written, authentic style. I also like the map on the inside of the cover and the pictures at the end...". Frederick Jackson Bell (1903-1994) was serving in the Bureau of Naval Personnel at the time he received this letter and, in time, would become a decorated Navy Admiral as well as an Episcopal minister.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Bronze Star Approval Letter Signed as President.
-After July,1944. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". White House letterhead.
-Folds, else very fine.

FDR writes "CITATION FOR BRONZE STAR MEDAL/ Colonel Clive E. Temperley, British Army. For meritorious service in connection with military operations against an enemy of the United States from January to July 1944. As Provisional Commissioner, Allied Military Government, Foggia Province, Italy, Colonel Temperley administered his office with unusual ability and directed its activities to furnishing all possible administrative aid to the Army Air Forces operating in the area. He rendered material assistance in carrying out the malarial control program and in furthering the agricultural activities of the region." The Bronze Star Medal was established by Executive Order 9419, February 4, 1944 and was available to foreign nationals who served in conjunction with U.S. forces.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Presidential Appointment.
-August 8, 1944. Washington, D.C. 22.5" x 18.25". Framed to 30" x 25.5".
-Appointment of George Z. Barnes of Illinois to the U.S. Tariff Commission.
-Minor toning, soiling, and fading, else near fine.

This official document signed by FDR and Acting Secretary of State Edward R. Stettinius, Jr., appoints George Z. Barnes of Illinois as "a Member of the United States Tariff Commission for the term expiring June 16, 1947". Includes a paper Presidential Seal affixed at lower left, next to the signatures. In May 1940 FDR invited Edward Stettinius of the U.S. Steel Corporation to become head of the new National Defense Advisory Commission. After serving in the Office of Production Management, he was appointed Lend-Lease administrator in January 1941. In October 1943 he became Undersecretary of State, and eventually succeeded his boss, Cordell Hull, in December 1944.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "FR" as President.
-October 24, 1944. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". White House letterhead. Original envelope of transmittal included.
-To: Honorable Samuel Mandelbaum, New York.
-Mailing fold, extremely minor soiling, else about fine.

FDR writes, "Your kind message of October twenty-second means a great deal to me. I appreciate it immensely." Mandelbaum had been one of Roosevelt's closest advisors while New York governor. As president, FDR nominated him as a judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. FDR's abbreviated signature is very shaky, given that this letter was signed less than six months before his passing.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 11, 1944. Washington, D.C. One page. 6.5" x 6.75". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. James Montgomery Flagg, New York City.
-Some soiling, faint paperclip stain.

Shortly after his election to a fourth term, FDR writes, "Thanks much for your message. I like the way in which it is couched." A Roosevelt supporter and illustrator, Flagg designed the famous "I Want You" Uncle Sam recruiting poster used both in WWI and WWII.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-November 29, 1944. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. S. L. Latimer, Jr., Publisher, The State, Columbia, South Carolina.
-Mailing folds, two small marginal stains, else fine.

FDR writes, "In its recent support of my candidacy, and of the war and peace programs of the administration, THE STATE took its place beside a number of other newspapers, some of them traditionally Republican, some describing themselves as independent, and some, like your own, on the side of the Democratic Party. As one of these, the STATE fought hard and effectively in the campaign. It was fighting for those policies which you and I believe are in the nation's best interest. But it was doing more than that. THE STATE was giving its readers a fine demonstration of our free press functioning at its best. It was pointing the way to a new and stronger national unity which our country must achieve to meet and surmount the problems that lie ahead of us. I believe America will achieve that essential unity. I think we have made a fine start-thanks to the STATE and those newspapers and spokesmen fighting side by side with it regardless of party leanings. Let us keep up the good work together." Roosevelt had just been elected to his historic fourth term.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-December 8, 1944. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 5" x 8". White House Stationery.
-To: Harry L. Hopkins, Washington, D.C.
-Folds, corner crease and staple residue, else very good.

A frisky FDR writes "Dear Dr. Hopkins: I understand from some friends in Meriwether County, Georgia, that you are an expert face lifter and dermatologist. It has also come to my attention that a gentleman with a mustache would like to shave it but does not dare find out what is underneath. Perhaps you can help him. It would be a pity to have him go through life not knowing what is underneath. As ever yours, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ph.D." Cruising towards his historic, yet short-lived, fourth term, FDR pokes fun at Thomas Dewey, November's defeated Republican candidate for president. This is a very rare example of Presidential Humor.

Franklin Roosevelt Signed Copy of the D-Day Prayer by President Franklin D. Roosevelt from the White House, June 6, 1944, Here Printed for his Friends at Christmastide 1944. This copy of FDR's D-Day Prayer was given to Archibald MacLeish. This very special and rare volume is multicolored with a slipcase, and the D-Day Prayer contained within on four pages is in fancy script. FDR inscribes on the flyleaf: "For Archie MacLeish/ Christmastide 1944/ from Franklin D. Roosevelt."

The book and its accompanying slipcase measures 7" x 10". Following the D-Day Prayer is, "One hundred copies of this book have been printed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the U.S. Government Printing Office at Washington December • Nineteen hundred and forty-four./ This copy is number 34." The slipcase is lightly faded, but the book is in fine condition.

FDR's famous D-Day Prayer was originally entitled "Let Our Hearts Be Stout," and was written by FDR himself as Allied troops were invading German-occupied Europe during World War II. The prayer was read to the Nation on radio on the evening of D-Day, June 6, 1944, while American, British and Canadian troops were fighting to establish beachheads on the coast of Normandy in France. The previous night, June 5, the President had also been on the radio to announce that Allied troops had entered Rome. The spectacular news that Rome had been liberated was quickly surpassed by news of the gigantic D-Day invasion, which began at 6:30 a.m. on June 6. By midnight about 57,000 American and 75,000 British and Canadian soldiers had gotten ashore. Allied losses on D-Day included 2,500 killed and 8,500 wounded.

Archibald MacLeish gave up a legal career in 1923 and decided to tour Europe. During this period he published several books of poetry and two plays. MacLeish worked as editor of Fortune Magazine (1929-1938) but continued to write poetry. Conquistador (1932) won the Pulitzer Prize and his Frescoes for Mr. Rockefeller's City (1933) was described by one critic as campaign poetry for Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. MacLeish also joined the League for Independent Political Action. The group promoted alternatives to a capitalist system they considered to be obsolete and cruel. In August 1936 MacLeish wrote an article for New Masses where he urged the United States Government to support the republicans in the Spanish Civil War. In 1939 FDR decided to appoint MacLeish as Librarian of Congress. Right wing politicians objected to this proposal and J. Parnell Thomas, a member of the House of Un-American Activities, argued that MacLeish was a Communist. MacLeish, who had been a harsh critic of the American Communist Party for many years, replied, "no one would be more shocked to learn I am a Communist than the Communists themselves." When the vote was taken in the Senate, sixty-three voted for MacLeish (eight voted against and twenty-five abstained) and he was appointed. During the Second World War MacLeish wrote for the New Republic. He was also head of the Office of Facts and Figures

In November 1944, the month before he gave this inscribed book of the D-Day Prayer to MacLeish, FDR appointed MacLeish as his Assistant Secretary of State for Cultural and Public Affairs. Once again right-wing members of the Senate complained about the appointment of MacLeish. The vote was close with forty-three in favor, twenty-five against, and twenty-eight abstaining. MacLeish's main task was to promote the idea of the United Nations to the American people. However, the job only lasted a few months as Harry S. Truman decided not to reappoint him after the death of FDR on April 12, 1945.

Franklin D. Roosevelt and Winston S. Churchill: Cut Signatures Matted with Yalta Conference Photograph.
-[February 4, 1945] FDR: 3.5" x 1". Churchill: 4.25" x 1.5". Photograph: 9" x 8". Matted to 14" x 18".
-Fine.

These cut Roosevelt and Churchill signatures are double-matted with a photo of "The Big Three," Churchill, FDR, and Stalin, at the Yalta Conference, February 4, 1945. The Churchill signature also includes the inscription "Yours sincerely". Includes a COA from the Kreisman Gallery.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Sheet of Stamps as President.
-Sheet of 50 U. S. five-cent stamps from the "Occupied Nations" series, this one featuring the flag of Luxembourg. 8.5" x 10.75". Co-signed by Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau, Jr.
-Full margins, two tiny perforations along right edge, imprinted top and bottom "From the Franklin D. Roosevelt Collection / Auctioned Feb. - April, 1946 by H. R. Harmer Inc. N.Y." Overall excellent condition.

A very late Roosevelt signature from early 1945.

Franklin Roosevelt: Personal 14k Gold Wristwatch presented to the president on his sixty-third birthday by five newsmen who covered The White House, including his son-in-law John Boettiger, Jr. The back of the watch is engraved "Franklin Delano Roosevelt/ with/ Loyalty, Respect/ and Affection/ January 30, 1945".

The watch, retailed by Tiffany & Company, New York, has calendar day and month windows, subsidiary seconds at six o'clock, outer date numerals and luminescent batons. The movement is seventeen jewels and made by Movado. The 14K gold case was made by Wadsworth. The strap, contemporary to the watch, has a replacement buckle and shows wear. The early acrylic crystal has minor age crazing.

The day he received the watch, President Roosevelt was preparing for the Malta Conference where he met with Prime Minister Winston Churchill and the Combined Chiefs of Staff to plan the final campaign against the Germans. From there, FDR flew to the Yalta Conference, the last meeting between FDR, Churchill, and Joseph Stalin. Following Yalta Conference FDR flew to Egypt and boarded the USS Quincy where he met with Farouk I, king of Egypt, Haile Selassie, emperor of Ethiopia, and King Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia. After a final meeting between Roosevelt and Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the Quincy steamed for Algiers where Roosevelt conferred with American ambassadors to Britain, France, and Italy. When he returned to the United States, he addressed Congress on March 1 about his travels. Many people were shocked to see how old, thin, and frail Roosevelt looked. He spoke while seated in the well of the House of Representatives, an unprecedented concession to his physical incapacity. On March 30, 1945, Roosevelt went to Warm Springs to rest before his anticipated appearance at the founding conference of the United Nations. On the afternoon of April 12, Roosevelt said, "I have a terrific headache" and was carried into his bedroom. The doctor diagnosed that he had suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage. Later that day, he died.

This wristwatch, worn regularly by FDR during the last months of his life, was obtained from the grandson of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, John Roosevelt Boettiger, and will include an original Letter of Provenance from him. To view the Letter of Provenance for this lot, please click on this link.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Archive of Forty-Seven Checks Signed and his Final Check Register.
-A black leather Guaranty Trust Company of New York check register book that begins with check number 44 and ends with check number 189. In addition, there are two blank checks that would have been check numbers 190 and 191. All of the checks before number 178 (dated April 9, 1945) have been removed from the register as they were tendered, cashed, canceled, and returned to FDR. Check numbers 178 through 189, a total of twelve checks, are filled out but are unsigned and remain attached to the register, as do the two unnumbered checks. Register is mostly in the hand of FDR's personal secretary, Grace G. Tully with additional notations in Roosevelt's holograph.
-Guaranty Trust Company of New York bank statement pages dated October 31, 1944, December 30, 1944, January 30, 1945, February 28, 1945, March 31, 1945, April 12, 1945, June 30, 1945, and July 14, 1945. Interestingly, the April 12th statement shows his bank checking account balance as $8,037.14 on the day of his death. The final statement, July 14th, has attached to it a paid check for this same amount signed by executors Basil O'Connor and Henry T. Hackett to close the account.
-Canceled, and returned hand-numbered checks, all signed by Roosevelt: #s 6, 34-44, 46-56, 59-62, 75, 79-80, 82-85, 87-90, 92-93, 95-97, 135, 167, 170, and the last check he signed- 177. Dates range between September 2, 1944 and April 9, 1945.

This unbelievably important and historically significant archive presents a rare and comprehensive study of Roosevelt's signature through the last six months of his life as well as an amazing opportunity to examine his personal spending habits. At the end of the check register book, Grace G. Tully notes a deposit for FDR's salary of $4,866.65 on April 9, 1945, and a corresponding check written that day, which FDR signed, to transfer $1,800 to Eleanor Roosevelt's account. This was the last check that FDR signed in his life, as the next twelve checks, which are numbered seriatim, are unsigned.

The checks from FDR's personal bank account during the last six months of his life detail both his professional as well as personal contributions. For example, FDR signs checks to the Democratic National Committee and the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace Foundation, Dutchess County Historical Society, the Foreign Policy Association, and the American Legion, to name a few. On the personal front, for example, the President signs checks to his sons FDR, Jr. and John Aspinwall Roosevelt for their allowances - both of whom were at this time United States Navy officers in World War II, as well as payments concerning FDR's utility, country club, fraternal associations such as the Free Mason's Holland Lodge, and pharmacy bills, to interesting personal affairs such as a check written on December 7, 1944, the third anniversary of Pearl Harbor, to Father Flanagan of Boys Town, and astonishingly FDR's last Christmas gift to his wife - a check also written on December 7, 1944 for $1,000 to Anna Eleanor Roosevelt for her Christmas present in 1944, endorsed by ER as "Anna Eleanor Roosevelt" on the verso of the check. There is also a check written to the New York State Tax Commission on January 5, 1945 for $52.50 to cover an "error" FDR made in his 1942 state tax returns, a check written to the Union Pacific Railroad Company on March 5, 1945 to cover his grandchildren's train tickets to attend his fourth and final inauguration as President of the United States, a check written to the American Red Cross on March 5, 1945 for the 1945 War Fund, a check written to FDR's cousin Margaret "Daisy" Suckley who was with FDR at the time of his death in Warm Springs, Georgia, to reimburse her for her payment to the "masseur, Harry Lenny," otherwise known as Harry Setaro, the former boxer and "hand healer" (a faith healer) who actually attended to FDR at Daisy's urging several times in the President's final months, to a check that remained unsigned (symbolically as it would turn out) written to cover FDR's upcoming attendance at the Jefferson Day Dinner on April 13, 1945, the speech FDR was working on to deliver to this Democratic dinner when he died the day before, in which his final line written in his own hand was "the only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith." There is even a check FDR signed on November 14, 1944 for a collar for his famous little Scottie dog Fala!

Madame Elizabeth Shoumatoff: Three Watercolor Proof Studies for her Legendary "Unfinished Portrait" of FDR.
Executed in Roosevelt's final days, these three paintings were acquired from the estate of Madame Shoumatoff. Many consider them the most famous images ever produced of a sitting president. There are three separate watercolors, each with progressively more detail than the previous, showing Roosevelt in his naval cape and holding a scroll. They were almost certainly used by the artist to create the famous "Unfinished Portrait" that hangs at Warm Springs as well as the portrait painted at the request of President Lyndon Johnson in 1967 for the Executive Mansion. Each study is archivally matted and framed in gold leaf. The first two measure 16.5" x 24" each, and the third, 20.5" x 24.5"

An artist will often create studies such as these; they are the equivalent of a writer's outline and allow the painter to experiment with color and composition before putting brush and paint to canvas for the final version. Rarely though, is there so much drama and intrigue associated with the painting of a portrait. Shoumatoff was FDR's personal guest at the Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia, where he sat for her during the final three days of his life. In her book titled FDR's Unfinished Portrait: A Memoir, Shoumatoff gives an account of the creation of these three historic paintings: "In the afternoon [of April 11, 1945, the day before FDR's death] I continued making sketches for the background of the portrait in the cottage [FDR's Little White House] with Lucy [Mercer Rutherfurd] watching. The pose was decided upon, but not the background. The portrait was to be life-size. I made one sketch with a plain background, another with some landscape resembling the surroundings at Hyde Park, still another with dark clouds which was quite effective. When Lucy, Laura Delano, and Margaret Suckley came in to see me and looked at the sketches, the plain background was unanimously approved. I showed this to the president before he left for a drive with Lucy and one of his cousins. She also thought the plain background best, though for a moment the suggestion of Hyde Park intrigued the president." These are the three original sketches to which Madame Shoumatoff refers, one of which FDR himself approved as the final sketch before commencing with the oil on canvas Shoumatoff was painting the next day, April 12, 1945, when FDR died.

The choice of a conservative Republican such as Elizabeth Shoumatoff to paint a portrait of a liberal Democrat such as Roosevelt is an interesting one. She was born into an aristocratic family in tsarist Russia, and immigrated to the United States in 1917. Her family had all made it big in America. Her husband - before he drowned in a swimming accident in the late 1920s - had become an executive in the Sikorsky aviation company while her brother, himself a painter and a lepidopterist, became curator of the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh. They blended easily into the social and political world of the conservative upper class, and it was while summering in the Catskills in the early 1920s, that Shoumatoff first rubbed elbows with America's leading capitalists, and began painting them and their families. She soon built herself quite a successful career painting the economic royalists - Fords, Fricks, Kodaks, Mellons, five whole generations of Firestones - and she no doubt heard many an anti-Roosevelt uttering out of the mouths of her subjects during sittings. In 1943, friend and client Lucy Mercer Rutherford said to her, "You should really paint the President. He has such a remarkable face. There is no painting of him that gives his true expression. I think you could do a wonderful portrait, and he would be such an interesting person to paint! Would you do a portrait of him if it was arranged?" Shoumatoff was hesitant but soon agreed and found herself in the White House two weeks later with a very comfortable and jovial FDR. Even with their philosophical and political differences, they became fast friends, swapping stories and laughing. The small portrait that resulted from this sitting didn't quite capture the Roosevelt she had come to admire and he agreed to sit for another, larger portrait that would hang either in the White House in Washington or at the Little White House in Warm Springs.

This second sitting finally came about in April 1945 at Warm Springs. Shoumatoff arrived on April 9th and was shocked at the president's haggard appearance, "My first thought was: how could I make a portrait of such a sick man." His spirits were high though, and the first sitting, out of doors, took place on the 10th. An additional sitting took place on the 11th and photos were also taken to aid in her work. These two days are when the present watercolors were created. On the 12th, FDR once again posed for Shoumatoff. She thought, "he looked cheerful and full of pep." Roosevelt was relaxed throughout. She "started, as usual, with the eyes." At times his gaze got distracted, even a little vacant, and Shoumatoff tried to rally his attention with a surefire gambit: stamps. Had he seen the new India issue? "In a little while the eyes were placed and a familiar expression began to show. But it was not quite the look I was accustomed to during the past few days. The President seemed so absorbed, with the papers or something else, that when he would look up at my request, his gaze had a faraway aspect and was completely solemn." He brightened momentarily when Lucy or Margaret Suckley would say something from their perch on the couch, off to the side. Someone brought in a glass of green medicine. What on earth was that for, Shoumatoff asked. "To increase appetite," was Roosevelt's laconic reply. When the butler brought in a bowl of oatmeal a few minutes later, however, he waved it away. "We have fifteen minutes more to work," Roosevelt told her as a steward prepared the table for luncheon. Then the President passed his hand over his forehead. Shoumatoff consistently held ever afterwards that he never said anything about a headache or pain, or anything at all for that matter, after the "we have fifteen minutes more" comment. His head simply slumped forward listlessly. "Lucy, Lucy," Shoumatoff cried out, "something has happened!" She knocked her easel and tools over in a panicky rush to alert the Secret Service agent nearby. All was bedlam in an instant. A group of men now carried Roosevelt to the bedroom. "I could not see exactly who was carrying him but I will never forget that silhouette on the background of the open door to the sunny porch." Lucy suddenly said to her, "We must pack and go. The family is arriving by plane and the rooms must be vacant. We must get to Aiken before dark." Shoumatoff, Lucy, photographer Nicholas Robbins (who had been in another room and did not know what had happened), and the Unfinished Portrait, were packed into a car and driving away in a matter of minutes. Madame Shoumatoff donated the "Unfinished Portrait" to Warm Springs where it still hangs to this day. These amazing studies, made from life on FDR's last two full days alive would make a monumental addition to any collection.

The Actual Sheets Upon Which Franklin Roosevelt Lay in Death, From His Warm Springs, Georgia "Little White House". It seems incredible that such an artifact would be privately held, but the documentation which accompanies this item is unimpeachable! After FDR's death, the sheets were retained by the Chief Housekeeper in Warm Springs, Hoke Shipp. In all probability they would at some point have been given to the Warm Springs Museum, had not Hoke become unhappy about the way he was treated by the new Warm Springs management. Accordingly, he retained the sheets until 1985, when they passed into the collection of Raleigh DeGeer Amyx. Each sheet has an embroidered "R" monogram, which was used to differentiate the president's personal sheets from those of the rest of the household, and Hoke Shipp signed the actual sheets, near the monogram, to confirm that these particular sheets were the ones on which the president expired. A handwritten note from Shipp and a copy of a note from longtime White House Secretary and FDR friend, Toi Bachelder, detail the provenance; a 1985 statement by Mr. Amyx provides additional details. The sheets are in excellent condition, and constitute one of the most significant presidential relics in private hands.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Signed Dinner Program.
-June 1, 1931. 4.5" x 6.5".
-Mounting remnants on the verso (removed from an album), else very good.

Eleanor Roosevelt, and twenty other governors' wives sign the program for the "Formal Dinner of the Twenty-third Conference of Governors, Monday, June First, Nineteen Hundred and Thirty-One at the French Lick, Indiana Springs Hotel. All the ladies have signed in pencil. A wonderful item related to Eleanor when she was the First Lady of New York.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed on 1933 Move to White House.
-February 9, 1933. Three pages. 6" x 7". Personal letterhead.
-To: Ike Hoover, Chief Usher at the White House.
-Original folds, minor creases, light paper clip rust marks on first page, else fine.

Irwin H. ("Ike") Hoover (1871-1933) was a White House usher for 42 years, ultimately becoming Chief Usher in charge of day-to-day operations. He already had served during the administrations of Presidents Harrison, Cleveland, Theodore Roosevelt, Wilson, Taft, Coolidge, and Hoover before he received this fascinating letter from Eleanor Roosevelt.

Writing less than one month before FDR's first term began, ER informs Ike Hoover about the living accommodations to be used by the President, First Lady, and their immediate family. In an interesting paragraph, the current state of race relations in the highest quarters of the American republic can be witnessed in the prose of Mrs. Roosevelt, who would concern herself with civil rights throughout her lifetime. She writes (in part): "I will also have my maid and my husband's valet, both colored. They sleep in the house but I think could go to friends for a night or two or until the other changes in servants are made. They will, however, come to The White House and bring all of our bags, etc., on the afternoon of Inauguration Day. Will you let me know which will be the best door for them to enter by?" In the following paragraph, she adds (in part): "Many thanks for your kindness to me the other day. It is a great comfort to know that you will be there to help me get started and see me through the next few years." The letter is signed (in full): "Eleanor Roosevelt".

Unfortunately Ike Hoover died soon after the Roosevelts moved in. Following a typical workday at the White House, he suffered a fatal heart attack. Prior to this sudden event, however, he had completed a large portion of a unique memoir with an "insider's view" of his lengthy tenure serving America's First Families.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Document Signed as Todhunter School Associate Principal.
-May 26, 1933. New York City. 10.25" x 8.25". Todhunter School diploma made out to Margaret Keyes Ladds.

The diploma, co-signed by Principal Marion Dickerman, is pasted inside the front cover of The Horn yearbook for 1933. Central fold from placement in book, aged with some soiling. Both items in overall good condition.

Mrs. Roosevelt co-owned the exclusive Todhunter School with Dickerman and, in fact, taught history until her duties as First Lady became paramount.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed "E.R." as First Lady.
-November [c. 1930s]. Washington, D.C. Two pages (front and back). 5" x 6.5". "Memorandum" letterhead.
-To: George Marvin.
-Original folds, minor creases, else fine.

ER mentions the Thanksgiving holiday in this letter to George Marvin. She writes (in part): "I think it's good and what is more important F.D.R. thinks so but I do think it may be a bit too long. Your letter made me realize what a bad correspondent I always am and I feel very humble and grateful for I realize that though my thoughts are often with you, you can't very well read it! There is a fairly constant stream of visitors but not at many as last time and F. is getting more rest. I've done no work but I've had lots of exercise and zest."

Eleanor Roosevelt: 18K Gold Basket Weave Compact. An exquisite eighteen karat solid gold and diamond ladies compact crafted in woven 18K gold. The white gold catch is set with four diamonds. The inside of the compact is a gold plaque upon which is inscribed, "To/ Eleanor/ Merry Christmas/ From Franklin/ 1934." The compact is in exquisite condition and measures 2" in diameter. The compact mirror within has slight age-related discoloration, but the compact is completely functional, and in excellent condition. Originally obtained from the estate of Grace Tully, FDR's personal secretary.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as First Lady.
-July 27, 1935. Eastport, Maine. Three pages. 6" x 7". Personal letterhead. Includes the original envelope.
-To: Maude Gray of Portland, Maine.
-Original folds, ink faded to brown, else fine.

In this letter to her Aunt Maude Gray, ER writes (in part): "You were darling to take us all in and now I await your arrival with impatience. Capt. Calder suggested today that you could get a train to East Machias. Is there one?."

Eleanor Roosevelt Monogrammed White Linen Handkerchief, 11" x 11", embellished with lace and embroidered with the initials of the First Lady, "ER". The handkerchief was owned by ER and given to Mr. Irineo Esperancilla, FDR's valet in the 1940s. Minor age browning, else near fine.

Eleanor Roosevelt Monogrammed Leather Handbag. Designed and manufactured by Pichel the handbag measures 13" x 7.5". It has a heavy brass clasp and monogrammed "AER" for Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. Inside the pocketbook in one of the pockets is a compact mirror, and sewn in the inside flap of the cover of the pocketbook is an annual pass to the American League from 1942 signed by William Harridge, President of the League. The pass has detailed calligraphy and a lithograph of the American bald eagle resting its talons on a baseball above a shield with the year 1942 in red ink. The pass reads: "Annual Pass To All Grounds/ American League of Professional Base Ball Clubs/ Anna Eleanor Roosevelt and Party/ Wm Harridge/ President." The pass is in excellent condition.

Eleanor Roosevelt Scrapbook of Her 1943 Goodwill Tour of the South Pacific. Assembled by Captain George Durno, who had covered the White House for many years as a reporter for the INS but who was now in the Army. The scrapbook, 12.5" x 15.5", contains photographs of Mrs. Roosevelt's trip as well as copies of her newspaper column "My Day" documenting the trip. There are also a number of small snapshots and a pencil sketch of Captain Durno. The scrapbook pages are somewhat brittle, else near fine.

During her five-week goodwill tour Eleanor Roosevelt spoke to approximately 400,000 men. Between August 19 and September 19, 1943, he visited: Christmas Island; Penryhn Island (Tongareva Island); Borabora, Society Islands; Aitutaki; Tutuila, Samoa; Fiji; Noumea, New Caledonia; Auckland, New Zealand; Wellington, New Zealand; Rotorua, New Zealand; Sydney, Australia; Canberra, Australia; Melbourne, Australia; Rockhampton, Australia; Cairns, Australia; Brisbane, Australia; Noumea (2), New Caledonia; Efate/Espiritu Santo; Guadalcanal; and, Wallis and Christmas Islands.

On Guadalcanal she wrote, "At first there was complete surprise on the faces of the men, and then one boy in stentorian tones said: 'Gosh, there's Eleanor.' I am never quite sure whether to take this as a compliment or to be a little ashamed of it, but they were so evidently pleased to see women, we had to laugh and go on waving."

Eleanor Roosevelt's Metal Bloomingdale's Charge Card. The metal charge plate (charge card) issued by the prestigious department store Bloomingdale's to "MRS F D ROOSEVELT/ THE WHITE HOUSE/ WASHINGTON DC/ 79R 320 B." The precursor to the modern credit card, the charge plate (2.5" x 1.25") is in it's original leather carrying case embossed with the name of the store, Bloomingdale's, in script.

The card was obtained from the estate of Edgar and Anna McGowan, both of whom served the Roosevelt family at their summer retreat at Campobello until the 1950s, Edgar as groundskeeper and Anna as head of the household staff. After Anna's death in 1955, the items remained in her family until an early 2000 auction. Included is a photocopy of a 1945 Notice of Probate concerning FDR's estate mentioning Mrs. McGowan as a beneficiary.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Small Archive From Estate of Major Robert W. Robinson.
Included are the following items:
-Eleanor Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed. June 29, 1944. Hyde Park, New York. 6" x 9". White House stationery. To Major Robinson offering help after he lost a leg in the war. Folds, held by original, rusty paperclip.
-Blank Eleanor Roosevelt Christmas card and envelope. 5" x 4". Pristine.
-Eleanor Roosevelt Photo Christmas card featuring children and pets. 4.25" x 6". Extremely fine condition.
-Photograph of Mrs. Robinson and child on White House lawn with autograph note from Eleanor Roosevelt reading, "With affectionate birthday greetings."

Eleanor Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-October 21, 1946. New York. One page. 6" x 7". On Eleanor's personal letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Mary Roe Ziegler of New Windsor-on-Hudson, New York. With the original transmittal envelope.
-Fine.

Eleanor responds to Mrs. Ziegler on an unknown matter and adds: "Mrs. Sherwood asked if you and she could come to Hyde Park to see me and I am sorry but my time is so completely taken up by the United Nations, I cannot be sure of when I will be in Hyde Park." President Truman had only just appointed Mrs. Roosevelt as a delegate to the United Nations. In this capacity Eleanor would help draft the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Excerpts from "If You Ask Me" Typed Document Signed.
-[no date] One page. 8.5" x 11".
-Minor creases and wear, else fine.

One page of typed excerpts from "If You Ask Me," a collection of ER's opinions on various subjects, published in 1946. ER's comments on politics, religion, marriage, and war and peace are capped off with her signature at the bottom of the page. ER writes (in part): "Religion to me is simply the conviction that all human beings must hold some belief in a Power greater than themselves, and that whatever their religious belief may be, it must move them to live better in this world and to approach whatever the future holds with serenity."

Eleanor Roosevelt: Sheets of Three-Cent FDR Stamps Signed.
-[no date] 10" x 5.75".
-Fine.

A partial sheet (w/ plate number) of three-cent FDR stamps are signed by Eleanor Roosevelt on the blank border.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Adi Bernard Archive.
-Three Typed Letters Signed, "Eleanor Roosevelt", each one page on personal letterhead, 6" x 7", New York City, 1947 - 1948, to Adi Bernard, New York City.
-Western Union Telegram, one page, 8" x 5.75", from Eleanor Roosevelt to Adi Bernard, September 19, 1941. The First Lady regrets missing a concert.
-Inscribed Eleanor Roosevelt calling card, "with best wishes for yourself", unsigned, one page with transmittal envelope, 3" x 2.25".
-Various concert programs and envelopes.
Overall good condition with expected soiling, aging and wear.

Adi Bernard, a French concert pianist (and ex-resistance fighter), was befriended by Mrs. Roosevelt.

In one of her "My Day" columns dated September 25, 1947, Eleanor wrote of Miss Bernard, "Among other appointments yesterday, I saw a French woman, Miss Adi Bernard, who is going to give her first recital in Carnegie Hall on October 6. She was a pupil of Jose Iturbi and has played in many parts of Europe in solo concerts and with various symphony orchestras. She was active in her country's resistance movement and is only now resuming her musical career. The first thing she said to me was: 'The United States is Heaven. Your people do not appreciate what they have.' That is the impression of almost everyone who comes here from other lands, so we should not wonder when we find hostility and even bitterness against us."

Eleanor Roosevelt: Caricature Signed by Oscar Berger.
-[no date] 8.25" x 10". Matted and framed to 13.75" x 15.5".
-Minor creases, else fine.

Born in Prague, Oscar Berger (1901-1997) studied art in Paris and Berlin, which he fled when Hitler came to power in 1933. During the 1950s, he attended many sessions at the United Nations, where he sketched numerous world leaders. His work appeared in Time, The New York Times, and the New York Herald-Tribune.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Framed Olin Dows Print Signed.
-Christmas 1956. 19.5" x 12.5". Framed to 22" x 15".
-To: Helen Schloss.
-Minor toning and wear, else fine.

This woodblock print featuring the FDR Library and Museum on a winter's day is inscribed and signed in the bottom margin (in full): "To Hester Schloss on Xmas 1956 / Eleanor Roosevelt".

Eleanor Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed and Mounted With a Clipped Franklin D. Roosevelt Signature.
-June 30, 1958. New York. One page. Mounted to an overall size of 9" x 12". On Mrs. Roosevelt's personal letterhead.
-To: Linnea Calder.
-Fine.

A matted Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt signature set consisting of a letter to Linnea Calder from Eleanor which reads: "Dear Linnea:/ This is just a hurried note to ask you to please prepare 2 dozen jars of blueberries and 2 dozen jars of cranberries for me this year./ I hope you are well and enjoying the summer./ With every good wish,/ Cordially,/ Eleanor Roosevelt". Linnea Calder was a friend of the Roosevelts and a daughter in the McGowan family who oversaw the maintenance and upkeep of their cottage and summer home in Campobello. FDR's full signature is on green and blue paper, the color of official The White House Washington stationery.

Eleanor Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-January 31, 1959. New York. One page. 5.5" x 5" (sight size). Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt stationery.
-To: Dr. Aida Sloan, Pacific Palisades, California.
-Fine condition.

Mrs. Roosevelt thanks Dr. Aida Sloan for remembering Franklin Roosevelt's birthday on January 30, "I am deeply appreciative of your thought and I know my husband would have been grateful for your tribute."

The letter is attractively framed with a black and white photograph of Eleanor Roosevelt and full matting (23" x 17.5" overall). A letter of authenticity from Walt Disney Attractions, Inc. and the original Eleanor Roosevelt franked transmittal envelope are affixed to the back of the frame.

Anna Eleanor Roosevelt's Hymnal. The small book, The Hymnal, Revised and Enlarged (New York: Henry Prowde, 1892) belonging to Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt's oldest child and only daughter Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (1906-1975). It was obtained from John Roosevelt Boettiger, the son of Anna Roosevelt and John Boettiger, Jr. The hymnal measuring 2.5" x 5", is signed inside the front cover "Anna E. Roosevelt," as a child. The leather cover is detached and shows wear. The pages are brittle, else a wonderful and personal family item from The Roosevelt's oldest child.

A notable characteristic of the hymnal is that it contains only the hymns' words, not their music. In those days, one was expected to be so familiar with the hymns that a brief introduction by the organ was sufficient to remind parishioners of the music. This hymnal was a gift to Anna Roosevelt, on the occasion of her confirmation, by her parents. She wrote her name on the flyleaf in a child's penciled hand. The Roosevelts were devoted members of St. James Episcopal Church in Hyde Park, in whose tree-shaded graveyard Anna is buried with other members of the Roosevelt family. Franklin Roosevelt was proud to be a lifetime vestryman of St. James.

To view the Letter of Provenance from John Roosevelt Boetigger for this lot, please click on this link.

Elliott Roosevelt: Signed First Edition, As He Saw It (New York, Duell, Sloan and Pearce, 1946). Blue cloth covers. 8vo, 270 pages, index. Hardback, dark blue cloth covers, gold gilt-stamped front cover and spine. Tight, but no dust jacket. Signed "Elliott Roosevelt" on back of first free endpaper. Near fine.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr.: 1936 Harvard College Report Card.
-July 10, 1936. On a printed 8.5" x 11" form and completed in typescript.
-Slightly toned with a few tears along the left margin not affecting text. The document has been mounted to a larger backing sheet via adhesive top corner mounts, else it is in very good condition.

An amazing document pertaining to FDR and Eleanor's fifth born child (and the second of their children to bear the Jr. moniker). The report card was sent directly to FDR at the White House. Results indicate that the junior FDR was not an exceptional student, in fact rather average. It seems he typically earned "As" and "Bs" with a blemish here and there. An extraordinarily personal document.

James Roosevelt Personal Correspondence Archive. A massive collection of over a thousand signatures, photographs, and documents from James Roosevelt, the oldest son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. This primary document collection contains typed and handwritten letters, memoranda, and notes, as well as receipts, telegrams, including an entire file of condolences sent to James Roosevelt, and carbons of his response letters, regarding the passing of his grandmother, FDR's mother Sara Delano Roosevelt, on September 7, 1941.

The vast majority of the items date from the early 1940s. For example, there is a letter from legendary Hollywood director George Marshall; another is a framed citation from American Airlines naming your father as "Honorary Admiral of the Fleet." There are also manuals from the Marine Corps, war correspondence, orders and top-secret reports, fascinating letters from Hollywood, script pitches for Hollywood films, as well as personal letters from Roosevelt family friends.

There is also a special handwritten letter by penned by Lord Louis Mountbatten during Great Britain's fight alone in the months shortly before Pearl Harbor. This personal letter from Lord Mountbatten to the son of FDR demonstrates the importance that personal relationships played in the alliance between the United States and Great Britain. The text of Mountbatten's letter to Jimmy Roosevelt is very interesting, as well as personal in content. This letter is four-pages on letterhead from Broadlands, Mountbatten's Hampshire estate. Mountbatten wrote, in part, to Jimmy Roosevelt: "I had a long talk about your various schemes and he has asked me to come and see him at the Embassy this week. The P.M., First Lord, First Sea Lord. Secretary of Air, Chief of Air Staff were all most enthusiastic about your various schemes. I hope the President will be able to carry as many of them out as possible." Mountbatten's postscript reads: "The more I think of it the more I feel we are both right in wanting to have uniforms worn by British Naval Officers in the U.S. What luck have you had? I'd be glad to know because it will affect my luggage." Though James Roosevelt was no longer "officially" a Presidential Assistant, he obviously continued to work for his father as is evident by this letter.

There is also a large collection of materials related to the third wife of James Roosevelt, Gladys Irene Owen Kitchenmaster Roosevelt, married to James Roosevelt from 1956 to 1969. This large Irene Roosevelt collection contains numerous memorabilia relating to her family, husband James Roosevelt and various professional and social activities. The Irene Roosevelt sub-collection of James Roosevelt material consists of 117 mostly black and white photographs, mostly of which are 8" x 10," including a black and white photograph of Gene Barry, signed by him and addressed to Irene, a 35MM contact sheet of images pertaining to Irene and her family, a Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential birthday ball program signed and addressed to Irene by Meyer Davis who conducted his orchestra at the ball, letters, invitations, a diplomatic United States passport, type written speeches given by Irene to various organizations and thank you letters from organizations.

Louis McHenry Howe, 1934 America's Cup Large Engraved Brass Paperweight. The piece is 8.5" x 4" and features a brass yachting cleat. Artistically engraved with a rope border and two anchors at the corners, the paperweight is also engraved with "Defender of the America's Cup 1934/ 'Rainbow'/ Colonel Louis McHenry Howe/ Herreshoff Manufacturing Company/ Bristol, Rhode Island". On the left side of the cleat is engraved the Herreshoff Company crest, on the right, an American Eagle. It shows only light wear. From the collection of Isabelle V. Wamsley, personal secretary to both Louis McHenry Howe, and later, President Franklin Roosevelt.

The Rainbow was the defender, winner of the 15th America's Cup in 1934. Sailing for the New York Yacht Club, the Rainbow was designed by W. Starling Burgess and built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.

Louis McHenry Howe (1871-1936) made a career out of being the man behind FDR. His closeness to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt made him somewhat of a novelty. Howe favored The New York Times' description of him as "The President's Other I." The New York Herald Tribune noted, "His loyalty is not to himself or to an abstract ideal of government, but solely to Franklin D. Roosevelt. Howe, one of the most influential characters in the making of Franklin D. Roosevelt's political career, and perhaps most widely known under the title, king-maker."

Howe first met Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1911 while covering the latter's bold Senatorial fight against Tammany Hall, the seat of corrupt party politics in New York. FDR's persistence and eventual victory garnered Howe's admiration. Howe said of their initial meeting: "I was so impressed with Franklin Roosevelt...his seriousness, his earnestness, his firm dedication to his cause, that from that moment we became friends - and almost at that very first meeting I made up my mind that he was Presidential timber and that nothing but an accident could keep him from becoming President of the United States." Howe realized how his experience and maturity could complement FDR's enthusiasm and charisma to effect a powerful political team - he was, as he put it, providing the "toe weights." the grounding for FDR's career.

When FDR became Assistant Secretary of the Navy, a privileged gentleman's position, Howe steered him away from the fashionable places of the elite and instead directed him to the Navy Yards to monitor labor conditions personally. It was during this time that Howe and Roosevelt became acquainted with Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, a major builder of ships for the United States Navy.

Howe had little regard for those who were not vital to FDR's political career. As Eleanor Roosevelt stated of him, "He made few personal friends and he judged most of those by their loyalty to 'The Boss' as he called my husband." It is widely accepted that as an influential political adviser and personal friend of FDR, Howe was supreme. As one biographer summed up Howe: "He was the 'most private' of the President's private secretaries. He talked with Roosevelt daily; no one knew what they said. On a given matter he might have immense impact - or none at all." Upon Howe's death in 1936, Roosevelt assigned him a final title - that of "Devoted friend, adviser and associate of the President."

Louis McHenry Howe: Scrapbook of Mimeographed Newspaper Clippings.
-April 20-26, 1936. 28 pages. 18.5" x 23".
-Some wear, chipping, small tears, and soiling; cover has considerable wear, tears, and chipping; else very good.

This scrapbook contains numerous articles from newspapers across the United States pertaining to the passing of FDR's loyal aide, Colonel Louis McHenry Howe.

Grace Tully, FDR's Personal Secretary, Archive.
-Very good to fine condition.

A wonderful and historic collection from Grace G. Tully, FDR's personal secretary. Included in the collection is an anniversary program for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Day Dinner hosted in Washington, D.C. by the Americans for Democratic Action; a Franklin D. Roosevelt Day Dinner invitation and program, January 28, 1956; a Program for the Franklin D. Roosevelt Warm Springs Memorial Commission in Warm Springs, Georgia, with a letter to Ms. Tully dated April 17, 1953 from C. F. Palmer, the Chairman of the FDR Warm Springs Memorial Commission, as well as the original carbon copy of the "Introduction of Honorable William D. Hassett, formerly Secretary to President Roosevelt by Charles F. Palmer, Chairman" along with original copies of Mr. Hassett's remarks and address at Warm Springs, Georgia, on April 12, 1953; Ms. Tully's copy of the Collections of Manuscripts and Archives in the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Hyde Park, New York, 1969 with a letter to Ms. Tully dated February 27, 1970 from James E. O'Neill, Director of the FDR Library; and the large 10 x 12 ½" Report to the President and Congress by the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission dated May 30, 1978; the report that laid the foundations for the construction and ultimate dedication of the FDR Memorial in Washington, D.C. in May, 1997. On the inside cover of the book is the inscription "Happy Birthday to Ms. Grace Tully" with numerous signatures, and on the next page a calligraphic poem written below the words "The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial" in black ink: "Old F.D.R. was asked one day/ While standing with Ms. Tully/ 'Bout his demand for excellent work/ Which nothing seemed to sully// He paused as if to think/ Tho' his response was right at hand/ He smiled and said 'All credit goes/ To Grace, by which I stand." A fabulous and personal collection belonging to Grace G. Tully, one of FDR's closest associates for many years.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Scrapbook Compiled by Isabelle V. Wamsley.
-1933-1939, 1955 and 1960. 18" x 24.5".
-Construction paper pages detached from rope binding, some items loose from their mounts, else near fine.

Isabelle V. ("Izzy") Wamsley was a former assistant and secretary to both FDR and his trusted aide Louis McHenry Howe. She was appointed to White House duty after serving on the Democratic National Campaign Committee. This large scrapbook, titled "Mementos" on the front cover, assembled by Wamsley includes over 200 items, including letters written by Howe, James Farley and Stephen Early, FDR's 1936 acceptance address booklet inscribed and signed by Alben W. Barkley, postcards, telegrams, invitations to events (including Howe's funeral and the 1960 inauguration of JFK), entrance cards to the White House, newspaper clippings (including the announcement of her marriage to James Tumulty, Jr.) and several photographs. Nearly all the items are from the period 1933-1939.

Harold L. Ickes Personal Stamp Collection. A massive collection from FDR's long-serving Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes, several hundred stamped envelopes addressed to Ickes and his long-serving assistant William McCrillis, as well as many envelopes addressed to FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman.

The envelopes addressed to Ickes and McCrillis come from every conceivable branch and department in American government and society during the 1930s and 1940s, and many contain signatures on the envelopes themselves: from The White House, Congress, the Supreme Court, executive departments and New Deal agencies, branches of the military, labor leaders, celebrities and cultural figures such as Theodore Dreiser [signed] and Joe Louis, scientists such as Guglielmo Marconi [signed], as well as from multiple state and local governments. There are also envelopes from embassies, foreign governments, intelligence agencies, businesses, colleges and universities, public and private associations, newspapers and other media services, private citizens both in America and abroad. Several of the envelopes express the sender's appreciation or disdain for the recipient of the letter, addressing Ickes, for example, as: "Aluminum Monopoly Breaker," "Our Next President," "Dictater #2 [sic]," "The Slimy Mouthed Serpent from Hell", "Minister of Propaganda," "Common Scold #1," "Stalin's Mouthpiece and Stooge," "To a certain creature who calls himself Ickes (Ickesovitchski)," among many other fascinating addresses given to Mr. Ickes. Also in this Ickes collection are hundreds of postal stamps and postal stickers both domestic and international. Evidently Mr. Ickes took some pleasure in saving the envelopes from those who corresponded with him. FDR interested Ickes in philately.
Harold LeClaire Ickes (1874-1952) was a lawyer, public official, journalist, and author, born in Frankstown Township, Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Chicago, he reported for Chicago newspapers (1897 -1900) but soon became involved in Republican reform politics and a civic-minded law practice. Prominent in the Progressive Party (1912-1916), he changed affiliation, backed Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, and was appointed interior secretary (1933-1946). As Public Works Administration director (1933-1939) he angered private utilities by curbing their power and providing low-cost public utilities and housing. Blunt and outspoken, he often quarreled with journalists and fellow officials. During World War II he was administrator of solid fuels, petroleum, fisheries, and coalmines. In 1946 he resigned in protest of President Harry S. Truman's appointment of an oilman as navy undersecretary. He supported Truman, joining the staff of The New Republic in 1949. His books include Autobiography of a Curmudgeon (1943) and the Secret Diary of Harold L. Ickes (1953-1954).

Raymond C. Moley, Leader of Franklin Roosevelt's "Brain Trust": Personal Archive. This is a major collection, over one hundred hand-written letters penned by the man who coined the term "New Deal," Raymond C. Moley, as well as numerous newspaper clippings, and Western Union telegrams concerning Moley's activities and policies, including a first person report to his wife Eve from the 1932 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where Moley discusses his activities in support of FDR, the political intrigue, and his writing of the convention nomination acceptance speech where FDR first proclaimed, "I pledge you, I pledge myself, to a new deal for the American people" as well as first person reports from the 1936 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

The letters span a period between 1932 and 1937, as well as letters and other materials from later in Moley's life in the 1950s, and report on many aspects of Moley's work on behalf of FDR, and his personal opinions about the President and his policies, of whom and which Moley became increasingly critical in his handwritten correspondences to his wife.

Among the letters is an original carbon of his 17 page typewritten letter to FDR dated November 30, 1935, which accompanies a handwritten letter to his wife about the conditions that brought about the letter. Moley writes in his own hand: "It is really the most carefully written thing I ever did. If anything will straighten him out it will-if not I must live with my conscience and continue to criticize him. This European business is too terribly serious for anyone to hesitate if as it seems to me our foreign affairs are being bungled. I will break completely before I go along with another futile and mistaken war. My suspicion is that in a sort of irresponsible mood of wanting to play high politics he wants an entente with England over this Italian business in order to get England's help in a Japanese war and my indignant reaction to that is that we are not going to have any war with Japan unless we get ourselves into England's game in China. We have nothing to gain or protect there and we had better mind our business...You can well realize that this is taking a lot of thought and courage but I feel so deeply on it that I am willing to give up the very pleasant intimacy with this F.D.R. for the much more important job of awakening people to the dangers in the conduct of the diplomats of late." As a postscript, Moley writes to his wife: "p.s., Better burn this letter and the letter to F.D.R. The Japanese reference is pretty bad and the whole thing should not get out." Eve Moley did not burn this letter or the 17-page carbon, and in so doing saved it for posterity. In the last paragraph of the 17 page typewritten letter to FDR, the original carbon of which accompanies Moley's handwritten letter to Eve, he states to the President: "When I must disagree with any of them I share a feeling that the V.P. expressed to me on one occasion last winter. He said, 'I love this man in The White House because he is for so many things that I have always hoped for and believed in. And when he does things that I don't believe in I love him enough to tell him the truth.'"

This collection was obtained directly from the person who bought the home in Berea, Ohio where Raymond C. Moley was born and raised. According to the source of this historic document, "it was up in the rafters of a long deteriorating garage that is leaning way to one side, an eyesore for years to the neighbors in that Berea neighborhood who tried and tried to have it razed. There was a wooden crate that had been broken into by mice, squirrels and raccoons who at one time or another had all built nests in the papers and books inside. Because of its placement in the crate, [the papers] survived. When I emptied everything out of there, fully one quarter of the crate was filled with finely-chewed pieces of wood and newspaper."

Raymond Charles Moley (1886-1975) was an American political economist. He was born in Berea, Ohio, and graduated from Baldwin-Wallace College, 1906, Ph.D. Columbia, 1918. He taught at Western Reserve University (1916-1919) and at Columbia after 1923, becoming professor of public law (1928) and an expert on the treatment of criminals. He was an economic adviser to New York Governor Alfred E. Smith and became a central figure in the Brain Trust, a group of advisers to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. After FDR was elected President, Moley served (1933) as Assistant Secretary of State and delegate to the World Economic Conference at London, resigning because he felt that FDR did not support him. As editor of Today (1933-1937) and later associate editor of Newsweek, he energetically criticized Roosevelt's administration. He wrote much on government, the treatment of criminals, and politics. His writings include After Seven Years (1939), which deals with the Roosevelt administration, 27 Masters of Politics (1949), The Republican Opportunity (1962), and The First New Deal, with E. A. Rosen (1966).

Moley's began close association with Franklin Roosevelt while the latter was Governor of New York. Moley first attained national prominence through the Cleveland Foundation's sponsorship of a survey of the city's administration of justice. He gave prestige to the project by recruiting the services of Roscoe Pound and Felix Frankfurter of the Harvard Law School. The resulting Cleveland Crime Survey (1922) served as a model for other cities and states for a decade. Moley's developing reputation, and probably also his interest in the political education of women, brought him to the attention of the dean of Barnard College, Virginia Gildersleeve, and in 1923 he was appointed to the faculty of that institution. Moley directed crime surveys in Missouri and Illinois in the 1920s, resulting in the publication of Politics and Criminal Prosecution (1928) and Our Criminal Courts (1930). Appointment in 1926 as research director of the New York State Crime Commission resulted in his acquaintance with Louis McHenry Howe, FDR's political mentor, who was then serving as executive secretary of the National Crime Commission. Moley's first encounter with Roosevelt came in connection with Moley's authorship of an address on the administration of justice delivered during FDR's 1928 gubernatorial campaign in New York. The political scientist's reputation in the field led to his appointment as research director in the investigation of New York City's magistrates' courts and their enforcement of the criminal law, the first of the famous Seabury investigations.

Moley was convinced that Roosevelt would be the Democratic candidate for the Presidency in 1932, and he offered his services to the Governor in early January. Their collaboration, soon after, on a statement explaining the third Seabury investigation, demonstrated Moley's talents as a writer. Taciturnity and the ability to organize and simplify technical material also added to the academician's appeal to Roosevelt, who was facing a heavy speaking schedule in the Presidential campaign.

Moley recruited fellow Columbia professors to form the "Brain Trust" to advise Roosevelt during his presidential campaign of 1932. Despite ridicule from editorial and political cartoonists, the "Brain Trust" went to Washington and became powerful figures in Roosevelt's New Deal. Indeed, Moley claims credit for inventing the term "New Deal," though its precise provenance remains open to debate. Praising the new president's first moves in March 1933, Moley concluded that capitalism "was saved in eight days." He wrote the majority of Roosevelt's first inaugural address, although he is not credited with penning the famous line, "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."

He broke with Roosevelt in mid-1933 and became a Republican. As a columnist for Newsweek magazine, he became one of the best-known conservative critics of the New Deal and liberalism in general. For example, he likened Roosevelt to "the fairy-story prince who didn't know how to shudder. Not even the realization that he was playing ninepins with the skulls and thighbones of economic orthodoxy seemed to worry him." Moley's After Seven Years (New York: 1939) was one of the first in-depth attacks on the New Deal and remains one of the most powerful.

He established a lifelong friendship with Herbert Hoover and then published After Seven Years (1939), an acerbic memoir of his association with Roosevelt. Intended to forestall a third-term bid, it argued that there had been a mid-course shift in the New Deal years from economic coordination to business hostility. Moley endorsed Wendell L. Willkie in 1940. In subsequent years he served as an occasional adviser to Republican Party aspirants, including Robert A. Taft, Barry Goldwater, and Richard Nixon. In 1964 he authored The Republican Opportunity in 1964, an attack on enlarged federal power, which was followed in 1966 by The First New Deal, a detailed analysis of his public service. In his twilight years, Moley published a biography of the Irish patriot Daniel O'Connell (1974), a lifelong hero, and retired to Phoenix, Arizona, where, just prior to his death, he penned a memoir of his early career, which was published posthumously in 1980.

James A. Farley Archive.
-Autograph Note Signed, "James A Farley", one page, 5" x 6.5", New York City, to "Father Garner", October 5, 1937, excuses son from classes.
-Fifteen Typed Letters Signed variously "James A Farley", "JF", New York City, 1930s - 1960s, on personal or Coca-Cola letterheads.
-Western Union Telegram, one page, 8" x 6.5", July 13, 1934, Jack L. Warner to Dan Stewart, invitation for a luncheon honoring Farley.
-Western Union Telegram Copy, one page, 8.5" x 7", November 2, 1932, Farley as DNC Chairman. Regards pending Supreme Court Decision on Scottsboro, Alabama civil rights case.
-Typed Document Signed "James A Farley", eight pages, 8.5" x 11", a 1965 lecture on FDR given in Kalamazoo. Michigan.
-Two letters to Farley, an anonymous group photograph and several copies of newspaper stories pertaining to Farley.

Various grades, averaging very good condition.

James A. Farley (1888 - 1976) served both as Democratic National Committee Chairman and Postmaster General, 1932 - 1940. He was one of FDR's staunchest supporters until opposing Roosevelt's choice to run for an unprecedented third term.

Leon Henderson, FDR's Administrator of the Office of Price Administration During WWII, Archive.
-Wartime dates and after. Various sizes.
-Primarily to New York Post columnist Leonard Lyons.
-Very good or better condition.

A historic collection from Leon Henderson, FDR's Administrator of the Office of Price Administration during World War II, one of the bright young men drawn to government service by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. Henderson was an economist, serving in several important administrative capacities before World War II such as his appointment to the Securities and Exchange Commission in 1939, and then put in charge of domestic price stabilization, one of the most important domestic administrative positions in support of the War effort. He often tangled with Congress and left his job in 1943 during one such battle. He continued to work for FDR, even serving as a representative of the United States in Europe pertaining to reconstruction. Through all this Henderson maintained a close friendship with Leonard Lyons, a columnist for the New York Post. His letters during the early 1940s usually pertained to his getting away from Washington, D.C. and enjoying the night life of New York City, usually with Lyons (Henderson had a wife and family but this did not apparently constrain him which may account for their divorce shortly after the War). After the war, Henderson's letters took on a more reflective, historical tone and even referred to Lyons as his biographer. It is in these later letters that he speaks more openly about what went on in the capital during the war. This extensive archive contains eighteen autograph letters signed, five typed letters signed, nine autograph notes unsigned, one typed note unsigned, three telegrams, two autograph notes signed on postcards, one autograph note signed by his wife, and three unsigned typed manuscripts of six pages on historical matters. In one poignant handwritten note to Lyons by Leon Henderson at the top of an original typed carbon set, Henderson writes: "I've just sent the original hand notes and a copy of what I enclose to the Hyde Park Library./ Leon." The carbon to which he refers, and this is the original of the copy he sent to the FDR Library in Hyde Park, New York, is dated March 13, 1945 under the title "F.D.R." and begins: "I saw the President today. And I'm scared. It wasn't only his appearance as an old man (since I saw him in 1942). It wasn't just his preoccupation with other affairs. I've seen than happen before when he was having a 'duty' appointment. It was the whole atmosphere of incredibility." A one of a kind collection.

Woodrow Wilson: Autograph Letter Signed as Princeton Professor.
-May 26, 1898. Princeton, New Jersey. Two pages. 5" x 3.5". The original envelope is included.
-To: Mrs. George C. Edwards of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
-Original folds, else fine.

Wilson wrote this letter (including a reference to the Spanish-American War) to Mrs. George C. Edwards while serving as Professor of Jurisprudence and Political Economy at Princeton University. He writes (in part): "I arrived home 'safely and without incident,' as we are told Admiral Cervera telegraphed of his alleged arrival at Santiago de Cuba. I have brought away, for a second time, from Bridgeport most delightful impressions of kindness, hospitality, and genuine cultivation. I owe you my most cordial thanks and my warmest expressions of appreciation. Allow me to thank you for your thoughtful kindness in sending my portfolio, which came to-day. So forgetful a man hardly deserves to be so benevolently treated."

Her Majesty Queen Marie of Romania: Autograph Letter Signed
-October 14, 1917. Four pages. 5.5" x 7.5". With transmittal envelope postmarked Richmond, Virginia.
-To: T. Tileston Wells Esq of New York.
-Mailing folds with some weakness, else fine.

Queen Marie writes to the Consul General of Romania, in full, "Dear Sir,/ It is with quite particular pleasure that I acknowledge your letter, begging you at the same time to transmit my heart-felt thanks to all the members of your Committee./ I am deeply touched by the many tokens of sympathy I have received from all parts of America at a moment when my Country is sorely tried./ Our sufferings have been great and are far from being at an end, so every aid is precious, enabling us to continue the struggle undertaken for a noble and just cause./ Our needs are many fold, we are in great want of food, linen and clothing of all sorts both for children and hospitals./ Besides the innumerable wounded and sick, the little children in the villages are all but dying of hunger, since months and months they have been insufficiently fed, falling therefore an easy prey to the many epidemics, the inevitable result of war and misery./ That your aid is offered to my people through my hands moves me profoundly and goes far to uphold me in the difficult but blessed task I have undertaken./ With sorely reduced means we stand before the terrors of a second war-winter; but thanks to America's generosity we can face our coming trials with less apprehension./ Once more a thousand thanks to all those who are sending me aid!/ Marie/ Queen of Roumania." A touching letter written to the United States in the midst of World War I thanking us for aid given.

Calvin Coolidge, Alfred E. Smith and Julius Rosenwald: Signed Card with Photo.
-June 4 and August 20, 1930. 5.5" x 3.5".
-Surface of photo marred from adhesive on verso, else very good, double matted.

A heavy stock card featuring a black and white photograph of President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), New York Governor Alfred E. Smith (1873-1944), and Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932), philanthropist and Sears, Roebuck and Company executive. All three signed their names on the mount below the picture. Smith and Rosenwald also included the date of their signing.

Clifton Webb: Autograph Cocktail Party List.
-October 19, 1937. One page. 8.25" x 10".
-Minor toning, else fine.

Actor Clifton Webb was well-known for his VIP Hollywood cocktail parties. This list from a October 19, 1937, shindig includes the signatures of composer Cole Porter (who would suffer his life-altering riding accident just five days later), actress & photographer Jean Howard (who later would publish a book of her Porter photos), actress Constance Collier, gossip columnist Elsa Maxwell, actresses Cobina Wright, Sr., and Jr., and others.

Cordell Hull: Photograph Signed and Inscribed.
-[c. 1945] Harris and Ewing, Washington, D.C. 9.25" x 13.25". Sepia.
-To: Frank Walker.
-One small crease, else very fine.

This outstanding Harris and Ewing portrait of FDR's Secretary of State is boldly signed "To Hon. Frank Walker, with highest esteem-Cordell Hull". Hull served under FDR from 1933 to 1944, when he resigned due to failing health. The following year, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for "co-initiating the United Nations."

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Signed Appointment of John Roosevelt to the Government Contract Committee.
-August 15, 1953. Washington, D.C. 23" x 19".
-To: John A. Roosevelt.
-Minor toning, ink faded to brown, else near fine.

In this official State Department document, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appoints John A. Roosevelt a "Member of the Government Contract Committee." The document is signed by both Ike and Walter B. Smith, Acting Secretary of State. An official U.S. paper seal is affixed at bottom left, next to Smith's signature. John was the only Roosevelt son not to seek elective public office, but in 1952 he switched his political affiliation to the Republicans to support Eisenhower during his presidential campaign. John's role on the Government Contract Committee was to help enforce non-discrimination clauses in industrial contracts.

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Signed Presidential Appointment also Signed by Acting Secretary of State Herbert Hoover, Jr.
-November 9, 1955. Washington, D.C. 21.75" x 17.75". Framed to 32" x 27".
-To: Clark M. Clifford.
-Some toning on the paper seal, else fine.

This official State Department document appointing "Clark W. Clifford, of Maryland [as] a Commissioner of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Commission" is signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Acting Secretary of State Herbert Hoover, Jr. Born on Christmas Day 1906, Clark Clifford was in his 92nd year when he passed away on October 10, 1998. An attorney who served in various capacities for four Democratic Presidents-Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, and Carter-he ironically received this commission from the Republican successor to FDR and HST, which is also signed by the son of FDR's political opponent, Herbert Hoover. This commission is truly an unusual historical item in fine condition.

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Signed Photograph as General of the Army.
-Circa 1965-1967. 7.5" x 9.5" on 10.5" x 13" mat.
-To: Elliott Roosevelt.
-Overall fading, very good condition.

Eisenhower inscribes the mat's lower margin "For Elliott Roosevelt/ Mayor of Miami Beach -/ With best wishes and warm regard from an old friend./ Dwight D. Eisenhower." Elliot Roosevelt (1910 - 1990) was FDR's third son. This image would have been presented between 1965 and 1967.

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Typed Letter Signed "D.E." as President.
-December 29, 1959. Augusta, Georgia. One page. 6.75" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: Mr. and Mrs. William F. C. Ewing.
-Original center fold, else fine.

Ike writes (in part): "Thank you so much for the letter that you sent to me under date of December eleventh, that I found awaiting me on my return from my travels. I am deeply appreciative of your comments and your more than generous appraisal of what I have been, and am, trying to do. The trip was heartwarming in that it demonstrated to me the sincere good will existing in some many countries of the world for America and Americans; the entire experience will be a lastingly vivid memory, of that I am sure. Mrs. Eisenhower joins me in all good wishes for a fine New Year."

Lyndon B. Johnson: Typed Letter Signed as President.
-December 10, 1968. Washington, D.C. One page. 6.75" x 9". White House letterhead.
-To: New Jersey Senator Harrison A. Williams, Jr.
-Original fold, minor wear along right edge, else fine.

In this letter to Senator Williams, LBJ writes (in part): "Your forty-nine years have proven creative and constructive ones for the Congress and the country and I certainly hope that we will continue to benefit from your dedicated service. My heartfelt wishes for good health and a wealth of happiness in the coming years." In 1981, Williams was convicted on several counts, including bribery and conspiracy, in the Abscam scandal, resigned from the Senate, and spent three years in prison.

Native American 1696 Land Deed for Most of Hyde Park, New York.
-June 24, 1696. Hudson River Valley, New York. In Old Dutch. Four pages on three leaves. 15" x 12" unfolded. Matted and framed to 41" x 27"
-Original folds, some foxing, tears, chipping and soiling, else very good.

This land deed is a rare, early primary document relating to the Hyde Park, New York, area, which later became Franklin D. Roosevelt's beloved home, now a national historical site. This 1696 autograph document conveys 15,000 acres of land to a group of early and notable Dutch settlers. The agreement, penned in gunpowder ink, was made between Hendrick ten Eyck and five Native American chiefs whose totem signatures are included next to red wax seals.

The most important of the chiefs was Nimham, a Wappinger, whose totem signature resembles a ghost waving a single hand. His grandson, Abraham Nimham, served on the American side during the Revolutionary War. The document also includes the signature of Stephanus van Cortlandt, the first native-born Mayor of New York City, who held every major office in the colony except Governor. He was very prominent in dealings with Native American tribes.

The document reads (translated, in part): "Hendrick ten Eyck has come to an agreement with some Indians, rightful owners of the land and a waterway called Aquasing, called the Viskil by us; this land begins on the north side of the Viskil at the marker trees of Paling; these underwritten Indians sell to Hendrick ten Eyck all this...land with the Viskil and all other waterways until Meyndert Harmense's property; this aforesaid land reaches to the east until the Valkil [Fallkil] of Meyndert Harmense and to the west until Hutson's [Hudson's] River." Meyndert Harmense was owner of land bordering the northern sector of "The Great Nine Partners Patent," which was the property of Hendrick ten Eyck and eight others.

This unique historical document transferring ownership of what became Hyde Park and Springwood, New York, from Native Americans to Dutch colonial settlers is custom-framed. The larger frame (41" x 27") includes a hinged smaller (22" x 19") frame housing the document that can be released from a Velcro strip on the right side. This allows the verso of the document to be viewed while the display remains hanging on the wall.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Senator.
-March 1, 1911. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". The Senate of the State of New York letterhead.
-To: T. A. Malloy of Springfield, Massachusetts.
-Paper toned, old paper clip rust spot on the left edge, with the usual fold creases, else very good.

FDR sent this letter to T. A. Malloy, editor of the Springfield Republican, early in his tenure as New York State Senator. Engaged in his first major political battle, FDR was attempting to impress reformers by opposing the Tammany Democratic political machine supporting William F. ("Blue Eyed Billy") Sheehan for nomination as U.S. Senator. FDR and about 20 other Democrats held their votes until Tammany replaced Sheehan with Judge James O'Gorman, who won the election.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as New York Senator.
-March 21, 1911. Albany, New York. Two pages (facing). State Senate letterhead.
-To: Lewis.
-Fine condition.

Serving in only the third month of his first elected position as a public servant, FDR writes to a fellow Harvard Class of 1904 graduate. In full, "Dear Lewis-/ Thanks so much for your letter- Coward! Our stenogs are evidently better trained!/ We are having a pretty strenuous time and my only wish is that the class of 1904 constituted the Legislature of the State of New York./ I hope we can end this deadlock soon and get some good compromise candidate-Unfortunately it is only too true that 30 men can't dictate to 87- the best we can do is veto./ You'll be a good Democrat some day./ Sincerely..." Roosevelt was the first Democrat elected from his Dutchess County district since 1884 and quickly became a leader of a group of reformers who opposed the Tammany Hall machine of Manhattan that dominated the state Democratic Party. Roosevelt soon became a popular figure among New York Democrats and was reelected for a second term in November 1912; he resigned from the New York State Senate on March 17, 1913.

The incident this letter alludes to is known as the "Blue-Eyed" Billy Sheehan affair. In those days, the state legislatures chose U.S. Senators. The issue was the choice of a successor to Republican Senator Chauncey Depew. The Democrats controlled both legislative chambers in New York and were in a position to elect a Democrat as the new senator from New York. Al Smith and the Tammany Hall political machine had chosen Billy Sheehan, a man with close ties to the utility interests. Roosevelt was opposed to him and what he stood for and gathered a group of "rebels" or "insurgents" who were willing to stand with him against Tammany Hall. Since this little group held the balance of power between the Tammany bloc and the Republicans, they were able to checkmate the plan for Sheehan and eventually force the compromise selection of Judge James J. O'Gorman as the Democratic candidate, who was quickly elected.

This is a significantly important and historic letter. It is very possibly the earliest ALS in private hands from FDR's days as a state senator. The content regards his first major political battle, an event that marked the "beginning of the end" to the power that Tammany Hall had enjoyed for decades, and propelled a young politician from Hyde Park into the public limelight for the first time. Worthy of the finest private or institutional collections.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Senator.
-April 12, 1911. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". The Senate of the State of New York letterhead.
-To: Professor Francis Marion Burdick of Columbia University.
-Paper slightly toned, with the usual fold creases, else fine.

FDR writes to Professor Burdick about his efforts to take on Tammany Hall. Engaged in his first major political battle, he was attempting to impress reformers by opposing the Tammany Democratic political machine supporting William F. ("Blue Eyed Billy") Sheehan for nomination as U.S. Senator. FDR and about 20 other Democrats held their votes until Tammany replaced Sheehan with Judge James O'Gorman, who won the election.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Senator.
-January 29, 1912. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". The Senate of the State of New York letterhead.
-To: John Hackett of Poughkeepsie, New York.
-Paper toned, with the usual fold creases, else fine.

FDR writes to one of his attorneys regarding the application for a water grant by William Barber, and the absence of records at both the New York land board and the legislature. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed as New York Senator.
-March 25, 1912. Probably Albany, New York. One page. 5" x 9".
-One horizontal fold, toned. Fine.
-Provenance: From the Malcolm Forbes Collection.

FDR writes "The life of Lincoln is a star to which every young American can safely hitch his wagon./ Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Mar. 25th 1912." FDR was just thirty years old when he wrote this inspirational note.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Archive of Seven Typed Letters Signed to George E. Schryver.
-1912 through 1914. All letters one page. Two letters on New York Senate letterhead; five on Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead. 8" x 10.5" and 7" x 9.25".
-To: George E. Schryver of New York.
-All letters with the usual fold creases, a few slightly toned, else all with strong FDR signatures and in at least very good condition.

An archive of seven typed letters with beautiful FDR signatures to George E. Schryver. Though Mr. Schryver's relationship to FDR is uncertain it can be deduced that he had business interests in New York that involved the collector for the Port of New York. Six of the seven letters deal with this routine business matter. One letter amongst the group stands out, however due to its fine political content. The letter, dated November 19, 1912 (just after FDR's successful run for re-election to the Senate) on New York Senate letterhead reads: "My dear Mr. Schryver:/ I am just up after my illness [typhoid fever], and expect to return to Hyde Park tomorrow. I was very much pleased to get your letter, and it did much to encourage me before election. There were a few of the old fashioned professionals like our friend Cleary who do not seem to have played a fair game on election day, but the loss along those lines was more than made up by the increased vote I received from the Republican and independent farmers throughout the district, with the result that my majority seems to be considerably larger than two years ago. I am glad to say also that Herrick was elected County Clerk./ I hope everything is going all right with you, and I may see you after I return to New York, about December 15th." An incredible archive from early in FDR's political career.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as New York Senator.
-December 4, 1912. Hyde Park, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". New York State Senate stationery.
-To: Mr. Clayton L. Wheeler.
-Two horizontal folds, deep toning, else fine.

FDR, discussing his own health, writes "I am only just recovering from an attack of typhoid fever and have not had an opportunity before this of telling you how very glad I am that you won out, and are to be in the Senate for the next two years with me. You have made a great record in your normally Republican district - and I am encouraged to think that the voters appreciate it." Wheeler was a fellow Democrat and senator-elect during the pivotal election year of 1912.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as New York Senator.
-January 1, 1913. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10". The Senate of the State of New York letterhead.
-To: Governor William Sulzer, Governor of New York.
-Toned, mounting remnants on the verso, with the usual fold creases, else very good.

Written the first day of his second term as a New York State Senator, FDR writes to ill-fated New York Governor William Sulzer: "My dear Governor Sulzer:/ You will discover as time goes on that I do not give promiscuous endorsements to office-seekers./ If, however, you want to find a man to be State Health Commissioner I want to suggest Dr. John C. Otis of Poughkeepsie./ He does not seek the office-But every man woman and child in Dutchess County knows his character, ability, and splendid record in the posts he has filled-/ This is short and meant to be emphatic./ Very sincerely yours,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." Governor Sulzer was impeached latter that year and removed from office as a result of his quarrel with the Tammany Hall Democratic political machine. A rare letter, the more so as it is written entirely in FDR's hand on the first day of his new term.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Document Signed.
-1913. Three pages. 11.5" x 9.25" [unfolded]. Who's Who in America personal sketch form.
-To: Who's Who in America.
-Original center fold, some soiling, chipping and minor paper loss along edges, particularly at foot of center fold.

FDR's handwritten responses to the many questions on this Who's Who form provide a rare, personal "mini-biography" up to that point in his career. Information about himself, his wife, family, and personal and professional activities is accompanied by a very rare signing of his full name "Franklin Delano Roosevelt" at the top of the first page.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-May 5, 1913. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9.25". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Gustavus A. Rogers of New York.
-Paper slightly toned with the usual fold creases, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Your letter concerning Albert S. Nathan was duly received. I am doing all I can to help you out in this matter and have taken it up in person with the proper officials of the War Department. I have not heard from them yet, but I hope their action will be favorable. You may be sure I will not fail to let you know."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D. Roosevelt" as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-May 21, 1913. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Department of the Navy letterhead.
-To: Wm. S. LeVino of New York City.
-Flattened folds, else very fine.

In only his third month in this position, FDR writes, in part, "In compliance with the request... orders have been issued to the Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md... the Commandants of the Naval Stations and Yards at Narragansett Bay, Boston, New York and Washington, and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, giving you authority, under certain conditions to take such pictures as they judge may be proper in their discretion./ It is understood... that you will conform to Article 714 of the Navy Regulations, which provides that duplicates without cost of all pictures taken, including moving picture films, shall be furnished the Department... that they shall be used by the Department in such ways as it sees fit, but not for commercial purposes..."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F. D. Roosevelt" as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-July 26, 1913. Washington, D.C. One page. 7.75" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Lieutenant Commander John P. J. Ryan, USN, Washington, D.C.
-Light soiling around the edges, paper slightly toned, two small filing holes at the top edge, with the usual fold creases, else very good.

This official letter signed by FDR includes travel orders for Lieutenant Commander Ryan, who was to report to the President of the Naval Retiring Board in Washington, D.C., for examination, then return to New York.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-August 16, 1913. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Senator Claude Swanson (Democrat, Virginia).
-Original mailing folds, files holes and paperclip impression at top, else fine.

FDR writes to a the man that he, twenty years in the future, would appoint to the post of Secretary of the Navy. In full, "My dear Senator:/ I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 11th instant, requesting that the Committee on Public Buildings and Grounds, United States Senate, be furnished at the earliest convenient time with complete data concerning all buildings or portions of buildings rented or proposed to be rented by the Navy Department./ I have given instructions for the preparation of the data requested and the same will be transmitted to you at the earliest practicable date./ Sincerely yours..." Swanson, during his time in the United States Senate, served on the Naval Affairs Committee and was known as a supporter of a strong navy.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-December 12, 1913 (incorrectly penned as "1912"). Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9.25". Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead. Docketing handstamp by recipient.
-To: New York Governor Martin H. Glynn, Albany, New York.
-Mailing fold, else fine.

FDR writes, " While I may be a little previous, I want to suggest to you the name of Harry Keith of Long Island for one of the Workmen's Compensation Commissioners if the bill goes through successfully. He has real ability and doesn't mind hard work, and I think his selection would be well received throughout the State. I am glad everything seems to be going so well and you will have accomplished much by getting those bills through before the new Assembly comes in./ Don't bother to answer this-just take it as an informal but sincere indorsement (sp) of Keith." Martin Glynn (1871 - 1924) replaced William Sulzer as New York's Governor upon the latter's impeachment and removal on October 18, 1913.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-Friday [1913-1920]. Washington, D.C. Two pages (both front pages of a folded lettersheet). 7" x 9.25". Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: Treasury Secretary William Gibbs McAdoo.
-Single original fold flattened, pen slowly runs low on ink as letter progresses- signature light, else fine.

A letter written while FDR was Wilson's Assistant Navy Secretary to Wilson's Treasury Secretary (and son-in-law). He writes (in full): "Dear Mr. McAdoo, I am asking Mr. Dunham to speak to you as he is returning to N.Y. on the same train. As you remember he was the Secretary of the Wilson Conference last spring & you can trust him to the limit - Incidentally he understands the local N.Y. City situation & knows 'Who is Who.' Lawrence Dunham has the regard & confidence of a whole lot of us who are working along the same line. Very sincerely..." The person referred to in the letter is Lawrence B. Dunham, a deputy police commissioner in New York City at the time. McAdoo, a two-time hopeful for the Democratic Party presidential nomination himself, would play a pivotal role in Roosevelt's 1932 nomination by throwing all forty-four California delegates to Roosevelt on the fourth ballot, thus starting the chain reaction that would obtain the party nomination for FDR.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-February 14, 1914. Albany, New York. One page. 7" x 6.5". Letterhead trimmed off.
-To: New York Governor Martin H. Glynn.
-Top and bottom of sheet trimmed, a fine example of FDR's signature.

FDR writes to the governor regarding Adelbert M. Scriber of Monticello, Sullivan County, a candidate for membership on the Workman's Compensation Commission. Though he points out that he usually does not recommend those who ask for favors, he does urge Glynn to consider Scriber for membership.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-April 15, 1914. Washington, D.C. Two pages. 7" x 9.25". On embossed Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead. With original transmittal envelope.
-To: Mr. Edward Gottschalk, New York City.
-Folds, toning, paper clip stain in upper left corner. Overall very good.

Art dealer Edward Gottschalk opened the Old Print Shop in 1898 and numbered Roosevelt among his clients. FDR writes: "I am glad you got the prints and think you used excellent judgment - thank you - By the way you never sent me a bill for the various items I got last fall - please don't forget to do so. I saw Mr. Lehmann last night before your letter came - I think he leaves today for Niagara Falls, but if I see him I will give him your message. Everybody is delighted with his selection."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-May 1, 1914, Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9.25". Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: August F. Biesel of Niverville, New York.
-One fold, light toning, signature faded, back page of bifold lettersheet tipped to larger mat, else about fine.

FDR writes, in full, "My dear Sir:/ I beg to acknowledge your letter of April 25th, offering your services in case of further trouble in Mexico. The Navy is at present recruited up to the legal limit and I fear there will not be much opportunity in my branch of the service, but of course, if things get worse the Army will undoubtedly need many more men and I shall bear your very patriotic offer in mind./ Very truly yours..." The 1913-1915 period was a very volatile one in Mexico. Victoriano Huerta had gained the presidency of Mexico on February 18, 1913 through a coup d'etat. He was opposed by four powerful revolutionaries, Emiliano Zapata, Venustiano Carranza, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, and Alvaro Obregon. By the spring of 1914, these four controlled about 75% of Mexico. U.S. President Woodrow Wilson refused to recognize Huerta's government, whose hostile acts resulted in American forces seizing and occupying Veracruz on April 21, 1914. No doubt, this was the situation that inspired Mr. Biesel to volunteer for service.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-August 12, 1914. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9.25". Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: A. R. Parkley of Valhalla, New York.
-Mounting remnants on the verso, else fine.

FDR favors a request for an autograph: "My dear sir:/ I take pleasure in complying with your request./ Yours very truly,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt". A very bold signature by FDR from one autograph collector to another.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F. D. Roosevelt" as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-October 31, 1914. Washington, D.C. One Page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Machinist Jonathan H. Warman, USN of the Boston Navy Yard, Boston.
-Paper toned with moderate soiling, two small filing holes punched in the left margin, very small hole at the top left corner, with the usual fold creases, good condition.

This letter including the transfer orders for a Navy machinist and regarding the U.S.S. Nevada is signed by FDR and endorsed by several other Navy officials. The Nevada later served with the British Grand Fleet during World War I and saw extensive action during World War II following repairs after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-January 6, 1915. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: Albert S. LeVino, Esq. of New York City.
-One original mailing fold, signature a bit light, else very fine.

FDR writes to writer and reporter Levino about an interview, dropping some big names as he does. In part, "While I would suggest that there is some risk in my appearing in the same series of articles with eminent publicists like Mr. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie, I shall, nevertheless, be very glad to see you and Mr. Hancock any time you come down here... Of course, anything that I can do to help in the education of the country on the needs for national defense will give me great pleasure..." The industrialists he mentions were both vocally opposed to American involvement in the Great War in Europe.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-January 13, 1915. Washington, D.C. One Page. 7" x 9.25". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Aymar Johnson of New York.
-Paper slightly toned with some vertical wavy creases and the usual fold creases, integral second page attached to the verso of the front page, else very good.

FDR writes to a fellow Harvard alumnus (in part): "I think it would be an excellent thing if you and Meredith Blagden could come on to Washington and have a talk with Captain Bristol, in charge of aeronautics, and Captain Bassett, in charge of naval militia."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-January 20, 1915. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9". Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: Robert W. Neeser, Esq. of New York City.
-Folds, spindle holes at left margin, else fine.

FDR writes, in full, "Dear Robert:/ I have written to Mr. Osborne that I have accepted the invitation to go to Scranton on February 4th./ I shall be in New York on the 29th and 30th and am speaking at The Republican Club at their luncheon on the 30th. Mr. Garrison was there last week, as you probably know./ Very sincerely yours..." Neeser, secretary of the Navy Society of New York City, was an avid student of and the author of several books about naval history. Thomas Mott Osbourne, mentioned in the letter, was a well-known prison reformer who, at this time, was warden of Sing Sing prison in New York.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-January 27, 1916. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9.25". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: N. L. Stebbins of Boston, Massachusetts.
-Light soiling, two small filing holes at the left margin, with the usual fold creases, else very good.

FDR writes to marine photographer N. L. Stebbins (in part): "I am awfully sorry that I cannot get on for the dinner of the Power Squadrons on February 4th, as I am leaving the next morning for the South and have to be here Friday afternoon." Founded in 1914, the U.S. Power Squadrons is a non-profit organization that teaches courses in seamanship, navigation and related subjects.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-March 6, 1916. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9.25". Embossed Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: "My Dear McLean".
-Single mailing fold, excellent condition.

FDR writes, "Many thanks for your very kind note and the certificate for my youngest youngster. He is a splendid specimen and the air of the District of Columbia seems to agree with him. His birth certificate will be carefully preserved for him." The child referred to as "a splendid specimen" was John Aspinwall Roosevelt.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Partial Document Signed as Trustee for his Mother.
-May 3, 1916. No place. One page. 8.25" x 2.5".
-Excellent condition.

Legal document fragment also signed by FDR's half-brother James Roosevelt ("Rosy") and nephew Warren Delano III, all three men being trustees for FDR's mother Sara D. Roosevelt. Signature of witness J. B. Gibson is present as well.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Copy of Specifications for Propelling Machinery and Electric Plant for U.S. Submarine-Torpedo Boats Nos. 72-77 (Washington: Navy Department Bureau of Steam Engineering, 1916), black leather with gilt titles, 12mo (5" x 7"), signed in full "F D Roosevelt" at bottom of final page of text. This naval text signed by FDR as Acting Secretary of the Navy also includes the approval of the California Shipbuilding Co., stamp dated "Jun 15 1916". This copy is in good condition with general wear on the binding, chipping of the leather along the spine, and minor toning in the paper.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-October 23, 1916. Washington, D.C. One page. 10" x 15".
-To: Harry A. Giltner.
-Light creases, minor wear, else fine.

United States Navy commission, signed by FDR as Acting Secretary, not printed on the usual Navy Department stationery, but a typed document bearing no official marks of the U.S. Government. Acting under the orders of President Woodrow Wilson, FDR signed this appointment of Harry A. Giltner as Acting Assistant Surgeon in the USN.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-November 8, 1916. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9.25". Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: Joseph J. Murphy, Esq. of Troy, New York.
-Folds, a bit crinkled at right edge, very light toning, else fine.

November 8, 1916 was a day that Roosevelt described to his wife as "the most extraordinary of his life." The week before, he had been campaigning in New York for incumbent President Woodrow Wilson. The day before had been Election Day, the evening of which was spent at a dinner party in New York City's Biltmore Hotel, where the Democrats had their headquarters. Early election returns were discouraging for President Wilson, and when FDR went to bed in the early morning, on a Pullman bound for Washington, it was in the belief that his days as Assistant Secretary of the Navy were numbered. After learning that Wilson had squeaked out a narrow victory and his job was secure, FDR settles down to answer some backed-up correspondence. He writes, in part, "I have just returned to Washington after a week's campaign in New York State and find your letter of October 28th regarding William J. Godson, who wishes to enter the U.S. Military Academy./ I have taken the matter up with the War Department and find that the President will have about 40 appointments to make within the coming year from enlisted men in the service who have served at least one year... the matter is in the hands of the Commanding General of the young man's department, but if there is anything I can possibly do to help it will give me great pleasure to do so..." Joseph J. Murphy was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention from New York in 1912, 1916, and 1932.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-November 24, 1916. Washington, D.C. One page. 7"x 9". Embossed Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: Admiral William F. Fullam, Commander Reserve Force, Pacific Fleet, U.S.S. Colorado.
-Folds, light aging, else very good.

A personal letter in which FDR opens with the somewhat sarcastic comment that he "...is sorry about the man who deserted and hopes the authorities will get him." At the time of this letter, William F. Fullam (1855 - 1926) had just finished a term as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. He would command in the Pacific throughout the First World War.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-1916. One page. 13" x 9". Navy Department certificate.
-To: William M. Joy.
-Minor foxing, else fine.

This Navy Department certificate was presented to William M. Joy who, while aboard the U.S.S. Maine in 1916, attended and successfully completed a prescribed course of instruction called "Naval Training Cruise for Civilians." Following his signature, FDR also added the word "Acting" before the printed word "Secretary." FDR served as Acting Secretary when Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels was away from Washington, D.C.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-1916. One page. 13" x 9". Printed, completed in manuscript.
-To: Harry C. Dayton.
-Document toned, especially on the verso and along the perimeter of the recto, else very good.

FDR signs a document acknowledging Harry C. Dayton's complete of a Naval Training Cruise for Civilians aboard the U.S.S. Maine (the second U.S.S. Maine, BB-10 launched in 1901). FDR writes the word "Acting" in his own hand before "Secretary" below his name on the certificate.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-January 25, 1917. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.25". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: D. G. Wallace of Bloomington, Illinois.
-Numerous folds, else fine.

Responding to an early participant in the "Eyes for the Navy" program, FDR writes, in part, "Your prompt and patriotic response to the NAVY'S call for binoculars is most appreciated. The glasses will be very useful in the prosecution of the Naval Operations until victory is won./ At the termination of the war, if possible, every effort will be made to return them to you when it is hoped that you will feel compensated for any evidence of wear..."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-April 10, 1917. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Willard Straight of New York City.
-Folds, toning, tiny tear at upper right corner, else very good.

FDR writes to Willard Straight of New York City, a noted businessman, diplomat, and publisher, in full, "Dear Willard:/ The proposition presented by Mr. Eads Johnson and forwarded by you on the fifth has been carefully considered./ Mr. Johnson's idea is in the same general line with others, forming a wall of defense to render a torpedo harmless before any force can reach the hull of a vessel. The same idea with slightly different detail has been presented. It is evident that he has thought enough and rationally to know that his idea is fairly practical. He has not made his pontoons with enough draft as a torpedo frequently runs deeper than thirteen feet. The main difficulty is the question of managing these heavy pontoons alongside of a vessel. To be effective they should be boomed off a slight distance from the vessel's side and rolling motion allowed for./ The protection is all right and it is a question of relative cost to the ship owner./ I will keep your letter in sight if any thing turns up in the matter./ Sincerely yours..." Willard Straight was the publisher of The New Republic and a staunch proponent of the Preparedness Movement. When the U.S. entered the war, he joined the army but died in 1918, a victim of the Spanish Flu pandemic in Paris. Eads Johnson was an author, naval architect, and marine engineer.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-July 9, 1917. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.25". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: J. M. Ham of Milbrook, New York.
-Paper toned and slightly cockled with a couple of small splits in the fold creases, fold crease across FDR's signature with a small tear affecting the "t" in Roosevelt, else good condition.

FDR writes (in part): "I really think that far and away the best opportunity for your boy is the second Plattsburg Camp. He ought to find out about his application at once and, as I told you over the telephone, should go to Governors Island and, if possible, try to see Major Willard Straight, and, if he will present this letter to Major Straight, it will be a sufficient introduction. I am also enclosing a letter of recommendation to General Bell, which he can file with his papers."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-October 22, 1917. Washington, D.C. Two pages. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: [Albert Sidney Burleson], Postmaster General.
-Paper slightly toned with two small filling holes at the top edge, else near fine.

As Postmaster General under President Woodrow Wilson, Albert Burleson established U.S. airmail service in 1918. In this letter to Burleson, FDR refers to the Military Governor of Santo Domingo and the transfer of the Postal Inspector of San Juan to Washington, D.C. With a fine, bold FDR signature.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed "FDR" as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-[No date - circa 1917]. [Washington, D.C.]. One page. 4" x 6". On Office of the Assistant Secretary printed memorandum paper.
-Toned with old fold creases and a bit of staple rust at the top edges, mounting remnant on the verso, else very good.

A rare pencil note entirely in FDR's own hand. It reads in full: "Sol./ Hold until/ something further/ develops in/ congress -/ FDR". The "Sol" in question may well be Sol T. Bloom, a fellow New Yorker who ran a successful real estate and construction business. Further credence is given to this by the fact that someone has amended the note at the bottom in pencil: "(Sen. Amendment...year 1917 to acquire this land at $90,000)".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Postscript as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-March 23, 1918. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Assistant Navy Secretary letterhead. With transmittal envelope.
-To: Edward Gottschalk.
-Folds, toning, else near fine.

FDR, a well-known collector of stamps, books, and naval prints writes to the proprietor of The Old Print Shop in New York City about an upcoming auction. In full, "Dear Mr. Gottschalk:/ An Anderson catalog has just come in for the Crimmins' sale to be held next Tuesday and Wednesday nights, March 26th and 27th. If you are going to attend the sale, I would be very glad to have you bid for me on the enclosed items which I have marked. It is very difficult for me to give you any figures, so will you use your own judgment and get only the items which seem cheap to you? Perhaps the recent absurd prices caused by some of our friends may fall off, but don't run me above $200 in any event as I am 'busted'!/ I hope all goes well with you./ Very sincerely yours..." At the end of the letter, he adds a handwritten postscript, " The Brazilian lithographs I have never heard of." An interesting letter as it tells of the booming art market of the period and also the precarious financial situation FDR found himself in.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-April 9, 1918. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: James D. Law of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
-Paper slightly toned with light soiling on the bottom third of the recto, with the usual fold creases, else very good.

FDR writes (in part): "I have looked into your idea at length and cannot see that the device you propose of projecting pictures taken from an aeroplane as motion pictures on a screen to be of sufficient value to the Navy to warrant development." FDR makes a decision that does not stand the test of time, turning down the use of aerial motion photography by the United States Navy! Letter bears a nice large seal of the United States watermark.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F. D. Roosevelt" as Assistant Secretary of the Navy with Vignetted Certificate.
-June 17, 1918. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department, Assistant Secretary's Office letterhead. Also included, an 8" x 12" certificate with naval vignettes top and bottom and facsimile signature, along with envelope of transmittal.
-To: Mrs. F. M. Carter of Cincinnati, Ohio.
-Letter has mailing folds, else about fine. Certificate about fine.

FDR writes, "Your prompt and patriotic response to the Navy's call for binoculars, telescopes, and spy-glasses, is most appreciated. The glasses will be very useful in the prosecution of Naval Operations until victory is won./ At the termination of war, if possible, every effort will be made to return them to you, when it is hoped that you will feel compensated for any evidence of wear, by the knowledge that you have supplied 'Eyes for the Navy' during a very trying period./ On behalf of the Navy, I wish to thank you most heartily./ Very respectfully..." Beneath Roosevelt's signature are the following words in an unknown hand: "The spy-glass was used in the Crimean war by Lt. Col. William P. Aimslic, and was loaned to the U.S. Navy during the World War, in 1918 and returned to Mary A. Carter in 1919."

The Certificate included with this lot was sent to Mrs. Carter in 1919 at the end of the "Eyes" program. It reads, "The United States of America/ Department of the Navy/ The thousands of binoculars, telescopes, spyglasses and navigation instruments furnished the Navy by individuals, in response to its appeal for 'Eyes for the Navy' have been a vital contribution in the protection of our warships, transports, and supply vessels against the submarine activities of the enemy during the Great War. The Navy acknowledges, with thanks and appreciation, your cooperation, and this certificate is issued to/ Mrs. F. M. Carter/ in recognition of the sacrifice made for the safety of our ships and the assurance of final victory."

The transmittal envelope from the above certificate is possibly the most interesting piece in this lot. Handwritten in pencil by an unknown person on the front is the following: "Acknowledgement of telescope./ Used in Crimean War/ [Used in] World War II/ Given to Kenneth Heuck and went down with Destroyer 'LUCE,' sunk off Okinawa by Jap Suicide plane in May 1945." Research shows that the USS Luce went down at Okinawa after an attack by two Japanese kamikazes on May 4, 1945, carrying 126 of her 312 officers and men with her. After service in three different wars, this spyglass would never see action in another.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-November 8, 1918. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department Assistant Secretary's Office letterhead.
-To: Stan V. Henkels, Esquire of Philadelphia.
-Mailing folds, else very fine.

The Great War (WWI) ended at the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" in 1918. This day is still celebrated in many parts of the world under various titles- Veteran's Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in the U.K. Just three days before the actual event, FDR writes to a gentleman in Philadelphia, in full, "My dear Mr. Henkels:/ Many thanks for your note. What you say is the kind of thing that heartens anybody who is doing work for the Nation in this crisis./ That news of yesterday afternoon was premature to say the least, but by the time you get this we will know one way or the other./ Always sincerely yours..." A very prophetic announcement.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-March 13, 1919. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department Assistant Secretary's Office letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Thomas J. Preston, Jr. (the remarried Frances Folsom Cleveland, wife of the deceased former Democratic President Grover Cleveland).
-Flattened mailing folds, two tiny discolorations, else near fine.

In response to her earlier letter, FDR writes to Mrs. Preston about her son Richard (fourth child of President Cleveland). In full, "My dear Mrs. Preston:/ I am very sorry that your letter of February 21st has remained unanswered so long. I did not get back until ten days ago from Europe, and your letter was at the bottom of various piles of correspondence awaiting me./ I find that the Army Transport Thomas arrived safely in Honolulu on February 13, at Nagasaki on March 3, and at Vladivostock on March 6. She is due to arrive at Manila on March 14. They tell me that your boy would then go by the first transport to Shanghai and thence to Pekin. Evidently all is well and I will let you know as soon as the report of the arrival of the Thomas at Manila comes to the War Department./ May I tell you how very glad I am that Richard is in the Marine Corps, for it is the finest service in the world. Also his tour of duty in Pekin will be of the greatest interest./ Believe me./ Very sincerely yours..."

Grover Cleveland married Frances during his first term as president in the first and only wedding to ever take place in the executive mansion. She was a very popular and beloved first lady. Grover Cleveland died in 1908 and five years later Frances remarried, to Thomas J. Preston, Jr., a Princeton professor of archeology.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-March 18, 1919. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-Representative Edward Campbell Little (Republican, Kansas)
-File and pin holes at top, original pencil notations, else fine.

FDR writes regarding demobilization of naval forces after the end of WWI in response to Congressman Little's request for information, in part, "...The Department wishes to advise you that there has been no rescinding of its order for the release of members of the Naval Reserve Force, and duration of war regular Navy men actually under training, but the fact that the Commanding Officer of the Naval Training Station, Hampton Roads, Virginia, has advised you that no further releases can be made at this time, does not necessarily indicate that there has been any change in this order... The Department suggests that it could make more satisfactory investigation if it had a concrete case upon which to base inquiry, for the reason that the status of the man named, whether or not he was under training, would have considerable effect upon the subject. It is suggested, therefore, that you advise the Department the full name of the man about whom you were inquiring when the Commanding Officer furnished you this information, and upon receipt, the Department will be pleased to make immediate and further investigation..." Little had served in the Spanish-American War, receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in the Philippines.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F. D. Roosevelt" as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-April 3, 1919. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Lieutenant Commander Miles C. Gorgas, USN, San Francisco, California.
-Light soiling with the usual fold creases, small holes and two small filing holes along the top edge, else very good.

This official letter signed by FDR includes orders for Lieutenant Commander Gorgas, who was to travel from San Francisco, California to "such places in the Western Division as may be necessary to visit in connection with recruiting."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-April 5, 1919. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Texas Congressman Clay Stone Briggs.
-Paper slightly toned with the usual fold creases.

FDR writes (in part): "I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 31st, endorsing the desire of Galveston, Texas, to have a regiment of Marines stationed there permanently. In reply I beg to inform you that the retention of Marines in that city is impossible at the present time, due to the steady demobilization of the Marine Corps."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Appointment as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-April 15, 1919. Washington, D.C. 14" x 19". Matted and framed to 23.5" x 28.25".
-To: William W. Elder.
-Minor foxing, staining and wear, slight paper loss near top edge, ink slightly faded to brown, else near fine.

This official U.S. Navy document featuring the USN seal and signed by FDR at bottom left appoints "William W. Elder [as] Chaplain in the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant, junior grade". This commission is also signed by Registrar F. J. Schuyler, but not by President Woodrow Wilson. During this period, such documents were customarily signed by the President in addition to the Secretary (or, in this case, Acting Secretary) of the Navy; but, from March 14 to June 18, 1919, Woodrow Wilson was in France attending the Paris Peace Conference.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-May 14, 1919. Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 10.5". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Lieutenant Russell S. Bowles, USN, at the Naval Hospital in League Island, PA.
-Paper slightly toned with two small filing holes at the top edge and very small holes at the bottom edge, with the usual fold creases, signature slightly faded, else very good.

Regarding Lieutenant Bowles' request to resign from the Navy, FDR writes (in part): "1. The receipt is acknowledged of reference (a), and you are informed that your request for resignation from the Naval Service cannot be accepted at this time. 2. A copy of your application is being filed and will be given early consideration when the demobilization of the Naval Reserve Force is completed."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as Acting Secretary of the Navy.
-August 4, 1919. Washington, D.C. One page with second endorsement on verso. 8" x 10.5". Partly-printed official Navy document, completed by typewriter.
-Re: Detachment Orders for Lieutenant John Jay Keegan, Medical Corps.
-Mailing folds and crinkling, staple holes, light soiling, else very good.

This document details Lieutenant Keegan's separation from active duty at the end of the Great War "by direction of the President." Signed by several others including the Auditor of the Navy Department.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed.
-September 26, 1919. One page. 8.5" x 11". Who's Who in America revision form.
-To: Who's Who in America.
-Original folds, small tears and chipping along top and right edges, else near fine.

For the new 1920-21 edition of Who's Who in America, FDR adds new material to his previous personal sketch, which is glued to the page at upper left. The word "Democrat," written by FDR, is crossed out in pencil, presumably by an editor at Who's Who; while the following addition written by FDR is circled in pencil, to be included in the new edition: "In charge of inspection U.S. Naval forces in European waters, July-Sept. 1918 and of demobilization in Europe, Jan.-Feb. 1919. Overseer of Harvard University." The bottom of the form is signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" and dated "Sept. 26 [191]9".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-July 30, 1920. Washington, D.C. One page. 5.75" x 8". Navy Department letterhead.
-To: Mr. Beardsley.
-Original center fold, tape stains in all four corners, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I want to thank you for your very kind note of congratulations and to tell you that I appreciate your support." Includes a handwritten annotation (not FDR) at upper left: "Democrat-candidate for Vice-President 1920."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
-July 31, 1920. Washington, D.C. One page. 7" x 9.25". Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead.
-To: Reverend John M. Hunter of East Greenwich, Rhode Island.
-Folds, else fine.

Less than a week before FDR would resign this position to run full-time as the Democratic nominee for vice president, he writes, in full, "My dear Hunter:/ Very many thanks for your awfully nice note. I don't need to tell you how much I appreciate the thought and support of all my old friends./ I am glad you have known George White and Governor Cox. I think that they are both splendid types of Americans, and that they will truly work for progress and for the splendid ideals embodied in the League of Nations./ I hope I shall get a chance to see you during the campaign, as I expect to get into Rhode Island in September./ Always sincerely..." Hunter, who has made ink notations in the upper right corner of the letter, was the rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church of East Greenwich, Rhode Island. The Governor Cox mentioned was, of course, James M. Cox of Ohio, the Democratic nominee for president; George White was Cox & Roosevelt's campaign manager.

James M. Cox & Franklin D. Roosevelt: 1920 Jugate Campaign Poster.
-[1920] 14" x 18.25". Framed to 16" x 20.25".
-Some creases and soiling, else near fine.

This rare 1920 "Peace-Progress-Prosperity" jugate Presidential campaign poster for the Democratic ticket is a memento of FDR's first run for national office. The photographs of James M. Cox and FDR were taken by the Baker Art Gallery in Columbus, Ohio.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate.
-September 14, 1920 (typed "k4"). Pittsfield, Massachusetts. One page. 8.25" x 11". Franklin D. Roosevelt Hyde Park personal stationery.
-Mr. G. H. Earnest, Steward, c/o Sup't of Dining Cars & Hotel Dept., Los Angeles & Salt Lake Ry Co.
-Folds, toning, else near fine.

FDR writes his appreciation for fine service on a recent trip, "Not until now has opportunity presented to write you to express my appreciation of the excellent service afforded my party by the members of your Crew while travelling from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City the latter part of August. All were united in their efforts to please, and as a result the service was all that could be wished for..."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Copy of Ernest Thompson Seton: Two Little Savages: Being the Adventures of Two Boys Who Lived as Indians and What They Learned (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, Page and Company, 1917), 552 pages, 300 illustrations by Seton, green cloth with orange and black titles and decorations, 8vo (5.5" x 8"), front endpaper inscribed and signed in full "St. Alban School / 1920 / Class C. / 2nd Prize for Best Essay / Won by Robert Walker Davis / Given by Franklin D Roosevelt". This book was given to a schoolboy by FDR, who was a judge in the St. Alban's School competition in 1920. St. Alban's, the National Cathedral School for Boys, remains a college preparatory institution chartered by the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation in Washington, D.C. This rare copy is in very good condition with considerable wear on the spine and some minor toning in the paper.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-March 16, 1921. New York City. One page. 5" x 6.5". Personal 52 Wall Street letterhead.
-To: Bernard M. Baruch.
-Folds, extraneous 1" x 1.5" paper fragment stuck to upper left corner affecting nothing, else fine.

FDR writes to the statesman/ financier and future New Deal "brain trust" member, in part, "As you probably know, you have been appointed on the temporary committee chosen at yesterday's meeting to discuss the raising of a fund as a tribute to former President Woodrow Wilson, the income of this fund to be bestowed annually under certain conditions to be outlined./ There are only ten members of this temporary committee and I am asking them to come together at my house... I shall hope to have the pleasure of seeing you at that time..." Baruch had served as a key advisor to Wilson, becoming chairman of the War Industries Board. He would serve as an adviser and confidant to every president from Wilson to Kennedy. Roosevelt's attention to the Wilson Foundation was his last duty in New York City before embarking on his vacation to his cottage at Campobello, where he suffered his attack of poliomyelitis in August of that year.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as a Partner in the Emmet, Marvin & Roosevelt Law Firm.
-May 25, 1921. New York, New York. One page. 8" x 10.75". On Emmet, Marvin & Roosevelt letterhead.
-To: Edwin A. Elsbach, San Francisco, California.
-Paper slightly toned with the usual fold creases, else near fine with a bold, bright signature.

FDR thanks Mr. Elsbach for his offer of assistance in helping with the Woodrow Wilson Foundation and seeks to clarify some of the criteria for the award: "Thank you for your letter of May 19th and for your offer to assist in the campaign./ The Committee discussed very carefully the suggestion which you have made in regard to adding the words 'world peace' instead of merely 'distinguished service', and it was decided that while, of course, world peace would remain the great criterion in the award, there are so many other things President Wilson exemplified that we want to make it as broad as possible in construction...".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-November 5, 1921. New York City. One page. 8.5" x 11". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: L. Etienne O'Brian of New York City.
-Original mailing folds, else fine.

FDR, recently stricken with poliomyelitis and bed-ridden in his New York home, just days out of New York's Presbyterian hospital, writes, in full, "Dear Mr. O'Brian:/ It is very good of you to send me the pictures of the Oyster Roast, and delightful to see the faces of so many of my friends. I am only sorry that I could not have been with you, but things are going very well, and at my present rate of progress it will not be many weeks before I am down at the office again./ Very sincerely yours..." He is seeking to downplay his paralysis and maintain his political contacts in New York. This was obviously a very critical time in his life; letters from this period, so soon after his attack, are seldom offered.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Major Historic Archive of Forty Signed Letters, including an Autograph Letter Signed entirely in FDR's own hand. There are thirty-nine other Typed Letters Signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" or "FDR", two additional letters bearing secretarial proxy signatures, as well as two letters written by FDR's secretaries and key advisors, including Colonel Louis McHenry Howe, four other related correspondences, eleven Western Union and Postal Telegraph telegrams from FDR, and two invitations, one to FDR's second inauguration as Governor of New York on January 1, 1931, with a separate invitation to the luncheon to follow the inauguration in Albany, New York. The letters were written to Mr. John S. "Major" Cohen (1870-1935), United States Senator and Editor of the Atlanta Journal between the critical years of 1921 to 1934. Most are evenly toned, else near fine.

This was a span of time beginning when FDR was inflicted by poliomyelitis, through the period he discovered and then developed the rehabilitation center at Warm Springs, Georgia to the southwest of Atlanta, as well as the period FDR re-emerged politically as both Governor of New York and ultimately President of the United States. The letters are generally on personal, Executive Mansion Albany, and White House letterhead. This one of a kind primary source document collection is a rich political correspondence with an important newspaper editor in what FDR calls in one of his signed letters "my other state" of Georgia.

An important correspondence with a key Southern political figure, John S. Cohen was a United States Senator from Georgia. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he was educated at private schools in Augusta, the Richmond Academy, and Shenandoah Valley Academy at Winchester, Virginia. He attended the United States Naval Academy in 1885 and 1886, and became a newspaper reporter for the New York World in 1886. During the Spanish-American War, he served as a war correspondent for the Atlanta Journal, and subsequently enlisted and served in the Third Georgia Volunteer Infantry, attaining the rank of major. He was a member of the army of occupation in Cuba, and was president and editor of the Atlanta Journal from 1917 to 1935. He was vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1932 to 1935. Cohen was appointed on 1932 to the United States Senate as a Democrat to fill the vacancy caused by the death of William J. Harris. Cohen served from April 25, 1932 to January 11, 1933. He was not a candidate in 1932 to fill the vacancy, and continued his former business activities until his death in Atlanta.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as Private Citizen.
-January 16, 1922. Wooster, Ohio. 6.25" x 2.75" check from a Robert L. Adair for $4 to FDR and drawn on the Commercial Banking & Trust Company.
-Perforated cancellation, folds and browning, else good.

On the verso of the bank check is FDR's full signature endorsing the check and a note in FDR's hand stating: "Pay to the order of/ Woodrow Wilson/ Foundation/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." This check shows FDR's direct activities in fundraising for the Woodrow Wilson Foundation in the immediate aftermath of his contracting poliomyelitis in August, 1921, for the check is written less than five months after the crippling attack on FDR, in the time period in which he was just beginning his struggles to recover physically, emotionally, and socially from the effects of poliomyelitis.

Records and Correspondences Between the Roosevelt family of Hyde Park, New York and the Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. There are hundreds of pages of records, spanning the complete period from September 26, 1922 to October 30, 1946, a year and a half after FDR's death. The Estate of Franklin D. Roosevelt was administered by FDR's personal attorney Henry T. Hackett, as a preliminary arrangement to the administration of the Roosevelt home and most of the land by the American government. This collection is enormous in assemblage of documents and scope, and contains the complete record of how the Roosevelts managed their utilities at their personal estates at Springwood, Val-Kill, and Top Cottage in Hyde Park, New York. All items in this vast collection are chronologically ordered in a 9" x 12" binder. There are several hundred utilities bills, paid receipts, and ledgers, correspondence back and forth between members of the Roosevelt family and members of their staff and multiple agents, including the President, of the utilities company, as well as maps, blueprints, plans, telegrams, narratives of interviews with FDR and ER, chits dealing with all matters relating to the utilities of FDR's Hyde Park estate, and numerous letters about supplying power to the Roosevelt homes in Hyde Park on the Hudson River in New York, including pages of detailed ledger sheets and information about what power was being consumed when and where on the Roosevelt properties at Hyde Park.

Included are letters signed by FDR as a private citizen and President of the United States. The first FDR letter, with some 30 words written in his own hand at the bottom of the letter, on his personal Hyde Park, New York letterhead, which is dated September 28, 1922 to Mr. G. A. Voorhees of the utilities company. FDR writes: "Dear Mr. Voorhees:/ The map is o.k. except that no wood road is noted on my side of the creek. There is one at approximately the position of the fourth pole west of the creek. Will you be good enough to have your engineer note this and give adequate clearance?/ Very sincerely yours,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt./ p.s. Would you also be good enough to instruct your men to be very careful not to take out or injure any trees, and especially a great deal of young growth just coming up./ F.D.R." FDR then writes in his own hand: "Also where the cable now comes out at the gate on the west end why do you cross the road to the north side and then re-cross to the south?"

There is also a two page White House Washington letter date December 10, 1938, with original transmittal envelope, written by FDR to the President of the utilities company, Ernest R. Acker, where FDR references his Top Cottage retreat at Hyde Park, as well as Val-Kill, and his desire to minimize any intrusion of utility poles on his land.

There are also FDR letters signed by his secretaries, perhaps Louis McHenry Howe and Marguerite A. "Missy" LeHand, as well as letters by Missy LeHand and FDR's other personal secretary Grace G. Tully, one of which, dated January 15, 1942, in the month after America's entry into World War II Miss Tully complains to the utilities company: "The bills seem terribly high because the family is not in residence at the Hyde Park house now and I wonder if you would check and see if you haven't duplicated on some of these bills." There are also "interview" letters by the utilities company that reference dealings with both FDR and ER in which they object to the price of electricity and the cost of providing additional services to their properties, very interesting examples of how FDR and ER did not want to spend a penny more than necessary on their utilities. There are also letters by the Secret Service regarding their work, and the increase in utilities usage as a result, including Michael Reilly, the Supervising Agent of The White House Detail and FDR's trusted friend, and Frank J. Wilson, the Chief of the Secret Service. There are also several letters, including handwritten letters, composed by Eleanor Roosevelt about supplying power to Val-Kill and making sure bills are appropriately paid. Eleanor also signs her husband's name "Franklin D. Roosevelt" on letters to the utilities company, and in one letter provides a very rare example of her full signature "Anna Eleanor Roosevelt".

This FDR utilities collection offers keen insight into how FDR and his family managed the utilities at his beloved Hyde Park estates, including Springwood, Val-Kill, and Top Cottage, adjoining properties, and the close detail and attention paid by FDR to the costs of his utilities at his Hyde Park estates.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed and Inscribed Edition of Argonauts of '49: History and Adventures of the Emigrant Companies from Massachusetts, 1849-1850, by Octavius Thorndike Howe, (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1923). First edition. Hardcover, in 1/4 dark blue cloth and blue-gray paper covered boards with gilt text stamping on the spine. The exterior areas of the boards are slightly faded and edges are knocked. Without a dust jacket. 4to, 221 pages including a bibliography, appendix, text and illustrated with photographs of ship models and reproductions of contemporary works of art.

The book is inscribed by FDR to his favorite paternal uncle, Frederic A. Delano, "Frederic A. Delano/ from his nephew/ Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Jan. 1923." The book was inscribed while FDR was experimenting with various treatments for poliomyelitis, which he had contracted a year and, a half earlier. When examined, FDR's handwriting and signature reveal the presence of different pressures applied in the same strokes, there is shakiness in places, the flow is off, and letter sizes vary.

This inscribed and signed first edition presented by FDR to his Uncle Fred also contains a number of pencil underlines, marginal marks and notations in Delano's own hand. Also featured is an Algonac Homestead bookplate of Frederic A. Delano with a lithograph of the view from Algonac, the Hudson River home of the Delanos. Uncle Frederic Adrian Delano (1863-1953) was Sara Delano Roosevelt's youngest brother.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-July 18, 1923. New York City. One page. 7" x 9". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Mr. Stephen Demmon of Hollywood, California.
-Original mailing folds, else fine.
-Provenance: From the Malcolm Forbes Collection.

From an interesting period in FDR's life while he is continuing to recover from poliomyelitis and anxious to get back into an active political career. He writes, in full, "My dear Mr. Demmon:/ Your telegram has only just reached me as I have been up in the country./ It is very good of you, but I do not want to be Vice President./ To have to preside over the United States Senate, as at present constituted, for four whole years would be a thankless, disagreeable and perfectly futile task. If I undertook it I should probably get into such a violent row with Lodge and the other Reactionaries that I should be promptly impeached!/ Very sincerely yours..." Roosevelt mentions Senate Majority Leader Henry Cabot Lodge, a Republican who had been a vocal opponent of Woodrow Wilson's League of Nations. A particularly interesting letter from one whom, only three years previous, ran for the vice presidency himself.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Vice President of Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland.
-December 14, 1923. New York, New York. One page. 7.25" x 9". Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Colonel Edgar A. Hamilton of Baltimore, Maryland.
-Paper slightly toned with the usual fold creases, else near fine with a bold, bright signature.

FDR corresponds with friend and business associate Colonel E. A. Hamilton. He writes in part: "I am so glad you are coming on at Christmas time. I sincerely hope you and your wife will dine with us some evening. Also, if you can, lunch with me at the office, as I want to talk over various business matters with you...". With holograph additions by FDR.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Vice President of Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland.
-January 15, 1924. New York, New York. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: E. A. Hamilton, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Head of Fidelity and Deposit Company of Baltimore, Maryland.
-Paper slightly toned with a few small stains, flattened fold creases, signature slightly faded, else very good.

FDR writes to Mr. Hamilton regarding the positive performance of his Fidelity and Deposit Company relative to six other competing companies with a not-so-thinly veiled nudge for Hamilton's business. FDR writes in part: "I want to call your attention to some interesting figures relating to depository bonds running to the State of New York...From being in 4th place by over $1,000,000, we are now in 3d place and nearly $4,000,000 ahead of the next company. I hope that within the next year we will pass the American [American Surety Company] and continue to gain on the National [National Surety Company]." Roosevelt obviously got Hamilton's attention as he has made a penciled notation in the upper right hand corner "VLB/ Please speak to me about this./ EAH".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed.
-Undated, but pencil notation in lower margin records receipt on April 9, 1924. From Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 7.25" x 10.5", Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: "Mr. Van Nest", n.p.
-Folds, toning, staple stain and two small perforations in upper left corner, good condition.

FDR writes "Your letter has been forwarded down here, and as I fully expect to go home again by the middle of May, I shall be very glad to come to the exercises of the Rhinebeck on Decoration Day. Write me please what the hour is and where the exercises will be held." This letter gives us some direct indication of Roosevelt's planning to become engaged in civic events once again after his early battles with polio.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-June 5, 1924. Hyde Park, New York. One page. 8.5" x 11". Personal Hyde Park, Dutchess County, New York letterhead.
-To: Dr. J. J. Mattison.
-Folds, minor crinkling, and a few tiny stains, else fine.

FDR writes regarding the upcoming Democratic National Convention, in part, "I was glad to get your letter and to find that you feel as I do about the unquestionable wisdom of nominating Governor Smith as our Presidential Candidate./ There will be a great deal that you can do to help us out, particularly if you have friends in other states to whom you feel you can write frankly about the Governor... This is a very important matter, and the success or failure of our campaign seems likely to depend on the extent to which we can get in personal touch with either the delegates or friends of delegates from other states..." This particular convention, in which Roosevelt gave his famous "Happy Warrior" speech placing Smith's name in nomination, was the longest political convention in U.S. history. It took 103 ballots to finally nominate compromise candidate John W. Davis, who would lose to incumbent President Calvin Coolidge.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Two Imprinted Copies of FDR's 1924 "Happy Warrior" Speech. Speech of Honorable Franklin D. Roosevelt Placing In Nomination For The Presidency Of The United States Governor Alfred E. Smith (New York City: Democratic National Convention, 1924), seven pages, 9" x 6". This set consists of an advance copy "For Release When Delivered at the Democratic National Convention...Not Before" and the final text copy. Lightly toned paper, excellent condition. Both items housed in custom green cloth slipcase having gold-stamped red leather cover plate and spine. Bookplate inside reads: "From The Franklin D. Roosevelt Collection of Donald Scott Carmichael."

The seventeen day long 1924 Democratic National Convention was a "coming-out" of sorts for Roosevelt. After nearly three years of intense therapy for poliomyelitis, he re-entered public life and politics with a vengeance. People praised him for not only for the stirring speech but also for his physical courage. Frances Perkins, later appointed by FDR as the first woman in American history to serve in the Presidential cabinet, wrote, "Franklin Roosevelt underwent a spiritual transformation during the years of his illness... The man emerged completely warmhearted, with humility of spirit and with a deeper philosophy. Having been to the depths of trouble, he understood the problems of people in trouble."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-November 6, 1924. New York City. One page. 8.5" x 11". Personal Hyde Park letterhead.
-To: Mr. J. A. Edgerton of Washington, D.C.
-Folds, light toning, else fine.

Just two days after Democratic presidential candidate John W. Davis lost in a landslide to incumbent Calvin Coolidge, FDR looks to the future of the Democratic Party. He writes, in full, "Dear Mr. Edgerton:/ Your letter of October 28th did not reach me until today as I was campaigning in upstate New York. Apparently all of our guesses on the La Follette strength were wrong. If he had obtained the vote which I confidently expected, the election would at least have been thrown into the house./ It all goes to prove two things - First, that our Party must start its organization work for the next election this month instead on waiting 4 years. Secondly, that if progressives the country over do not get together in the Democratic Party, their division will continue to lead to Republican victories./ Very sincerely yours..." Earlier in the year, Roosevelt had delivered his "Happy Warrior" speech at the New York Democratic National Convention, throwing Al Smith's name into nomination. This signaled his return as a force in progressive Democratic politics after his 1921 paralysis from poliomyelitis. An important letter.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Vice President of Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland.
-December 29, 1924. New York. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Fidelity and Deposit Company letterhead.
-To: Joseph A. Whitacre of Marshalltown, Iowa.
-Toned with a stain in the upper right corner, mounting remnants on the verso, and with the usual fold creases, else very good.

FDR obliges a request from a fellow autograph collector: "I am very glad to sent [sic] you my autograph at the bottom of this page...".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-July 7, 1925. Hyde Park, New York. One page. 8.5" x 11". Personal Hyde Park letterhead.
-To: Mr. W. H. Higgs of Lyons, New York.
-Folds, rough at top edge, else fine.

FDR, ever the advocate for a strong and united Democratic Party writes, in full, "My dear Mr. Higgs:/ I am glad to get your letter. I hope, in spite of the delay, there will be soon some kind of conference in which Democrats throughout the nation can get together./ I feel very strongly that it is most important at this time not to discuss candidates for the presidency in 1928, but to devote our attention to the perfecting of organization in this state, and elsewhere./ You and I will live to see the day when upstate is more democratic./ Very sincerely yours..."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as Private Citizen.
-No date. One page. 6" x 2". Partially printed order form for the The Model Ship Builder's Assistant
-To: The Marine Research Society of Salem, Massachusetts.
-Fold, else very good.

Contact information is filled out in FDR's hand as follows: "Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Hyde Park/ Dutchess Co./ N.Y." The cost was $5.00.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed.
-June 27, no year, ca. 1920s. Location. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Vice President Fidelity Deposit & Company letterhead.
-To: Mrs. Bulklay.
-File holes at top, professionally tissue-backed, fine.

FDR writes, "Thanks your letter. Last year clearly demonstrated that the public disliked and objected to use of public pool by patients. [Several words written and crossed out by FDR and above them FDR writes] Sorry but cannot afford handrails by making exception for one or two people. [Word crossed out and arrow inserted to sentence below which FDR circles] I tried to explain this clearly in May. Hope perfectly feasible arrange mechanical means enter small pools. [Several other words crossed out by FDR] Franklin D. Roosevelt". This handwritten letter details FDR's concerns about George Warm Springs Foundation patients using the public pools, the public's dismay with polio patients using public pools, and FDR's demurring at the suggestion of continuing to use the public pools. FDR solved this problem by building his own pools for use by the patients at the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed.
-August 20 (no year). Westport Point, Massachusetts. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: "Mr. Clarkson", likely New York City.
-Folds, glue residue along left margin, one stain and toned, else very good.

FDR writes "Many thanks for your nice thought of me in the matter of the Mayoralty campaign - However I am ever grateful that I have always been an upstate farmer and therefore can't take part in N.Y. City politics! I shall be away till the end of September. After that do come in and see me some day." FDR's aversion to New York City politics prompted Governor Alfred E. Smith to name Roosevelt his successor in 1928, when Smith was the Democratic Party's candidate for President.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Invoice Signed.
-[c. mid-1920s] Meriwether Reserve, Inc. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8.5" x 11". Letterhead of Manager Egbert T. Curtis.
-Original folds, minor creases and wear, paper clip mark at top left, pencil annotation at right edge, else near fine.

In 1927 FDR incorporated the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation. This expense report is on the letterhead used by the Meriwether Reserve, Inc., which predates the Warm Springs organization. On the verso, FDR has written: "FDR/To Sept. 20th/ Paid."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as Vice President of Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland.
-[Undated]. New York. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-[Unaddressed].
-Paper slightly toned, with the usual fold creases, signature slightly faded, else very good.

FDR authors his resignation from the Federal International Investment Trust Organization Committee. FDR and Georges St. Jean began organizing the Federal International Investment Trust with an idea of selling American goods through the Federal International Investment Trust to foreign purchasers. The foreign purchasers then deposited into the trust securities that were guaranteed by foreign banks. American investors paid cash into the Trust. The cash was used to pay the American goods manufacturers for their products. In return for their investment of cash, the American investors received debentures or bonds collateralized by the foreign securities. In this letter FDR appears to back out of the project: "Since the first of the year Mr. St. Jean and I have worked on plans for a Federal International Investment Trust and it is a source of great disappointment to withdraw from the Organization Committee which is supporting the charter...". Presumably he signed multiple copies of his resignation letter unsure to who each would be sent to.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Ten Typed Letters Signed as President of the American Construction Council.
-April 19, 1926. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland.
-To: Mr. [Dwight L.] Hoopingarner, Executive of the American Construction Council.
-Fine condition.

FDR writes, "I sent you back the letters which I think are excellent. All goes well here and I shall be back in about two weeks. Very sincerely yours, FDR"

There are also nine additional Typed Letters Signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" included in this archive, as follows:
-January 29, 1926 (three so dated- six no date). No place. One page each. 7.25" x 10.5". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland. Eight of the nine letters have typewritten addressed envelopes of matching style to the letterheads stapled to them.
-To: Prominent civic, business, and industry leaders: C.P. Coleman, President of Worthington Pump and Machinery Company; E.J. Cornish, President of the National Lead Company; Judge Elbert H. Gary; Charles Hayden, President of Hayden Stone Company; Louis Horowitz, President of Thompson-Starrett Company; William Fellowes Morgan, Chairman of Merchants Refrigerating Company; C.D. Seger, President of the United States Rubber Company; A.M. Stewart, Chairman of the Board of James Stuart and Company; and C.H. Wooley, President of American Radiator Company.
-Fine condition.

These letters have identical typed content as follows, in full, "I had hoped to get a chance to talk with you before going away but not being able to do so I want to ask that you give personally five or ten minutes of your time to Mr. Dwight L. Hoopingarner who will see you on my behalf. Mr. Hoopingarner is associated with me as the Executive of the American Construction Council which Secretary Hoover and I organized in 1922, and which, as you may recall, I have been serving as President since that time./ I am sure you will agree with me that the idea back of this movement, dealing as it does with the economic problems of the construction industry in its largest sense and their relation to the permanent prosperity of the nation, is one of the biggest conceptions ever inaugurated in modern industry, and should, with the safeguards that are provided for its conduct, command the hearty support of forward looking business men./ Very sincerely yours..."

Ironically, these letters all mention (then) Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover who, of course, would later unsuccessfully run as an incumbent against Roosevelt for the presidency in 1932. It's safe to say that these two men did not agree politically but apparently were able to co-exist as leaders of this Council. To learn more as to what the American Construction Council was supposed to accomplish, we turn to a period news report. The New York Times of May 15, 1922 published an article about its formation. Under the headline "F.D. ROOSEVELT TO BE BUILDING ARBITER" it reads, in part, "Taking as its main purposes the restoration of public confidence in the building industry and the need for the union of all clements in an effort to raise its standards and efficiency, announcement has been made of the formation of the American Construction Council, with Franklin D. Roosevelt, former Assistant Secretary of the Navy, as Chairman./ Mr. Roosevelt will have the direction of the organized construction industry in somewhat the same manner as Judge Kenesaw M. Landis and Will H. Hays act as supreme arbiters in the baseball and motion picture industries. Mr. Roosevelt, however, will receive no pay./ The American Construction Council will be formally organized at meetings to be held on June 18 and 19, at which Secretary of Commerce Herbert C. Hoover will preside. Mr. Roosevelt will take charge next Fall, when he hopes to be fully recovered from his illness..."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President of the American Construction Council.
-January 29, 1926. New York. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Fidelity and Deposit Company letterhead.
-To: Owen D. Young, Chairman of the Board of General Electric Company, New York.
-With the usual fold creases, stapled to the original transmittal envelope, else near fine.

FDR writes to Young: "...I am sure you will agree that the idea back of this movement [American Construction Council], dealing as it does with the economic problems of the construction industry in its largest sense and their relation to the permanent prosperity of the nation, is one of the biggest conceptions ever inaugurated in modern industry and should, with the safeguards that are provided for its conduct, command hearty support of forward thinking business men." Features a beautiful FDR signature.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President of the American Construction Council.
-April 10, 1926. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8.5" x 11". American Construction Company, New York letterhead.
-To: Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.
-Even toning, small splits and two small areas of loss along edges, else very good condition.

FDR writes: "Dear Mr. Rockefeller: No doubt you know something of the American Construction Council which Secretary Hoover and I organized in 1922 and which I have been serving as President since that time. The Council has within its resources done a splendid service in dealing with the economic problems of the construction industry and their relations to the public, but to insure its permanency and increase its effectiveness we are organizing what is to be known as the American Construction Foundation which will have control of the Council's funds in perpetuity and be prepared to carry out its objectives at all times. A million dollar fund is being sought for this purpose and will be trusted through the Foundation which is itself to be incorporated. Literature explaining the work of the Council is enclosed. Will you serve as one of the Trustees of this Foundation, assuming of course the completion of satisfactory arrangements as to details? I cannot urge upon you too strongly this opportunity for a real and lasting service to the public and to the permanent prosperity of the country." This letter contains very special content, including the ironic and specific mention of his collaborative efforts with none other than Herbert Hoover, not to mention the "permanent prosperity" of the United States! The American Construction Council was founded as a trade association that attempted to bring order into the building business.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President of the American Construction Council.
-April 10, 1926. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8.5" x 11". American Construction Council letterhead.
-To: Mr. Charles M. Schwab, New York City.
-Light toning, excellent condition.

FDR writes, "No doubt you know something of the American Construction Council which Secretary Hoover and I organized in 1922 and which I have been serving as President since that time. The Council has within its resources done a splendid service in dealing with the economic problems of the construction industry and their relations to the public, but to insure its permanency and increase its effectiveness we are organizing what is to be known as the American Construction Foundation which will have control of the Council's funds in perpetuity and be prepared to carry out its objectives at all times. A million dollar fund is being sought for this purpose and will be trusteed through the Foundation which is itself to be incorporated. Literature explaining the work of the Council is enclosed. Will you serve as one of the Trustees of this Foundation, assuming of course the completion of satisfactory arrangements as to details? I cannot urge upon you too strongly this opportunity for a real and lasting service to the public and to the permanent prosperity of the country." This identical letter was also sent to the era's other great financier- John D. Rockefeller.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed "F.D.R.".
-June 25, 1926. New York City. One page. 8.5" x 11. At bottom of letter from Norman J. Gould of Gould's Pumps, Seneca Falls, New York; stamped and docketed to the firm of Roosevelt & O'Connor.
-To: "Basil" O'Connor, his law partner.
-Multiple folds, toning, perforated along left margin for binding, very good condition.

FDR writes "Do you know anything of this? I never heard of it - If you do, write Gould direct..." The nature of FDR's legal work is apparent here. Gould's letter to Roosevelt involves bids on oil pumping equipment for the Empire Petroleum Company in Utah.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Note Signed "FDR"
-July 13, 1926. New York City. One page. 7.25" x 9.75". Vice President of Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Basil O'Connor.
-The signature is slightly "brushed", else fine.

FDR humorously writes to his law partner, in full, "Dear Basil:/ Read the enclosed at your leisure - it may be of interest when we get some rich female client who is about to marry an Englishman./ Sincerely..." Mentioned item not included.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed.
-1926. Photo: 5" x 7", black-and-white, mounted on 7" x 9.75" sheet. Matted and framed to 13.5" x 16.5".
-To: Carleton B. McCulloch.
-Minor wear and creases, slight fading, else fine.

This portrait of a youthful FDR includes the pencil signature "Van Dyke / London" written on the mount below the image. FDR's inscription reads (in full): To my friend / Carleton B. McCulloch / Franklin D. Roosevelt / 1926". Carleton B. McCulloch of Indianapolis was a prominent midwestern Democrat.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-January 10, 1927. New York City. Two pages. 6.5" x 10.25". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Mr. C. H. Kimball, Brooklyn, New York.
-Folds, even browning, some fading to signature. Good condition.

Marked "Personal and Not for Publication", this important letter addresses the anxiety many Protestant Americans felt about Al Smith's Catholic faith in the event that he should win the Democratic nomination for president. FDR here does not "...believe for a moment that if Governor Smith had been President, he would have embroiled us in a war with Mexico because of any pressure from the Catholic Church. In fact, I don't believe he would have gotten us into this present Nicaraguan mess with the real possibility of war with Mexico as a result and a further reason for dislike of the United States by every Central and South American nation...in regard to the favoring of ecclesiastical schools, the best answer is that our Governor has been in office now for over six years and I don't think any citizen of this State thinks that he has injured our own public school system or built up ecclesiastical schools at its expense...I suppose he did kiss the ring of the visiting Cardinals. That is a century old custom of the Catholic Church - I don't think it means any more than if I, as an Episcopalian, were to place Bishop Manning at my right at a dinner party."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-January 19, 1927. New York City. One page. 7" x 10.5". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Major Renato Tittoni, Headquarters of the United States Marine Corps.
-Folds, light toning, paper clip impression at top, else near fine.

FDR writes to a former military acquaintance from his days as assistant navy secretary, in full, My dear Major Tittoni:/ It is good indeed to see your smiling face on the card which you were good enough to remember us with and I trust that all goes as well as it looks!/ As you know I, myself, have been on crutches for the last five years and some day we must meet and swap experiences./ Mrs. Roosevelt joins me in cordial greetings./ Very sincerely yours..." Roosevelt's mention of his personal experience in battling poliomyelitis makes this a very desirable missive.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed Three Times.
-February 1, 1927. New York City. One page. 8.5" x 3.25".
-Toning, else very fine.

FDR loan to the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, Inc. payable "in gold coin." Singed by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Basil O'Connor on the front, endorsed in full by Roosevelt on the verso and, again, with "FDR" on the front under a manuscript "Paid April 20 1927". The note was actually due in 1937, some four years after Roosevelt abolished the production of gold coin.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Notation.
-April 7, 1927. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Mr. R. C. Estes, Atlanta, Georgia Chamber of Commerce Bldg.
-Folds, else fine.

FDR writes, in full, "Dear Mr. Estes:/ I am awfully sorry about Mr. Cook's accident. It is too bad and I do hope he will have no complications and will make a rapid recovery./ I inclose [sic] check for $40.56 for the blue prints of the whole property ($85 for preview bill - total $125.45)./ I spoke to Mr. Cook about our contemplated steam plant to heat the hotel and cottages, and possibly provide power. Would you be good enough to let me know the names of two or three high-class firms in Atlanta to inspect the lay-out and give me plans and estimates./ Very sincerely yours..." The Georgia Warm Springs Foundation (now known as the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation) was founded in 1927 by Roosevelt and three others as a treatment center and refuge for polio patients. The facility featured hydrotherapy as a method for soothing pain and treating the disease. The facility is still in operation.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed.
-May 8, 1927. Aboard train, New York. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Mr. Crowley.
-Original folds, two-hole punched along left edge, else fine.

In this handwritten letter concerning the finances of the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, FDR writes (in part): "Will you please send a cheque from the Foundation for $4600 by mail on Tuesday, made out to 'G. T. Curtis, Manager or James T. Goode, Accountant, Warm Springs, Georgia.' This will take care of bills while I am away from Warm Springs for the next ten days. Will see you next week." The Roosevelt and O'Connor dated stamp is at top center and right.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-September 22, 1927. New York City. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead. Original envelope of transmittal included.
-To: Sheldon Whitehouse, Esq., American Embassy, Paris, France.
-Mailing folds, else very fine.

On behalf of his friend and law partner, FDR writes, in full, "Dear Sheldon:/ My partner, Mr. Basil O'Connor, and his very charming wife are visiting Europe, he on legal business, and I am very anxious that they should meet you while they are in Paris./ It is years since I have seen you and I do hope that the next time you come home, you will look me up./ Always sincerely yours..." Whitehouse was a career State Department diplomat who was serving as senior council in Paris; his grandson of the same name is currently a U.S. senator from Rhode Island.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Check Signed as President of Georgia Warm Springs Foundation
-October 19, 1927. New York City. One page. 8" x 3".
-Made to: E.T. Curtis, Manager.
-Even toning, perforation cancel, else fine.

Entirely in FDR's hand, the check is for the "Patients' Aid Fund." On the verso are several bank stamps including a stamp in green ink and a stamp in red ink paying to the order of the Bank of Manchester, Georgia, and another stamp in purple ink from the Chemical Bank in New York, New York, noting that payment was received on October 31, 1927.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-October 21, 1927. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Mr. Crowley.
-Original folds, two hole punched along left edge, minor wear and creases, else near fine.

This letter refers to FDR's personal handling of financial matters related to the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation. Originally enclosed with the letter were checks from William C. Rives ($100) and Mrs. John Henry Hammond ($250).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed "Father".
-October 23, 1927. From Warm Springs, Georgia. Two pages. 7.25" x 10.5". On Vice President Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To James Roosevelt, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
-Even toning, fine condition.

The original envelope accompanies FDR's handwritten letter to his son James. The letter reads: "Ever so many thanks for your lovely long letter. I'm too sorry about the knee and that it definitely keeps you out of your numerals this fall. However, one can't have everything all at once and it will give you more time to work in preparation for the exams. I hope there will be fewer 'busts' in your class than there were last year and the year before. German must be rotten, but I think Mother and I will be able to help you get an idea of what its all about at Xmas. I'm awfully glad you are on the Dormitories Committee and that it's a 'good class' as a whole - mine was a 'poor class' for it split up in to cliques at the start and hasn't got over it yet. Let me know how rowing goes, I suppose the preliminary crew are made up and that you won't have much longer to go out on the river as I think the work generally ends about Yale game time./ Much love - I go home about Nov. 8th."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed "Your Devoted Father."
-November 2, 1927. Warm Springs, Georgia. Two pages. 8.5" x 11". Roosevelt & O'Connor letterhead.
-To: John Aspinwall Roosevelt, Hyde Park, New York.
-Folds, light toning. Ex. Christie's, "The Roosevelt Era" sale, February, 2001.

FDR writes, "I'm glad to hear from Mother that you have made center on the School football team-& I hope that you are also on the honor roll again! Do send a line some day to Gordon Foster, he so often speaks of you and Franklin. Soon you will be off for Cambridge & Groton. I wish I could be there too-I hope you will see a Harvard victory, but so far Yale seems to have much the stronger team. Everything goes well here & the weather continues like summer, & everything is very dusty & dried up. Write me soon. I miss you much."

See following lot for hand-addressed transmittal envelope.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Envelope Addressed in Holograph to His Son John.
-November 2, 1927. Warm Springs, Georgia.
-To: John Aspinwall Roosevelt.
-Edge roughness, else very good.

FDR addresses an envelope to his youngest son (age eleven) in care of his mother, Sara, in full, "Master John A. Roosevelt/ c/o Mrs. James Roosevelt/ Hyde Park/ Dutchess Co/ N.Y." A very desirable item mailed from Warm Springs and addressed to his home in Hyde Park.

Companion envelope to letter in previous lot.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed.
-November 5, 1927. One page. 8.5" x 11". Roosevelt & O'Connor letterhead.
-To: Mr. Crowley.
-Original fold, minor wear, small creases, else near fine.

This handwritten letter refers to the financial dealings of the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation. FDR refers to checks made payable to Mrs. Edith M. Phelps Stoke and Mrs. L. Fatinas. The letter was received by the Roosevelt & O'Connor law firm and docketed on November 9, 1927. The firm's dated stamp is in the top right corner.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed "Father".
-Undated, but with original transmittal envelope postmarked February 6, 1928. On train en route from Memphis, Tennessee. Three pages. 6" x 9.5", Hotel Peabody stationery.
-To: James Roosevelt, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
-Folds, toning, small area of loss to upper left corner of cover page, splits from opening on envelope. Very good condition.

FDR writes "After a hectic two days in Memphis at the Crippled Children's meeting I'm on the way North & unless you hear to the contrary meet me at the South Station at 6:10 Saturday or whenever the 1 o'clock gets in - I hope to find a line in N.Y. about staying at the Fly Club./ Also engage the auto to take us to Groton about 10:30 Sunday morning - that is if Elliot & F Jr. are back - I haven't heard a word since Saturday past. My but that Turkey was good - it was dear of you to send it & it gave much pleasure to many - we had 8 to dinner & used up less than 1/2, then 3 of us had a luncheon in it, then a party of 5 dined on it & took the remains to the Pattersons when I left! It was very Tender - what luck you had to get two! Lots of people I know have spent weeks trying & never even saw one - Mother wrote your friend you had a [here FDR draws a square] - & would go on probation - I do hope it won't be so."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Postscript.
-February 7, 1928. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Vice President of Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Mr. Frank E. Wood, State Department of Education, Albany, New York.
-Folds and light crinkling, else very good.

FDR writes, in full, "My dear Mr. Wood:/ Last Autumn Mr. Skinner visited me at Hyde Park and was good enough to go over the question of the increase of our school facilities in the Hyde Park district./ The school trustees have called a meeting of the school district for Saturday evening, February 25th, to consider the building problem./ I myself, will be at home at Hyde Park and expect to attend the meeting and am wondering if you would care to come to Hyde Park that afternoon and spend the night at my house and attend the meeting with me. Your advice would be very helpful to us in solving a somewhat difficult problem./ Very sincerely yours..." Roosevelt adds a holograph postscript in his own hand: "Will you be good enough to write me at 55 Liberty St. N.Y. City."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Document with Holographic Annotations by FDR as a Partner in the Roosevelt & O'Connor Law Firm.
-Docketed February 16, 1928. New York. One page. 8.5" x 11".
-Paper slightly toned with a very small hole near the left margin that doesn't affect the text or annotations; flattened fold creases, else very good.

An extraordinary document docketed to the law firm of Roosevelt & O'Connor on February 16, 1928, featuring more than twenty words in FDR's own hand. This document is a typed list entitled "Committee Second District" with the names and addresses of seven individuals: Jesse Fuller, Jr., Chairman; Appleton L. Clark; George M. Curtis, Jr.; Emanuel Newman; Edward S. Malone; Robert P. Griffing; and Charles N. Wysong. There is a handwritten note in the margin to FDR from O'Connor which states: "FDR Do you know any of these intimately B.O'C 2/24/28." FDR responds with his own handwritten note in pencil: "D[ear] B[asil] O'C[onnor] Yes - I know Appleton Clark very well - he married my first cousin - If you want or better prepare it to 'Dear Appleton' and send for my designation./ FDR." Appleton LeSure Clark (1865-1930) married FDR's cousin Grace Walton Roosevelt (1867-1945) in 1895. A wonderful document, perhaps related to FDR's impending run for Governor of New York in 1928, the political position that would launch him to the Presidency four years later.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed.
-May 1, 1928. New York City. One page. 7" x 10.5". On Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: a "Miss Riehle", Warm Springs, Georgia.
-Toned, folds, else very good.

FDR writes, "It has been very satisfactory to have you do my stenographer work and typewriting at Warm Springs this winter and spring and I am very glad to recommend you to others, and I hope that when I return you can resume the work." Possibly "Miss Riehle" was a daughter or sister of John Riehle, Brace Shop Manager in Warm Springs.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Memo Signed "F.D. Roosevelt".
-September 11, 1928. New York. One page. 8.5" x 11".
-To: Mr. Taylor.
-Original folds, two-hole punched along left edge, some creases and minor chipping at foot of page, else very good.

FDR writes (in part): "In accordance with letter from Mr. Kibbe of September 7th, please send today check for $1,000.00 to Bank of Manchester for account of Georgia Warm Springs Foundation-Winter Pool Account. And next Monday, September 17th, another check for $1,000.00." The Roosevelt and O'Connor dated stamp is at top right. Rare form of his signature.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Copy of P. J. B. Nougaret, Beautes de L'Histoire des Etats-Unis (Paris: Brunot-Labbe, Libraire de L'Universite Royale, 1824), second edition, 458 pages, marbled endpapers, brown leather with gilt titles, 12mo (4" x 7"), housed in custom blue-cloth slipcase with leather spine and gilt titles, signed in full "Franklin D Roosevelt / Hyde Park" on the first blank page after front endpaper. This rare copy from FDR's personal Hyde Park library is in very good condition with some wear and chipping on the binding and foxing in the paper. The slipcase is fine with minor shelf wear.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Secret" Box Made from 19th Century French Book.
-Biographie Universelle, Ancienne et Moderne (Paris: Chez L. G. Michaud, 1840). 5" x 7.5".
-Wear on binding, cracking on front hinge, chipping on spine, toning and foxing in paper, else good.

This "secret" box, made from a 19th-century leather-bound French volume, Biographie Universelle, is a wonderful relic from FDR's library. Two rectangular wells have been hollowed out to create a space for the storage of valuables. Both wells are lined with handsome marbled paper matching the book's endpapers.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Telegram.
-[no date] One page. 7" x 8.5". Western Union telegram.
-To: "Carp" [Arthur E. Carpenter].
-Original folds, hole punched at top, some toning and wear, else fine.

FDR writes in pencil (in full): "Dear Carp-Tell all newspapers I can't possibly reach a phone, and that I have received no news and given out no stories. FDR". Arthur E. Carpenter, FDR's business manager at Warm Springs, Georgia, was with the Foundation from its inception to the mid-1930s.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Document With Holographic Annotations by FDR Circa 1928.
-No date [circa 1928]. [No place]. One page. 8.5" x 11".
-Paper slightly toned, with two small filing holes at the left margin and old flattened fold creases, else very good.

FDR lists his major accomplishments on a curriculum vitae of sorts before he was elected Governor of New York in 1928, at the behest of his friend and then law partner D. Basil "Doc" O'Connor, who writes in his own hand (in pencil) in the upper left corner of the document, in pencil: "F.D.R./ Just for my own information/ will you fill this up./ D. B. O'C." The original list consisted of ten numbered items in typeface under the heading "Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Activities in which engaged." FDR corrects four of these typed and numbered activities in his own hand (in pencil), and then adds eight additional resumé items entirely in his own hand. A historic document written on the eve of FDR's entry into serious politics.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holograph Correction as New York Gubernatorial Candidate.
-October 8, 1928. New York City. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Franklin D. Roosevelt personal stationery.
-To: W. A. Warn c/o NY Times
-Folds, light toning, else fine.

FDR writes, in full, "My dear Warn:/ It was delightful to me to get your telegram when I was down in Warm Springs last week, and I appreciate your thought in sending it./ As you know, this is a very sudden turn of affairs to me. Do come around and let me have a talk with you as an old friend, not in your official capacity./ Sincerely yours..." Alfred E. Smith, the incumbent governor of New York was nominated by the Democratic Party to run for president in 1928. He personally asked Roosevelt to run as his successor. It took Eleanor's help, but FDR finally consented to run on October 1, 1928. Smith lost the national election by a landslide (not even carrying his native state) but Roosevelt won the first of his two terms as New York governor.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Limited First Edition Records of the Town of Hyde Park Dutchess County, Volume III, Edited by FDR, (Hyde Park: Dutchess County Historical Society in 1928). 4to, 340 pages, original brown cloth, gilt-lettered on cover and spine, spine rubbed, gilt lettering faded on spine, upper and lower hinges cracked, First Edition, number 96 of 100 copies.

An extremely rare book from Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal library at Springwood in Hyde Park, New York. FDR boldly inscribes his book on the flyleaf: "No. 96 of 100 copies/ Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Hyde Park, 1928."

Among FDR's many interests was his love for the history of the Hudson valley and in particular for the community of Hyde Park in which he grew up and which he always called home. FDR was appointed historian for the Town of Hyde Park in 1926. He completed The Records of the Town of Hyde Park in 1928. As town historian FDR was an active historic preservationist. FDR resigned as town historian in 1932 after becoming President-Elect.

Ernest J. Halter, on page 458 of his book, Collecting First Editions of Franklin Roosevelt, published in 1949, states: "FDR also numbered each jacket in longhand - a thoroughly disagreeable task which he accomplished in one grumpy sitting."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor-Elect.
-November 30, 1928. Warm Springs, Georgia. 7.25" x 10.5". Fidelity Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Mr. Herbert Fordham, New York City.
-Light toning.

FDR writes, "Thanks for yours of the 20th. It is fine of you to give me so much credit in the election, and I am not sure that all of it is deserved. I am now working on problems of State government and looking forward to a strenuous two years at Albany."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor-Elect.
-December 15, 1928. New York, New York. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-To: Mr. Edward B. Tracy of Waterbury, Connecticut.
-Mounting remnants on the verso have bled through, paper slightly toned, with the usual fold creases else very good.

FDR honors a request from an autograph seeker: "I am very glad to send you my autograph at the bottom of this letter./ I am, also, a collector, but I go in for stamps and Naval documents." A wonderful letter, collector to collector, written shortly after FDR's election as Governor of New York.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor-Elect.
-December 19, 1928. New York City. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Vice President of Fidelity and Deposit Company of Maryland letterhead.
-Thomas Pryor Gore (former Democratic senator from Oklahoma)
-Mailing folds, very light paper clip impression, else very fine.

Less than two weeks before his inauguration as New York governor, FDR shows early signs of his national ambitions. He writes, in full, "My dear Senator:/ Your delightful letter to me at Warm Springs has been forwarded to me here./ I hope you will let me keep the copy of your letter to Chairman Raskob. You have made a fine analysis of the situation and I would like to have it for reference./ The suggestion for a National meeting not later than the Spring of 1930 I hope will be acted upon favorably./ I might say that I have fine letters from Oklahoma and feel sure tht [sic] the State will return to the Democratic column as soon as given a chance./I hope to see you soon either here or at Washington./ Sincerely yours..." Thomas Gore was an interesting character in Oklahoma and U.S. history. Blind since childhood and a lawyer by trade, he served as one of the first two senators from the then-new state of Oklahoma from 1907 until 1920 when he was defeated for re-election, possibly because of his opposition to the U.S. entry into WWI. He did return to the Senate in 1931 where he initially supported Roosevelt's New Deal but later feuded with him. Writer Gore Vidal is his grandson. The Raskob mentioned in the letter was businessman John J. Raskob, then chairman of the Democratic National Convention and a major supporter of Al Smith. Raskob would later be a very prominent opponent of the New Deal through his support of a number of anti-Roosevelt organizations including the American Liberty League.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as Governor-Elect of New York.
-December 29 [1928?]. New York City. Four pages (two leaves recto and verso). 6" x 7". Hyde Park/ Telegraph Poughkeepsie personal stationery- Roosevelt crossed that out on page one and wrote "49 East 65 St. N. Y. City".
-To: Miss Graffin ("Missy" LeHand's Aunt Nelly).
-One horizontal mailing fold, toned at fold on page four, else fine.

Not dated as to year, but content and research points to the date likely being 1928. Roosevelt was three days away from his inauguration as governor of New York. His personal secretary and dear friend Marguerite A. "Missy" LeHand had been ill and Roosevelt was sending her down to his cottage in Warm Springs to recuperate. He writes, in full, " My dear Miss Graffin:/ It is very good of you to telegraph, and a great relief to my mind that you can go to Warm Springs on the 16th with Marguerite--The child has been much more seriously ill last summer than she realizes, and though she is so much better now, it is most important for her to keep very quiet and avoid colds and excitement during this winter. That is why it will be good for her to get away from the Boston climate as soon as possible./ I know how fond she is of you, and how much she will love having you with her in the little cottage at Warm Springs and I think that you will like it there too--I myself hope to get down for a short visit with you two the end of January, but have to come back to New York and will return to Warm Springs as soon as I can./ I hope you can leave Potsdam the evening of the 15th arriving N.Y. the next morning, and you must come straight to our house where we shall all be awaiting you. The train for Warm Springs leaves that afternoon at 3:40./ I have heard to much about "Aunt Nellie" for many years that it is certainly time for us to meet./ Happy New Year from all of us./ Very sincerely yours..." Miss LeHand was Roosevelt's personal secretary from 1920; she lived in the Roosevelt household, the New York Executive Mansion, and then the White House, a trusted advisor and essentially a member of the family, until her debilitating stroke in 1941. FDR paid all her medical bills and, though she predeceased him, made a stipulation in his will for her future medical expenses to be covered by the estate. There were always rumors about the nature of their relationship. This is a very important and warm letter that shows his concern and affection for his valued friend.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-[no date] One page. Trimmed to 8" x 7".
-To: John W. Hanson of Brooklyn, New York.
-Original fold, top section trimmed off, bottom right corner chipped, else very good.

FDR writes (in part): "I am deeply conscious of the great honor conferred upon me by election as an Honorary Past Commander of the Order of Shepherds of Bethlehem and am sorry that my inability to be present at the Thirty-fifth Annual Convention of our Order prevents me from personally expressing my feeling of appreciation. However, pressing demands upon my time require my presence within the State of New York. I wish to take this opportunity to assure you of my most cordial cooperation in the accomplishment of the laudable undertakings of our Order. Brotherhood is the demand of the times, brotherhood in adversity as well as brotherhood in prosperity. Simply, the spirit of helpfulness is an obligation facing each one of us. We are called upon to advance and promote the interests of our fellows, to help them in every way within our power to the end that the kindliness and fraternity that had its origin in Bethlehem may be perpetuated."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Two Cards Signed as New York Governor.
-[no dates] Albany, New York. 5" x 3". State of New York head and seal.
-Minor edge wear, else fine.

Two signed 5" x 3" cards featuring the official seal of the State of New York at upper left.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Proclamation Signed as New York Governor.
-[Undated]. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: The Sportsmen of New York.
-Small sections missing from the top left edge, framing shadow, signature slightly faded, with the usual fold creases, else very good.

FDR sends a greeting to sportsmen in this interesting statement that reads in part: "I have a special interest in the thoughts and doings of hunters and fishermen and all other out-of-door sportsmen because for as long as I can remember I have been an enthusiast in the matter of the preservation of the forms of natural wealth that are not measured in dollars and cents but in human satisfaction and the joys of living. In New York State we are devoting a lot of thought and effort to saving values of this kind, and we think it well worth while. Protecting and increasing our bird and animal population and our supply of game fish is tied up closely with our forest preserve, reforestation and State parks policies...I do not hesitate to commend to the American people the true sportsman's attitude toward our natural resources, toward his fellow-men and toward life in general."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-January 4, 1929. Albany, New York. One page with docketing on verso. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Original folds, one just barely affecting the seal, else fine.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice George B. Cousens, issuing a warrant for his delivery to Harry Keenan, agent of Massachusetts. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Edward G. Griffin. Keenan has signed a statement on the verso confirming the transfer of the prisoner from New York to a Boston jail.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Four Extradition Documents Signed as New York Governor.
-January 11, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Original folds, two small tears with paper loss, else very good. Also signed by Counsel Edward G. Griffin.

-November 22, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Multiple folds affecting seal, very light staining, else very good. Also signed by Counsel Samuel Rosenman (signature overlaps Roosevelt's).

-June 16, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Folds, two affect seal, slightly rough at left edge, else about fine. Also signed by Counsel Samuel Rosenman (signature overlaps Roosevelt's).

-July 22, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Original folds, slight soiling, else about fine. Also signed by Counsel Samuel Rosenman (signature overlaps Roosevelt's).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-January 18, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 7.75" x 12". State of New York letterhead and seal.
-Original fold, minor wear and soiling, else near fine.

This official document appointing a commission of select physicians to examine the sanity of prisoners condemned to death at Sing Sing reflects FDR's interest in humane criminal justice. The document reads (in part): "By virtue of the power and authority vested in me under the Constitution and Statutes, relating to Executive Clemency and the enforcement of the laws of the State, I hereby designate George A. Smith, M.D., Medical Superintendent of the Central Islip State Hospital, previously designated and whose designation is hereby continued. Joseph W. Moore, M.D., Acting Medical Superintendent of the Matteawan State Hospital, previously designated and whose designation is hereby continued. Paul G. Taddiken, M.D., Medical Superintendent of the St. Lawrence State Hospital, previously designated and whose designation is hereby continued. as a Commission to examine persons now under sentence of death at Sing Sing and also those hereafter received, as to the sanity at the time of the examination and also at the time of the commission of the crime, and to report to me in each case the findings and conclusions of the Commission as promptly as possible." The document is also signed by FDR's secretary, Guernsey T. Cross.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-February 11, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Multiple folds and some crinkling, else fine.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice William J. Welch, issuing a warrant for his delivery to Cornelius J. McNeil, agent of Massachusetts. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Edward G. Griffin.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-February 11, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: C. M. Ripley, Schenectady, New York.
-With the usual fold creases, small paper clip rust mark slightly affecting the salutation, red ink docketing stamp in the upper right corner, else near fine.

Charles Ripley was an engineer for General Electric and had just authored an article on the state resources of New York. FDR was obviously taken enough with Ripley's piece to write him: "I am very much interested in reading your article about New York State and I think that at last we are beginning to arouse real interest on the part of the citizens in the wonderful resources which they possess."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-February 21, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Multiple folds, else fine.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice Jeanne M. Racine, issuing a warrant for her delivery to James Molcolm, agent of Massachusetts. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Edward G. Griffin.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-March 11, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. State of New York letterhead.
-To: Herman Gedaly of New York City.
-Original folds, some soiling, heavily faded type, signature faded to brown, else good.

In this letter to the Chairman of the City Trust Company Depositors Protective Association, FDR writes (in part): "I am very grateful to you for your telegram and no one could be happier than I am that the depositors of the City Trust Company will have complete security for every cent of their deposits. I am particularly happy to have had some part in bringing this about. The fine spirit shown by the depositors' committees and the various bankers is to be much commended."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-March 13, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Original folds affect nothing, else fine.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice Frank Meehan, issuing a warrant for his delivery to Daniel A. Phillips, agent of Massachusetts. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Edward G. Griffin.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-March 19, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Original folds, one affecting the seal, rubber stamped "Received...", else fine.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice Wilfred J. Peterson, issuing a warrant for his delivery to William J. Hurley, agent of Massachusetts. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Edward G. Griffin.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-March 20, 1929. Albany, New York. Three pages. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Maine Governor Ralph O. Brewster.
-Original folds, minor foxing and soiling, signature is slightly faded to brown, else near fine.

In this letter referring to labor statistics, FDR writes (in part): "I have your letter of February 20th. In New York State the Labor Department, acting without any specific direction to that effect, does compile and publish monthly information as to employment and payrolls, from which is computed a series of monthly index numbers showing the trend of employment and wages in New York State. The only authority of law under which these figures are collected is found in Section 21, subdivision 8, of the New York State Labor Law." Ralph Owen Brewster (1888-1961), a Republican, was elected to several political offices, including Governor of Maine (1925-1929).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-March 27, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 7.75" x 10". State of New York letterhead.
-To: The Assembly of New York.
-Original fold, some creases and toning, signature slightly faded, page slightly trimmed at top and left, else very good.

In this document, FDR vetoes a bill compelling the State of New York to amend a law to construct county highways in Chemung County, which he labels as "useless legislation."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-April 25, 1929. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Mr. Shrady, New York City.
-Multiple folds, else near fine

FDR writes, "I have been very glad to autograph the picture and am returning it herewith." (Photo not present.) Given the personal reply, evidently FDR was not yet being inundated with requests for autographs, a situation that would change in the near future.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed.
-May 29, 1929. St. Louis, Missouri. 8.5" x 3.25" bank check from Joseph Wetheimer to FDR for $25 drawn upon the Franklin Bank.
-Moderate browning and soiling, canceled with perforations, else good.

On the verso of the check, in FDR's hand is written: "Pay to order of/ James Jackson/ Treas./ Franklin D. Roosevelt." Below FDR's signature of endorsement is the black ink stamp "Pay to order of/ Harvard Class of 1904" followed by the signature of Mr. Jackson. Below Mr. Jackson's signature on the verso of the check below FDR's signature is the blue ink stamp "Pay to the Order of/ State Street Trust Co./ For Account of Harvard Class of 1904/ Robert H. Gardiner, Treas." Further, on the verso of the check is a green ink stamp clearing the check by the Franklin Bank of St. Louis, as well as a red ink stamp clearing the check by the State Street Trust Co. of Boston for Harvard University. Evidently FDR signed over this check to Harvard University for his class dues or for payment for an event occurring at that time commemorating FDR's 25th anniversary of graduation from Harvard University.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Appointment Document Signed as New York Governor.
-May 31, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 12". Loosely mounted to a backing board. Partially printed, completed in manuscript. With the gilt seal of New York affixed.
-Slight toning with a few small chips at the margins, gilt mostly rubbed from seal, else very good.

A beautifully vignetted military commissioning document signed as Governor. Roosevelt appoints George Matthews, Jr. a Major, Cavalry, New York National Guard.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-June 5, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead. With original transmittal envelope.
-To: Florence E. Brady of New York City.
-Original folds, toning, wear, some soiling, archival tape on verso, else very good.

In this sympathy letter to the daughter of a hometown friend, FDR writes (in part): "I want to write to express to you my deep sorrow at the loss of my old friend Mr. Brady. I saw much of him during the time he was President of the Dutchess County Society and grew very fond of him. He also endeared himself to the patients and staff at the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, where he spent some time this winter. Please accept my very deep sympathy in your loss."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-July 1, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Basil ("Doc") O'Connor.
-Original folds, two-hole punched along left edge, minor wear, else fine.

In this letter to his friend and law partner, "Doc" O'Connor, FDR writes (in part): "I enclose letter from George Foster Peabody in regard to the colored swimming pool. Please note and send it on with the plans to Arthur E. Carpenter." George Foster Peabody (1852-1938) was a New York banker and philanthropist who sold the property at Warm Springs, Georgia, to FDR. It was at Peabody's suggestion that FDR first visited the springs in 1924. Arthur E. Carpenter was the manager of the Foundation at the time of this letter to O'Connor, including FDR's reference to the "colored" swimming pool at Warm Springs, then part of the segregationist South. The Roosevelt and O'Connor dated stamp is at top right. The original envelope is included.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Dated Signature with Eleanor and Others.
-July 7, 1929. One page. 5 x 5".
-Light edge soiling, else very fine.

Signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt, at Syracuse July 7, 1929", followed by "Eleanor Roosevelt", "Ross I. McIntire" (FDR's physician) and "Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jr. Feb. 10, 1966, Syracuse, N.Y.". The verso is signed by Indiana Senator and Presidential Candidate Birch Bayh. Surely a unique assemblage of autographs spanning a thirty-seven year period on the same piece of paper!

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-July 15, 1929. Albany, New York. Two pages. 8.5" x 14". State of New York letterhead with seal.
-Original folds, minor stains, signature faded to brown, else near fine.

This official document was issued during FDR's dealings with the corrupt practices of the City Trust Company of New York. This authorization of a special investigation into the State Banking Department reads (in part): "I do hereby appoint an Extraordinary Special and trial Term of the Supreme Court to be held at the County Court House in the County of Kings on the fifth day of August, 1929 at ten o'clock in the forenoon of that day, and to continue so long as may be necessary for the purpose of inquiring into any and all unlawful acts in connection with or arising out of the management and affairs of the City Trust Company, its predecessor and allied or related institutions; and in connection with or arising out of the relation thereto of the State Banking Department, its officials and employees, and any and all charges of unlawful acts made by the Commissioner appointed by the Governor under the provisions of the Executive Law."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed "F.D.R.".
-[Undated]. Poughkeepsie, New York. Two pages. 5.5" x 9". Hyde Park-On-Hudson letterhead.
-To: "Doc" (D. Basil O'Connor), New York.
-Slightly toned at the edges, with the usual fold creases, else fine.

FDR writes to his friend and law partner: "Dear Doc-/ I think Louis is right about the importance of this-will you write me as soon as you've seen B.?/ Also please read enclosed proposed letter to Knight. Julius Henry Cohen drew it. What do you think of the advisability of sending it?/ Yes/ FDR." In a letter extant to Senator Knight and dated July 19, 1929, Governor Roosevelt invites the Senator to join him for an inspection trip of the St. Lawrence and during the inspection tour to discuss important issues. It is possible that this July 19, 1929 letter is the one to which FDR refers in this letter to Doc O'Connor. It's not a stretch to assume that this letter was tied to FDR's desire to open the Midwestern United States to the Atlantic Ocean and harness hydro power from the St. Lawrence River. This move was opposed by the Republican Party and it is likely that FDR was trying to sway Republican Senator Knight, one of his staunchest foes, to see things his way. An important letter.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-July 22, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Victor Watson, Managing Editor of the New York American.
-Extra original folds, else near fine.

In this letter referring to the medical profession, FDR writes (in part): "That mighty interesting letter of yours I find on my return from the Governors' Conference and it has taken away my general fear that the newspaper fraternity at New London spoiled all possible usefulness of the conference by egging on a lot of fool Governors to orate on Prohibition. First of all let me tell you that you are dead right about the sinus problem and the need for doing something. I am interested in your friend Poe and he sounds like the type that ought to be encouraged, not only by us laymen, but also by the medical profession. That brings up the question of the great difficulty any new work has in breaking into good standing with the medical profession. One cannot blame them wholly, as there are such vast numbers of quacks, but there are enough of the right sort of Doctors to take it up and push it. I wish much that I could sit down and have a talk with you about the general scope of the State's work for the sick."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-July 27, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead. Envelope of transmittal included.
-To: W. S. Bailey, Jr., of Jamestown, New York.
-Original folds, minor wear, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I am happy to have the Patrol Arrow Head as a little souvenir of my brief visit with the Boy Scouts of the Jamestown Unit of the Arrow Head Patrol. I wish much that I could be with them at the Jamboree in England. At the first opportunity will you please tell them how delighted I was to have this memento and how much I appreciate their kind thought in sending it to me."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Document Signed as New York Governor.
-August 2, 1929. Albany, New York. Two pages. 8.5" x 13". State of New York Executive Chamber letterhead with gilt seal of New York affixed.
-Paper slightly toned and type slightly faded, old fold creases, entirely mounted to heavier backing boards, else fine.

Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a document authorizing the appointment of an "Extraordinary Special and Trial Term of the Supreme Court" to be held to look into the actions and management of the City Trust Company and its relationship with the State Banking Department. FDR writes (in part): "It appearing to my satisfaction that the public interest requires it,/ Therefore, in accordance wit the statues in such case made and provided, I do hereby appoint an Extraordinary Special and trial Term of the Supreme Court to be held at the County Court House in the County of Kings on the twenty-sixth day of August, 1929 at ten o'clock in the forenoon of that day, and to continue so long as may be necessary for the purpose of inquiring into any and all unlawful acts in connection with or arising out of the management and affairs of the City Trust Company, its predecessor and allied or related institutions; and in connection with or arising out of the relation thereto of the State Banking Department, its officials and employees, and any and all charges of unlawful acts made by the Commissioner appointed by the Governor under the provisions of the Executive Law, to investigate into the same; and I do hereby designate Honorable Arthur S. Tompkins, of the County of-Rockland, who is a Justice of the Supreme Court for the Ninth Judicial District, to hold the said Extraordinary Special and Trial Term...". As a result of this investigation, the Superintendent of Banks was sent to prison.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Notation as New York Governor.
-August 8, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Professor Finla G. Crawford of Syracuse, New York.
-Original folds, minor wear, small stain on verso, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I hear that you will probably be asked to be the candidate for Mayor this autumn and I want to express to you my very sincere hope not only that you will accept but that you will be triumphantly elected in November. I so well remember that fine meeting in Syracuse last autumn at which you presided and I am certain that the good people of your city will ask for no better leader than yourself." FDR added the handwritten notation "Personal" above the recipient's address. Includes a COA from Pages of History.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-September 13, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Leonard Cox of New York City.
-Original folds, else very fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Please pardon the delay in replying to your note of August 19th. If it is not too late, I should be pleased indeed to accept your designation as a Member of the Honorary Committee for the Ninth Annual Victory Ball of the American Legion of New York County. I sincerely appreciate the honor and wish to commend the very worthy purpose for which the proceeds of the ball will be used."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-November 12, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8.5" x 12.75". State of New York letterhead and gold seal.
-Original folds, large piece out top right, small piece out bottom right, one-inch tear bottom edge, minor toning, creases and wear, else very good.

This appointment signed by FDR reflects his support for the labor movement. It reads (in part): "Complying with the request that the State of New York be represented at the Twenty-third Annual Meeting of the American Association for Labor Legislation, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby designate John Sullivan of New York City, as a delegate to represent this State at said Meeting to be held at New Orleans, La., December 27-28, 1929." In 1940, John F. Sullivan was nominated as American Labor candidate for the New York Senate.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-November 15. 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Dr. Boothe C. Davis, Alfred University, Alfred, New York.
-Light mailing folds, staple hole at top left, else fine.

FDR writes: "I wish that I might see you before I leave but as soon as the budget hearings are over. I am going to Warm Springs for two weeks to study the budget and prepare the annual Message to the Legislature. I return to Albany on December 12th, but, in the meantime, may I suggest that you write me fully about the building. We are faced this year with having to spend a very large sum for the insane institutions and on the State Prisons, so frankly I fear that other buildings must of necessity be postponed." Under the leadership of Boothe Colwell Davis (1863 - 1942), Alfred University grew to 20 buildings and earned accreditation.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-November 22, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 9.75" x 16". State of New York seal.
-Very good, with center horizontal fold, small tear at left of fold, and small tape stains at side borders.

FDR issues an Executive Proclamation concerning the annual sale of Christmas Seals. The document reads (in part): "I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor of the State of New York, do proclaim to all our people The Annual Sale of Christmas Seals to be conducted from November 29, 1929, to the beginning of the year 1930, at the same time urging them to lend every support to this great humanitarian endeavor by purchasing 'these seals of surety' thus insuring that the benevolent work of eradicating tuberculosis will be consummated."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Fugitive Extradition Request Document Signed as New York Governor.
-December 14, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 18". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Several folds, two affecting seal, minor soiling, file holes at top with some roughness, else near fine.

A document issued for a New York fugitive in Massachusetts. In part, "...It appears by the papers required by the Statutes of the United States which are hereunto annexed, and which I certify to be authentic and duly authenticated in accordance with the Laws of this State, that/ William McKenna/ stands charged with the crime of Assault in the First Degree which I certify to be crime under the Laws of this State, committed in the County of Kings, in this State, and it having been represented to me that, he has fled from the justice of this State, and may have taken refuge in the State of Massachusetts./ Now Therefore, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution and the Laws of the United States in such case made and provided, I do hereby require that the said/ William McKenna/ be apprehended and delivered to John A. Kinney who is hereby authorized to receive and convey him to the State of New York, there to be dealt with according to Law..." Also signed by Samuel Rosenman as Counsel to the Governor.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-December 21, 1929. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: John R. MacArthur of New York City.
-Original folds, minor foxing, else very fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Thank you very much for sending me the picture of Marshal Foch. I am very glad to have it." Accompanying FDR's letter is the original envelope and a 2" x 3" card (and envelope) sent to Mrs. MacArthur by Marshal Ferdinand Foch, Commander in Chief of the Allied forces during World War I, in 1919.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Copy of Charles L. Newhall, The Adventures of Jack; or, A Life on the Wave (Southbridge, Massachusetts: Chas. L. Newhall, 1859), first edition, 134 pages, brown cloth with embossed decorations and gilt titles, 16mo (4.5" x 6.75"), signed and annotated in full "Franklin D Roosevelt / Hyde Park / 1929 / Very rare" inside front cover. Very few copies exist of this rare autobiography by 19th-century Massachusetts whaler Charles Newhall. This copy from FDR's personal library is in very good condition with some wear and chipping on the binding, a replaced front endpaper, and some toning in the paper.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Book Signed as New York Governor. Frank B. Lord and James William Bryan, Woodrow Wilson's Administration and Achievements, (Washington, D.C.: James William Bryan Press, 1921), 100 pages, 8" x 5.5", grey cloth covers. Front free endpaper inscribed. "Franklin D Roosevelt / Executive Mansion / Albany NY." Smeared fingerprint on page 46 is possibly FDR's. Light soiling to cover and bumps to spine's extremities. Fine condition.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed.
-No date [likely 1929-30]. Princeton, New Jersey. One page. 8.5" x 11".
-Mailing folds throughout and even toning, else fine condition.

FDR signs off on this form allowing his son Elliot to "...return home one week-end each month". Elliott Roosevelt (1910-1990) was the second surviving son of FDR and ER, and the most controversial. Elliott's behavioral challenges to his parents can be seen in this school permission form, which directs Elliott very specifically to come straight home when he is allowed to leave Princeton and The Hun School.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
Eleanor Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed.
-January 3, 1930 and December 29, 1929, respectively. Albany, New York. One page each. State of New York letterhead and Mrs. Franklin Roosevelt personal letterhead.
-To: Mrs. George W. Pfohl of Buffalo New York.
-FDR: Original folds, else fine. ER: Original folds, minor foxing, piece missing from bottom right corner, else very good.

In this pair of letters to Mrs. Pfohl, ER and FDR refer to William J. O'Brian, an alternate delegate to the 1928 Democratic National Convention whom FDR later appointed to the Public Service Commission. ER writes (in part): "I will see that the Governor gets your letter. Of course, I cannot tell you anything more than that at this time. With every good wish for the New Year and best of Christmas wishes to you all." In his follow-up letter, FDR writes (in part): "Mrs. Roosevelt has brought to my attention your letter of December fifteenth in the interest of William J. O'Brian, in connection with the appointment to the Public Service Commission. I wish to assure you that I shall be very glad to entertain his application and will give the same every consideration. I am always pleased to have any suggestion you may care to make and want to thank you for the good wishes which accompany your note." The original envelope is included.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-February 24, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: H. M. Brehm of Appleton, Wisconsin.
-Original folds, attached to another sheet that is three-hole punched, else fine.

In this response to collector H. M. Brehm, FDR writes (in part): "I wish much that I could find for you an autograph of Theodore Roosevelt when he was Governor but I fear there are none here in Albany except those all affixed to official letters and documents. As you probably know, the personal correspondence of Governors is taken with them when they leave office."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Note Signed as New York Governor.
-March 4, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 7" x 3.5".
-Excellent condition.

FDR writes "With good wishes to my young friend Roger Peyse...". Accompanying this FDR handwritten note is a typed letter on Kingston Daily Leader letterhead by Thomas J. Comerford, dated March 8, 1930 to Roger Peyse, explaining FDR's note. Mr. Comerford writes: "Dear Roger;/ Here's your book back to you in good shape and in good condition. You will see that it has the autograph of Governor Roosevelt, as well, as several others, that I procured for you, at the instance of Mary, who asked me to not stop at getting the name of the governor in your book but to procure several as well, of worth while and prominent people...".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-March 10, 1930. Albany, New York. Two pages. 6" x 9".
-Excellent condition.

Roosevelt issues an Executive Proclamation after the death of former President and Chief Justice of the United States William Howard Taft. A 1" x 1½" black and white photograph of President Taft is to the left of the words "Proclamation./ State of New York./ Executive Chamber" on the top of the first page. The Proclamation reads: "The passing of William Howard Taft, former President and Chief Justice of the United States, brings a feeling of universal sorrow to the people of New York. His many years of public service in wide fields, and the simplicity and generosity of his personality will be held always in affectionate remembrance/ Now, therefore, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby order the flag placed at half staff on all public buildings of the State for a period of thirty days./ Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this tenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and thirty." Countersigned by Guernsey T. Cross, Secretary to the Governor." Gilt Seal of New York attached.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "FDR" as New York Governor.
-March 19, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Executive Mansion letterhead.
-To: Arthur Carpenter of Warm Springs, Georgia.
-Original folds, six hole punches at top, pencil annotation covered over, slight creases and toning, else very good.

In this brief letter to Arthur Carpenter, his manager at Warm Springs, Georgia, FDR writes (in part): "What is this I hear from George Foster Peabody about the steel tower having been erected at Warm Springs? Where is it and who did it and who pays for it?" Signed, "FDR".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "FDR" as New York Governor.
-April 14, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Fancher M. Hopkins of Binghamton, New York.
-Original folds, minor wear and soiling at edges, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I am, of course, awfully sorry about the action in Baltimore and I have written that you were merely to be placed under the Syracuse district instead of being charged to various parts of the State. I will let you know what I hear."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed as New York Governor.
-June 24, 1930. Black and white, 6.75" x 9".
-Toned around the margins, not affecting the image. Very good.

A beautiful photograph featuring FDR placing the New York State Medal of Valor around the neck of Admiral Richard E. Byrd upon Byrd's return from his first Antarctic expedition. The photograph was taken in conjunction with a parade of honor in Albany presided over by Governor Roosevelt. Roosevelt has signed the photograph "Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Albany/ June 24th/ 1930".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-July 16, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: New York Republican Senator John Knight.
-Original folds, moderate foxing, some wear, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I am trying to study this matter of Municipal Plants with an open mind and I would appreciate it very much if you would drop me a little line letting me know whether your Arcade Plant has been satisfactory, the Service good, and its Rates really as reasonable as they seem, and whether, in a general way, you think the experiment is successful or not." John Knight, Republican Majority Leader of the New York Senate, was one of FDR's main political opponents at the time. This letter refers to FDR's interest in providing affordable electricity for his constituents, a concern that would lead to the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) during his presidency.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-July 29, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: James P. Kohler of New York City.
-Original folds, minor foxing, creases and wear, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Thank you for your letter. The Judiciary Commission had already been decided on but I hope that when they organize you will get in touch with them."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-August 11, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Honorable Sanford Bates of the Justice Department, Washington, D.C.
-Original folds, four rectangular hole punches and minor wear along left edge, else near fine.

In this brief letter to Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Sanford Bates, FDR writes (in part): "Many thanks for your note. I hope that you will have a delightful trip. Do come and see me when you get back in the autumn." Bates, his assistant James V. Bennett, Attorney General Homer Cummings, and FDR saw how prisons acted as crime factories and thought there might be better ways to protect the nation against the mistakes of "the man who is a criminal by force of circumstances, the accidental offender, the feeble-minded, the under-privileged and the sorely tempted." Includes a COA from Gallery of History, Inc.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-September 9, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: D. W. Easom of Cornelius, North Carolina.
-Original folds, minor soiling and wear, else near fine.

Mentioning a gift received from a supporter in North Carolina, FDR writes (in part): "Thank you for your nice note. That was a delicious watermelon and we all enjoyed it so much. We appreciate very much your thought of us."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-November 3, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Original folds, one affecting the seal, else fine.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice Albert Clark, issuing a warrant for his delivery to John A. Kelley, agent of Massachusetts. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Samuel I. Rosenman. Interestingly, Rosenman would later become the first official White House Counsel (then called Special Counsel) and was one of Roosevelt's key speechwriters. He also served as Special Counsel under Harry S. Truman for a time, continuing as a speechwriter even after leaving his official White House position.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-November 6, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Personal letterhead.
-To: L. Emory Terry of Southampton, Long Island.
-Minor wear and toning, some soiling on verso at foot of page, else near fine.

In this letter, in which he mentions his future rival for the Presidency, Herbert Hoover, FDR writes (in part): "I have accepted the State Chairmanship in New York of the Committee which is making an appeal on behalf of the impoverished children of Porto Rico, and would appreciate it if you would accept a place on the Committee. Governor Theodore Roosevelt of Porto Rico is the Honorary Chairman of the National Committee and actively engaged in the work. As a result of the survey made by Dr. J. S. Crumbine of the American Child Health Association at the request of President Hoover, it was revealed that over 150,000 American school children are seriously undernourished-some slowly starving. The feeding of these children is a part of the unified endeavor to raise $7,300,000 over a period of six years, inaugurated under the leadership of a Central Committee, with the American Child Health Association, the A.R.A. Childrens Fund, Inc., the National Tuberculosis Association and other agencies cooperating. The Porto Rico hurricane which destroyed crops, roads and homes, left all but destitute more children in peril of death from malnutrition and the scourge of tuberculosis than anywhere under the American flag." A letter with excellent humanitarian content.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-November 6, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 7.25" x 10.5". Franklin D. Roosevelt/ Albany stationery.
-To: Mrs. Benjamin Arnold of Albany, New York.
-Mailing folds, very light staining, else about fine.

Roosevelt here asks to Mrs. Arnold to volunteer for a charitable cause. He writes, "I have accepted the State Chairmanship in New York of the Committee which is making an appeal on behalf of the impoverished children of Porto Rico, and would appreciate it if you would accept a place on the Committee. Governor Theodore Roosevelt of Porto Rico is the Honorary Chairman of the National Committee and actively engaged in the work. As a result of the survey made by Dr. J. S. Crumbine of the American Child Health Association at the request of President Hoover, it was revealed that over 150,000 American school children are seriously undernourished - some slowly starving. The feeding of these children is a part of the unified endeavor to raise $7,300,000 over a period of six years, inaugurated under the leadership of a Central Committee, with the American Child Health Association, the A.R.A. Childrens Fund, Inc., the National Tuberculosis Association and other agencies cooperating./ The Porto Rico hurricane which destroyed crops, roads and homes, left all but destitute more children in peril of death from malnutrition and the scourge of tuberculosis than anywhere under the American flag...". A rare usage of personal stationery while holding public office.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-November 15, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Mr. Cleon McClarran of Perrysburg, New York.
-Mailing folds, else very fine condition.

FDR writes, "Many thanks for your nice letter of congratulations. What is really significant in the vote for Governor is that for the first time in generations a Democrat has carried an overwhelming majority of the upstate counties, - not only the cities but also the rural counties."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-December 3, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Robert L. Gerry of New York City.
-Original folds, minor wear, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I did not have an opportunity while at Warm Springs to thank you for your telegram of congratulations, but I want you to know that I am very grateful. It was good of you to think of me. I am looking forward to your visit next month. Please give my regards to Mary."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-December 5, 1930. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". From Warm Springs, Georgia on gold embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Mr. Frank C. Walker, New York City.
-Folds, small area of loss and staple perforations to upper left corner, else good.

FDR writes to personally thank Mr. Walker for "...your most generous contribution towards the campaign fund."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-December 9, 1930. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead with original transmittal envelope.
-To: Ralph E.. Brassil, Oak Park, Illinois.
-Mailing folds, toning, else about fine.

FDR writes, "I am very glad indeed to autograph the air mail envelopes sent to me by you and Mr. Fenn and I have mailed them from Albany. I too am a collector."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Basil O'Connor Typed Letter Signed with Roosevelt Autograph Note Signed "FDR".
-December 9, 1930. New York. One page. 8" x 10". Roosevelt and O'Connor law firm letterhead.
-From: D. Basil "Doc" O'Connor, New York.
-With the usual fold creases, two filing holes along the left margin, else very good.

FDR has added a short note of sixteen words in pencil at the bottom of a letter from his law partner Basil O'Connor about the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation. O'Connor writes: "Dear Franklin:-/I know you will be glad to learn that Wilson has accepted his election as a Trustee./ Faithfully yours,/ [signed] Doc". FDR's note back to O'Connor is in pencil and reads, "Will you prepare a letter for me to sign, I don't know his name or address./ FDR".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Matters of State" Speech Typed Draft with Approximately Fifty Words in Holograph, as Governor of New York.
-Circa 1930. New York. Three pages. One 7" x 10", two 8.5" x 11". Blank paper.
-Age toning, a bit of edge roughness, else very good.

An important speech given as New York governor about dealing with the crisis of the Great Depression. The first of the three draft sheets of FDR's speech is labeled "New Lead for #1" and reads: "Except to increase its commands of Thou-shalt-not, Government during the past several decades has ['gradually' struck out by FDR] been withdrawing from practical contact with citizens as human individuals./ It has been losing gradually but certainly the intimate relation to and understanding of the human functions and human problems so essential to serving the basic purpose for which it was created originally by the people. [Written by FDR in his own hand: 'By the same token the individual citizen has lost the relationship which the colonial town meeting exemplified.']/ In no other field has this lost contact been more clearly illustrated than in the relation of Government to People in the matter of unemployment ['relief' added by FDR in his own hand]./ Men and women are becoming ['mere' added by FDR in his own hand] units in statistics. This is not human progress. ['If the development continues, the effects may become intolerable' struck out by FDR, and this paragraph is circled by FDR with an arrow moving the paragraph up to the third paragraph, with a large capital letter 'A' at the left margin, and a large "A" indicating FDR's desire to change this section, noted at the right margin, both written in FDR's own hand]./ Adequate relief for the unemployed ['in this emergency' added by FDR in his own hand] - ['and by Adequate Relief I by NO means refer only to provision at this time of sufficient sustenance and shelter to avert acute discomfort' struck out by FDR, and he has added in his own hand, and then struck out 'in this emergency above the stricken 'at this time of sufficient sustenance'] - is the most important problem before ['most' added by FDR in his own hand] State government ['s' added by FDR in his own hand] today./ The unemployment relief ['just' added by FDR in his own hand] undertaken by the State of New York [',' added by FDR in his own hand] ['in the current emergency,' struck out by FDR] to my mind, furnishes an example of the new view a governmental agency must take in order that it may restore ['in part' added by FDR in his own hand] the vitally necessary personal, individual contact with the citizens........ ['etc.' struck out by FDR, below which is written in large letters '(any exaggeration etc.)']."

Page Two of FDR's corrected draft speech continues: "That ['this' added by FDR in his own hand] ['New York' struck out by FDR] State is in the position of many others is no reason why we should not put our house in order as quickly as possible./ How long will it take to get a majority on this proposal? Forever, unless public opinion, forced by the unnecessarily increased taxation locally, forces its representatives to heed and ['-' added by FDR in his own hand] to act./ This reorganization is largely a matter of forms of local government. Do not confuse the sound fundamentals of government as originally conceived ['by our Fathers' added by FDR in his own hand] with ['the' struck out by FDR] forms ['then created to put them into effect' struck out by FDR, above which he adds in his own hand, then strikes out 'which are either antique survivals'] [or have been added without' added by FDR in his own hand] ['effect' struck out by FDR]./ The fundamentals were simple; ['the forms were needed for the times' struck out by FDR]. Times changed, Forms ['changed' struck out by FDR, followed by 'did not change, they only became more complex and more costly' added by FDR in his own hand]. In going back to the original simplicity of government the form ['s' added by FDR in his own hand] must ['change again' struck out by FDR] ['revert to a greater simplicity. This will bring a lower cost' added by FDR in his own hand]. There are additional notations in the margins to the placement and meaning of FDR's important speech on unemployment, relief, and the nature of government.

Additionally, there is an entire separate page one of FDR's draft speech, which most likely was a later revision of the "New Lead for #1" revision of the draft speech, as it incorporates many of the phrases and sentences added by FDR in his own hand in the "New Lead for #1" version of the draft. FDR also makes several changes to this later draft page one of this wonderful speech, and revised page one of the draft speech reads: "Except to increase its commands of Thou-shalt-not, Government during the past several decades has been withdrawing from practical contact with citizens as human individuals./ It has been losing ['gradually but certainly' struck out by FDR] the ['old' added by FDR in his own hand] intimate relation to and understanding of the human functions and human problems so essential to serving the basic purpose for which it was created originally by the people. By the same token the individual citizen has lost the relationship ['to his government' added by FDR in his own hand] which the ['C' added by FDR in his own hand] olonial ['town' added by FDR in his own hand] meeting exemplified./ Men and women are becoming mere units in statistics. This I ['s' added by FDR in his own hand] not human progress. In no other field has this ['last' struck out by FDR] ['need for' added by FDR in his own hand] contact ['been more clearly illustrated than' is circled by FDR with the notation '!' on the left margin corresponding to this text] in the relation of government to people in the matter of unemployment relief./ Government cannot give this relief by bureaucratic methods, because the human need is a vital personal matter to the man or woman who has to be helped./ Adequate ['relief for' struck out by FDR] ['aid to' added by FDR in his own hand] the unemployed in this emergency is the most important problem before most State governments today./ The unemployment relief just undertaken by the State of New York, to my mind, furnishes [',' struck out by FDR] an example of the new view a government agency must take in order ['that it may' struck out by FDR] ['to' added by FDR in his own hand] restore in..."

It is interesting to note the detailed and multiple changes FDR made personally as he strove to "fine tune" this speech before he delivered it.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-January 1, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8.5" x 13". New York Executive Chamber letterhead with vignette in upper left corner and 2.5" diameter gold embossed state seal.
-Honorable Isaac M. Kapper is named an Associate Justice of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.
-2.75" tear at upper fold, minor stains, else very good.

Isaac M. Kapper, born in 1864, was an Associate Justice of New York Supreme Court Second District from 1913 to 1933 and, per this appointment, a Justice of the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court Second Department until 1933.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-January 14, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead. Includes transmittal envelope.
-To: H. S. Wellman of Brattleboro, Vermont.
-Original folds, two-hole punched along left edge, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I appreciate your very nice letter and I am very glad that your boy will come back to Warm Springs in the spring. I shall hope to see him there when I go down after the Legislature adjourns. The Patients' Aid Fund is, I am sorry to say, still very small though we hope, of course, to build it up each year gradually. It is our thought that it should be made, insofar as possible, into a revolving fund, and I am writing to Mr. D. Basil O'Connor, the Treasurer of the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, asking if it would be possible for the Foundation to put your boy on the Patients' Aid Fund this spring, with the thought that it would be what might be called a moral loan and that the Patients' Aid Fund will later on be reimbursed by you for the amount advanced. The usual amount advanced from the Patients' Aid Fund is $17.00 a week, leaving the amount to be paid by the family $25.00 a week. This method if we can carry it out means that when the amount advanced is repaid, another patient can be taken on."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-January 27, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: U.S. Senator Clarence Cleveland Dill.
-Original folds, paper clip mark top left, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Thank you much for putting my message on water power into the record and also for what you said. We are going to have a big fight on the proposal, I fear. I shall hope to see you soon." This letter was one in a series that highlights FDR's attempt to open the Midwestern United States to the Atlantic Ocean and simultaneously harness hydro-electric power from the Saint Lawrence River, a move that would have proved detrimental to big business and the Republican Party.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "FDR" as New York Governor.
-February 17, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Colonel Frederick Stuart Greene, New York State Superintendent of Public Works.
-Triple original folds flattened, with date stamp and pencil notations at the bottom, staple holes at upper left, else fine.

FDR writes Greene suggesting "we ought to devise some method of checking up on snow removal by counties and towns."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-April 9, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: W. D. Ellis of Atlanta, Georgia.
-Original folds, mounted to backing board that has caused some toning, type faded, signature fine.

In this letter to a Boy Scout representative, FDR writes (in part): "I have your letter and thank you very much for your cordial invitation. As you know, I am tremendously interested in scouting. The only difficulty is this-I am definitely declining all invitations to leave Warm Springs and Oglethorpe is the only exception, and I have a feeling that it is not quite the right thing to make another exception. I am sure you will understand."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Inscribed as Governor of New York with the Original Transmittal TLS.

-April 13, 1931. Albany, New York. 8" x 10", matted to an overall size of 10" x 13.5".
-Inked inscription slightly faded, else near fine.

A handsome black-and-white photograph inscribed along the lower portion of the mat: "For my old friend/ Walter W. L. Meyer/ With my regards Franklin D. Roosevelt"; accompanied by the original transmittal typed letter, on gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead, also signed in full by Governor Roosevelt. Meyer was a member of the Cook County Board of Assessors and in the letter Roosevelt mentions that his new Conservation Commissioner, Henry Morgenthau, Jr. informs him "that the Steuben Farm Dedication will probably take place late in the summer or early in the fall...I count, of course, on your coming to the party." Morgenthau would ultimately serve as Secretary of the Treasury upon Roosevelt's election as President in 1933. The letter has been mounted to the verso of the photograph via corner mounts. The letter is slightly toned, else it bears a bright Roosevelt signature.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-April 23, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: John A. Manahan of Long Island, New York.
-Several extra original folds, else very good.

In this letter to a Long Island resident seeking a possible position in his state administration, FDR writes (in part): "There are so many pressing demands upon my time that I have but a moment to devote to those who daily write me. However, I wish to take occasion to express to you my sincere appreciation for your very kind letter as well as for your efforts in my behalf." Also included are an archive of documents sent to FDR by Manahan and the original envelopes.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Notation as New York Governor.
-May 4, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Milton A. Miller of Portland, Oregon.
-Original folds, small stain upper left corner, else fine.

In this letter to teacher and politician Milton Miller, FDR writes (in part): "My duties as Governor unfortunately make it almost impossible to get as far west as Oregon during the next two years, particularly as on account of my mother's illness I am stealing a few weeks to go abroad and visit her. If you happen to be coming east, however, I shall be only too glad to see you and talk with you. The only things I happen to have covering anything I have done or said are those prepared for use in the last Gubernatorial campaign. I will have them looked up and sent to you. I appreciate your interest in my career very much and hope you will keep in touch with me." FDR added the handwritten notation "Personal" above the recipient's address.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-May 23, 1931. "On Board S.S. Bremen". One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: "Mr. Sullivan", n.p.
-Folds, even toning, very good condition.

FDR writes "Your nice note reached me safely on catapult from the Bremen just before I left Paris, and also one from my boys at school. I am grateful for your thought of me, and perhaps luck will have it that you will pilot the Bremen into port - your envelope and that of the boys will go into my stamp collection! I shall hope to see you some day soon." Roosevelt penned this letter en route from Europe after visiting his ailing mother and touring the battlefields of World War I.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-May 27, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8.5" x 13". Vignetted Executive Chamber letterhead with 2.5" diameter state seal.
-Mailing folds, lightly toned, mounting traces on verso, tack holes at top corners. Overall very good.

FDR writes, "Complying with the request that the State of New York be represented at the annual session of The National Conference of Social Work, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby designate/ Almus Olver/ of Syracuse, N.Y., as a delegate to represent this State at said Conference to be held at Minneapolis, June 4th to 20th, 1931./ Given under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-seventh day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and thirty-one." It is signed at the close by Roosevelt as Governor and Guernsey T. Cross as his secretary. Almus Olver was born on August 23, 1888 in Syracuse, New York and died April 3, 1958, also in Syracuse. Today in Syracuse, New York there is a public housing complex named in his honor, the Almus Olver Towers.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-June 23, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Multiple folds, else fine.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice John Feeney, issuing a warrant for his delivery to Wilder L. Hillon, agent of Massachusetts. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Samuel I. Rosenman who would later become the first official White House Counsel and one of Roosevelt's key speechwriters.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-August 3, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Ferris E. Reeve of New York City.
-Original folds, some toning, creases, soiling and wear, else near fine.

In response to an invitation to provide a welcome for the Governor of Mississippi, FDR writes (in part): "In reply to your letter of July fifteenth I have been very glad to designate the Honorable Mark Graves, a member of the State Department of Taxation and Finance, to represent me at the joint meeting of the New York City Kiwanis Club, the Merchants' Association of New York and the Chamber of Commerce, since plans to which I am already committed make it impossible for me to be present. Commissioner Graves is very well informed on all matters of state and I am confident that his discussion of any subject he may deem fitting for the occasion will be most interesting. I appreciate your kind invitation and particularly regret my inability to welcome Governor Murphree to the State of New York."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-September 7, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Frank C. Walker of New York City.
-Original folds, staple holes top left, paper clip mark top right, else near fine.

In this letter to a personal and political friend, FDR writes (in part): "That was a nice note of yours and I wish I could have a chance to spend an evening with you and go over all the things which have suddenly come to the front in the past few weeks. Perhaps when I am in New York on the seventeenth or on the eighteenth you will run in to 49 East 65th Street and see me."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-September 21, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8.5" x 13". State of New York letterhead and seal.
-To: William E. Matthews of New York City.
-Original folds, signature slightly faded to brown, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Complying with the request that the State of New York be represented at the Twenty-fourth Annual Convention of the Atlantic Deeper Waterways Association, I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby designate William E. Matthews of New York City, as a delegate to represent this State at said Convention to be held at Boston, Massachusetts, October fifth to ninth, nineteen hundred and thirty-one." Also signed by Guernsey T. Cross, Secretary to the Governor.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as New York Governor.
-October 9, 1931. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8" x 10.5" Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: The Honorable Thomas Parran, Jr., Albany, New York.
-Multiple folds, pencil notes, and docketing stamps, overall very good.

FDR writes, "Many thanks for the letters to the Mayors. I have signed them and mailed them. I hope it will produce action. I shall be back in a week and will see you then." Dr. Parran, New York's Commissioner of Health, would serve as Surgeon General from 1936 to 1948.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "F.D.R." as New York Governor.
-October 27, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5" Executive Mansion letterhead.
-To: Arthur Carpenter, Esq., Warm Spring, Georgia.
-Mailing folds, file holes at top, docketed with penciled initials by Carpenter over staple hole, else near fine.

FDR writes a humorous letter to his manager at Warm Springs, in full, "Dear Carp:-/ Outside of Warm Springs I never take baths so it would be useless to send apparatus to Albany! Thank him and tell him how much I appreciate his kind thought./ Always sincerely,/ FDR." Apparently, an unnamed party had volunteered to supply a device to assist Roosevelt while bathing. Carpenter was the manager of the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, a health resort, from its inception through the mid-1930s.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed "F.D.R." as New York Governor.
-October 28, 1931. No place (likely Albany). One page in dark pencil. 5.5" x 8.5". Memorandum stationery.
-To: "Fred", possibly to Mr. Fred Freestone. Stamped as received by Department of Public Works.
-Very fine condition.

FDR writes, "Please note the petition in opposition to a new addition to highway map. In case a bill for it passes next winter let me have this memo."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-November 9, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Richard S. Childs of New York City.
-Original folds, light paper clip marks top left, else very fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Please be assured that your letter of October 27th will be given thoughtful and considerate attention when we pass upon the request of the State Department of Education for the inclusion in its annual budget of an appropriation of $50,000 to conduct a study of New York City schools."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-November 16, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: A. S. Houghton of New York City.
-Original folds, minor toning and wear, signature slightly faded, else fine.

In this letter to a member of the Houghton publishing family, FDR writes (in part): "I am writing this brief note to thank you for your telegram of October 30th. We are very much pleased at the result of the vote on amendment No. 3, which enables us to go ahead with the reforestation work on an assured basis of continuity. I think excellent work was done all around in educating the people of the State of the provisions of the amendment, with whose preparation you had so intimate a connection." Referring to the reforestation of the State of New York, FDR voices a concern for environmental issues.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-November 21, 1931. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Walter J. Crafts, Treasurer of Volunteers of America, Inc., New York City.
-Original folds, minor toning at edges, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I am glad to send you a small check for the work of the Volunteers of America. I only wish I could make it more." Includes Volunteers of America envelope.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-December 7, 1931. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead. Original transmittal envelope included.
-To: Stella Akin of Savannah, Georgia.
-Original folds, minor foxing, else fine.

Stella Akin was a prominent Democrat, attorney and judge who was appointed as Attorney General during FDR's first administration. FDR writes to Akin (in part): "I am grateful to you and to the State Democratic Executive Committee for the resolution passed at the recent meeting and for your kindness in sending a copy to me. I am leaving for Albany in a few days and will be back here as soon as the Legislature adjourns. I shall hope to have the pleasure of seeing you at that time."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor.
-December 10, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead and seal.
-To: Whom It May Concern.
-Original folds, minor toning, signature slightly faded, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "This communication introduces Honorable T. Tileston Wells, Consul General of Roumania, whose Consulate embraces the State of New York. Any courtesy extended to Consul General Wells will be appreciated by him and by the undersigned." Also signed by New York Secretary of State Edward J. Flynn.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Fugitive Extradition Request Document Signed as New York Governor.
-December 22, 1931. Albany, New York. One page (with additional three pages of print only on conjoined pages). 11" x 18". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To:The Chief of Police, Albany, New York.
-Filing folds, none affecting seal, two staple holes at top, else fine.

A large, impressive document reading, in part, "...authorized by subdivision I of Section 827 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, to execute this warrant:/ It having been represented to me by the Governor of the State of Massachusetts that Joseph Butynski is a fugitive from justice and stands charged in that State with having committed therein, in the County of Franklin the crime of Neglect of Wife and Minor Children which the said Governor certifies to be a crime under the Laws of said State, and that the said fugitive has fled therefrom and taken refuge in the State of New York; and the said Governor of the demanding State having, pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the United States, demanded of me that I cause the said fugitive to be arrested and delivered to Albert M. Dasey, an officer who is duly authorized to receive him into his custody and convey him back to the said demanding State..." Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Samuel I. Rosenman.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-December 29, 1931. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: S. J. Woolf of New York City.
-Original folds, small crease and minor soiling at right edge, else near fine.

In this letter to artist and lithographer S. J. Woolf, FDR writes (in part): "I am delighted with your book and it is mighty good of you to send me this advance copy. Not only have you caught the real spirit of the subjects in the drawings but I like your keen insight in the text. Nothing could have been better done." Woolf was a successful lithographer and was working for Time Magazine at the time of this letter.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Memo Signed "FDR" as New York Governor.
-January 26, 1932. Albany, New York.
-To: Jesse Straus.
-Original folds, crease bottom right corner, paper-clip mark top left corner, signature slightly faded, else near fine.

In this "Confidential Memorandum" to merchant and diplomat Jesse Straus (1872-1936), who then was in charge of the New York State Temporary Emergency Relief Administration (TERA), FDR expresses concern that local civil servants are being overpaid. He writes (in part): "Perhaps it might be a good idea to have a complete check-up on this if you have not done it already." Signed, "FDR."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-January 28, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Mr. Robert M. Barker, Syracuse, New York.
-Mailing folds, else fine.

FDR writes, "Many thanks for your mighty nice note. I shall look for the picture in The Spur. I shall be going to Syracuse on February 18th on my way to Ithaca, but it will be by train, and I cannot stop over. Later on in the spring, however, I hope to motor out and plant that tree."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Fugitive Extradition Request Document Signed as New York Governor.
-February 5, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 18". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Texas.
-Original horizontal folds, one affecting seal, uneven toning affecting signatures, file holes at top, else about fine.

A document issued for a New York fugitive in Texas. In part, "...It appears by the papers required by the Statutes of the United States which are hereunto annexed, and which I certify to be authentic and duly authenticated in accordance with the Laws of this State, that/ Thomas McClure/ stands charged with the crime of Abandonment of Children which I certify to be crime under the Laws of this State, committed in the County of Kings, in this State, and it having been represented to me that, he has fled from the justice of this State, and may have taken refuge in the State of Texas./ Now Therefore, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution and the Laws of the United States in such case made and provided, I do hereby require that the said/ Thomas McClure/ be apprehended and delivered to Wilbur J. Kennedy who is hereby authorized to receive and convey him to the State of New York, there to be dealt with according to Law..." Also signed by Samuel Rosenman as Counsel to the Governor. A large and impressive document for display.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-February 8, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Dr. Guy Hinsdale of White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
-Original folds, minor wear, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Thank you so much for your greetings on my birthday. It was good of you to think of me."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-February 9, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Multiple folds and some crinkling, one staple hole, else very good.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice Joseph Shields, issuing a warrant for his delivery to William H. Shields, agent of Massachusetts. Interestingly, this document form is dated 1931 in print but in both cases, "1931" has been crossed out and "1932" written in. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Samuel I. Rosenman who would later become the first official White House Counsel and one of Roosevelt's key speechwriters.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Extradition Document Signed as New York Governor.
-February 15, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 11" x 8.5". Partly-printed, completed in manuscript, 2.5" diameter gold state seal affixed.
-To: the Governor of Massachusetts.
-Multiple folds and some crinkling, else very good.

FDR honors a request to surrender the fugitive from justice Eseno Pear, issuing a warrant for his delivery to Daniel E. Wholey, agent of Massachusetts. Interestingly, this document form is dated 1930 in print but in both cases, "1930" has been crossed out and "1932" written in. Also signed by Counsel for the Governor Samuel I. Rosenman who would later become the first official White House Counsel and one of Roosevelt's key speechwriters.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor with Holographic Addition.
-March 4, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: J. E. Spannuth of Pottsville, Pennsylvania.
-Original folds, small ink stain upper left corner, minor nick bottom left corner, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Will you be good enough to send me on approval the prints which you wrote to me about on February 4th? I should like very much to see" [handwritten addition] "the 1st two items."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-March 7, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Boothe C. Davis, President of Alfred University.
-Original folds, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "I have already approved the bill for the change of name to 'The New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University.' The Commissioner of Education and all others with whom I talked about it, felt that it would be to the advantage of everyone to have this step taken, and I was very glad to do this for you and for Alfred University."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "FDR" as New York Governor.
-March 10, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. State of New York letterhead.
-To: FDR key advisor Louis McHenry Howe.
-Original folds, paper clip marks top left, minor creases and wear, else fine.

In this memorandum to his top advisor, FDR writes (in full): "Here is Lathrop Brown's check. It has been thanked for by me. I have made it payable to you. Will you account for it?" signed "FDR". A former classmate at both Groton and Harvard, Lathrop Brown (1883-1959) also served as FDR's best man at his wedding to Eleanor Roosevelt. This note to Louis Howe refers to Brown's financial support for FDR's first presidential campaign.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed "FDR" as New York Governor.
-March 11, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: William H. Kelley of Syracuse, New York.
-Original folds, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Thanks for the clippings about that crackpot Mayor of yours. I shall wait until a favorable time in Syracuse and then dissect both him and Stone. I am writing to Fred Betts. I am sorry to know about his father." Also includes a photocopy archive of correspondence from Kelley to FDR.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor with Holographic Correction.
-March 11, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead. Original transmittal envelope included.
-To: John Cooper of Los Angeles.
-Original folds, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Thanks for your interesting letter. The Hilborne L. Roosevelt was a somewhat distant cousin but I knew him very well when I was a boy. I am glad to hear that you know the New Brunswick country. We still have a summer cottage at Campobello Island. ['Campobello' originally was typed as 'Campo Bello' and then corrected by FDR in fountain pen.] I fear there is no chance of my going to the Olympic Games this coming summer or to the meeting of the Society in Los Angeles. I shall hope to see you one of these days."

Franklin Roosevelt and New York Mayor Jimmy Walker Signed Menu, original program and menu page from a special dinner theater production of "Treasure Island" at the Hotel Astor on March 12, 1932. The pages are 8" x 10.5" and attractively matted and framed (32.5" x 22.5" overall) with a black and white photograph of FDR. Roosevelt signed the menu in pencil. Beyond FDR's signature as Governor of New York at the time, four others also sign the program and menu in pencil on all sides of FDR's signature, including Lieutenant Governor Herbert H. Lehman, United States Senator from New York Robert F. Wagner, noted New York Times reporter James A. Hagerty, whose son James C. Hagerty would later serve as Press Secretary to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and most notoriously the bold signature at the top of New York Mayor James J. "Jimmy" Walker, who would resign from office less than six months to avoid the wrath of FDR who was then on the precipice of being elected President of the United States.

Herbert H. Lehman and Robert F. Wagner would go on to serve FDR and the Nation with distinction. Roosevelt's relationship with Jimmy Walker would very soon turn ugly. The "Walker Affair" was the headline news in the New York and national press. Jimmy Walker, known as Beau James was the nightclubbing Night Mayor of New York. New York City was America's liveliest town known for flappers and speakeasies; gangsters and gun molls; organized crime and political corruption, and almost everybody and everything had a price.

Franklin Roosevelt had a reputation as a reformer, and nothing would help his national political ambitions more than cracking down on the corruption that permeated New York City government. FDR picked Judge Samuel Seabury, an incorruptible outsider, to head the largest investigation of municipal corruption in American history.

Seabury called an endless parade of officials to testify. Each exposed official drew Seabury inexorably closer to City Hall and the popular rogue, Mayor Jimmy Walker. Taking advantage of the rarely exercised Gubernatorial right to sit as judge for the investigation of major officials, FDR brought things to a head when he personally prosecuted Walker in the summer of 1932, on the heels of the Democratic Convention, with the entire nation watching. FDR turned what many in New York and nationally perceived as his greatest political vulnerability during his Presidential election campaign into an undisputed personal and political triumph. Unable to explain the large sums of money that had been paid into his bank account, Walker was forced by FDR to resign from office in September, 1932. Facing fifteen charges of corruption, Walker fled to Europe and did not return until he was convinced he would not be prosecuted for his financial offenses.
A fascinating assemblage of signatures.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Additions as New York Governor.
-March 18, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Leighton Shields of St. Louis, Missouri.
-Original folds, toning, light soiling and wear, else near fine.

Opening this letter "Dear [typed 'Mr. Shields' is crossed out and replaced with a handwritten addition] Leighton", FDR writes (in part): "I note what you have to say regarding the situation in your state. In your letter you suggest that I write to someone who might be interested in my candidacy. For your information, several months ago I wrote to Senator Reed, stating that I would not publicly do anything that would be contrary to his wishes and for that reason I am not going to make a fight in Missouri. Consequently, I think it would be inadvisable to write letters to anyone in your state soliciting support. I think that under the circumstances you will appreciate my position. I thank you for your very friendly interest and hope I may have the pleasure of meeting you personally sometime [plus handwritten addition] very soon."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-March 23, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: J. P. Miller of La Follette, Tennessee.
-Original folds, minor creases and soiling, else near fine.

In this letter to a Southern Democratic supporter, FDR writes (in part): "Thank you for the copy of the La Follette Press. I read with interest of the formation of your local club, and of the part which you played in it. Naturally I deeply appreciate your confidence in me, and your active work on my behalf. Since I cannot write to all of your members personally, will you act for me in extending to them my thanks for their approval and support!"

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-March 29, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Lloyd A. Wilsey of LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
-Original folds, moderate soiling and wear, else very good.

FDR writes (in part): "It was pleasant to hear from you again and I want to thank you for renewing our former correspondence. I read the anecdote again with interest and appreciate your comments on the political situation, both in your own state and throughout the nation. Thank you for your good wishes for my own political future. Since you are interested in my record and policies, I am sending you a few pamphlets which show what we have tried to do here in New York State. I hope that your health is good and that you will find time to write me on matters of mutual interest."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-April 2, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Bob Smith of Knoxville, Tennessee.
-Original folds, minor wear and soiling, else fine.

In this letter to the president of the Roosevelt for President Club in Knoxville, Tennessee, FDR writes (in part): "Thanks much for your letter. I am very happy over the results in Iowa."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Military Appointment Document Signed as New York Governor.
-April 6, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 12". Partially printed vignetted document, completed in manuscript. With the gilt seal of New York affixed.
-Slightly toned, signature slightly faded, else near fine.

Roosevelt appoints Lloyd Ellwood Conroy a Second Lieutenant, Cavalry, New York National Guard. Accompanying this official commissioning document are Lieutenant Conroy's enlistment appointment as a First Sergeant in the New York National Guard, and his 1932 honorable discharge from the same, detailing his enlisted military career in the New York National Guard, issued prior to the commissioning document signed by FDR, as well as a black and white photograph of Lieutenant Conroy. A wonderful military collection, with a signed officer commissioning document from FDR in his last year as Governor of New York.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor with Holographic Addition.
-May 2, 1932. Warm Spring, Georgia. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Miss Anna M. Harlfinger of Albany, New York.
-Mailing folds, paperclip impression, else fine.

FDR writes, "Dear Miss Harlfinger:/ I was sorry not to see you before I left, but I am inclosing a check for $40.00. We hope to see you around the end of May./ [Written in FDR's own hand:] I'm getting a real rest!/ Very sincerely yours..." The check mentioned is not present. The rest that Roosevelt mentions here would certainly be needed- this letter was written just a few weeks before his nomination as the Democratic candidate for president.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-May 3, 1932. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead. Original envelope included.
-To: George A. Fisher of Allentown, Pennsylvania.
-Original folds, else very fine.

FDR was an avid collector of historical naval materials, including prints, models and books. In this letter responding to Mr. Fisher, who had written to inquire about his collecting interests, FDR writes (in part): "Thank you for telling me about those covers. However, I am not collecting recent naval material-only the old things."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-May 4, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Mrs. T. J. Wells of Bouquet, New York.
-Original folds, minor wear, else fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Thank you for letting me know about that interesting model. I should like much to see it some day, but I fear that certainly for the present I would not be able to spare any money to purchase it." The original envelope is included. Also includes a COA from the Gallery of History, Inc.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-May 9, 1932. Warm Springs, Georgia. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: W. J. Dwyer of the National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
-Original folds, minor wear, signature slightly faded to brown, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "Many thanks for yours of May seventh. Can you send me a copy of the Congressional Record of May sixth containing Senator Borah's speech?" William E. Borah (1865-1940) was a Republican Senator from Idaho well-known for his isolationist views.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-May 10, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: W. E. Myers of Cincinnati, Ohio.
-Original folds, else fine.

In this letter referring to FDR's interest in the labor movement, he writes (in part): "Thank you for sending me the copy of 'The Labor Advocate' of April 16. I read the marked editorial with deep interest and appreciate your comments on my own recent stand."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-May 13, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Mr. Carl Dodd of Huntington Park, California.
-Original folds, foxing, toning, minor wear, writing on verso, else near fine.

In this letter to students holding a mock presidential convention at Huntington Park High School in California, FDR writes (in part): "Your letter has been forwarded to me at Warm Springs, and I am hastening to assure you of my interest in your mock convention and my appreciation of the stand taken by your Mississippi delegation. I know that I have many warm friends among the actual voters of your state, although of course no one can prophesy what action will be finally taken on June 7th. Let us hope that the members of your high school group are good prophets and represent the feeling of those who will make the final decision. Since you ask for a "personal remark," I am enclosing a copy of one or two paragraphs from a speech made to the Young Democrats of New York State. This expresses my strong belief in a good groundwork of information as to party principles and history. Whoever may be the chosen candidate, I am sure that the Democratic Party of your high school will win their decision in the final school election." The verso includes a blue crayon note written at a later date by someone named "Bud," who used the letter, while folded (apparently being unaware of its contents), as a request for a morning wake-up call!

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-May 21, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: A. J. Hawkins of Eminence, Missouri.
-Original folds, minor stains along left edge, slight wear, else near fine.

In this letter to a supporter, FDR writes (in part): "Just a line to thank you for your letter telling me a little more about yourself. It makes me all the more grateful that I have the support of such a loyal Democrat as you. I know that I have many warm friends in Missouri and am delighted to know that you are numbered among them and am looking forward to having an opportunity to thank you in person at some not too distant date."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-May 23, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: T. E. Markley of Los Angeles.
-Original folds, minor creases, staple holes at top left, some wear along top edge, else near fine.

In this letter written one month before the Democratic Convention, FDR responds to a supporter who has suggested a campaign slogan. He writes (in part): "Thank you for sending me an amusing slogan which might be used at or after the Chicago Convention. I have passed this on to others here, and will keep it on file in case of future need."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Unsigned with Autograph Note.
-June 4, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Robert Moses, Chairman of the Long Island State Park Commission.
-Original folds, slight wear top left, else fine.

Robert Moses (1888-1981), the acid-tongued Secretary of State during the governorship of Alfred E. Smith, was expected to remain in that capacity when FDR became governor in 1929. To avoid a break with Smith, FDR retained Moses as the Chairman of the State Council of Parks. The body of the letter reads (in full): "On looking into the statutes I do not think that there is any necessity at all for the appointment of any committee by me or by Colonel Greene for negotiating with the Board of Estimate and Apportionment in New York City relative to the Nassau-Queens-Kings Parkways. The statute provides that the Superintendent of Public Works should build them on plans and specifications to be approved by the Long Island State Park Commission and the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. It seems, therefore, obvious that Colonel Greene or one of his Deputies and a nominee of the Long Island State Park Commission, preferably its Chairman, should negotiate with the Board of Estimate and Apportionment on these plans. I think, therefore, that the obvious thing to do is for yourself, as nominee of the Commission, and Colonel Greene, or an appointee of his, to proceed with this work." FDR's handwritten addition reads (in full): "In other words this is a direct function of yours and Colonel Greene's and requires no action of the Governor."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-June 17, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Frederick Smith of Charlotte, North Carolina.
-Original folds, minor stains along left edge, foxing and wear, else near fine.

In this letter to Frederick Smith of the Charlotte Observer, FDR writes (in part): "Just a line to say 'Howdy' again, and to thank you for your letter and the clipping. Whatever may be the outcome of the convention in Chicago, the last few weeks have shown me how many warm friends I have throughout the country and how loyal they are to me. I deeply appreciate your letter and its expression of good will."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-June 18, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Edward S. Underhill of Brooklyn, New York.
-Original folds, minor foxing, else fine.

In this letter referring to agricultural relief programs, FDR writes (in part): "Thank you for recalling the amusing incident of some twenty years ago. It is very good of you to say that ever since you have followed my career and approved of what I have done here and in Washington. I am also glad that you approve of my recent public utterances. I have, of course, been studying the present economic situation and possible plans for its relief, but I have also felt it necessary to get down to fundamental principles before we began to build for the future. As you perhaps know, I was born and brought up in an agricultural community and have always been particularly interested in the problems of the farmers. It has been a matter of pride that under my administration, New York State has adopted much progressive legislature, designed to equalize their burdens. I am enclosing some pamphlets which may interest you in this connection. With thanks for both your thoughtful suggestions and your friendly word of confidence."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Nominating Address by John E. Mack.
-June 30, 1932. 15 pages. 4.5" x 6.5".
-Minor adhesive residue on pages at spine, else fine.

This is an original copy of FDR's nominating address by John E. Mack of Poughkeepsie, New York: For President of the United States Franklin D. Rossevelt Nominating Address by John E. Mack, delivered at Chicago Illinois, June 30, 1932. Mack's address reads (in part): "We make no reiteration of the glowing but unfilled promises of our opposing candidate of four years ago nor present assurances of recovery within twenty-four hours from the depression which exists, but we do promise an earnest, sincere and determined effort, under the leadership of a man whose courage is unquestioned and whose word is as good as gold - who has already convinced the country that he is big enough for the job." Included are portraits of FDR and Mack which include facsimile signatures.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Correction as New York Governor.
-June 20, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-C. M. Connell of Fairmont, West Virginia.
-Original folds, minor wear, else fine.

FDR writes (in full): "Dear [Mr. Connell: crossed out by FDR] Charlie [handwritten]: I have your letter just as I am leaving Albany, and I want to thank you for writing me. I understand the situation perfectly and I want you to come to see me after the Convention. Will you call my Secretary at the Executive Mansion for an appointment after the first of July? Very sincerely yours," signed, "Franklin D. Roosevelt". There is another handwritten notation, in pencil, presumably by Mr. Connell, including the name and address of FDR's "Secretary at the Executive Mansion," Marguerite A. "Missy" LeHand.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-June 25, 1932. Albany, New York. One page, 8" x 10.5". Gold embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Joseph P. Omlor of Amarillo, Texas.
-Mailing folds, two tiny stains, else fine.

This letter was written just two days before the start of the 1932 Democratic National Convention in Chicago where Roosevelt, the party's nominee, promised in his landmark acceptance speech, "...a new deal for the American people." FDR writes, "It was pleasant to hear from one who, like myself, was a veteran of the great war. I appreciate the militant [the word "militant" is corrected in FDR's holograph] spirit of your letter and your desire to fight through to the finish. Whatever the outcome at Chicago, the past weeks have shown me how many warm friends I have throughout the country, and I am glad to add you to their number./ Very sincerely yours..." Roosevelt apparently thought it proper, in order to impress a voter from opponent John Nance Garner's home state, to elevate himself to "veteran of the great war." He did not serve in the armed forces but rather as a civilian Assistant Secretary of the Navy. FDR knew how his distant cousin Teddy Roosevelt's path to the White House was assisted by military heroics in the Spanish-American War and desperately wanted a Naval Commission in 1918. He was reminded by Navy Secretary Josephus Daniels thought that his service in Washington was much more important to the war effort than anything he would do in the Navy. One can imagine what would happen today if a candidate claimed to be a veteran like Roosevelt does here!

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Autograph Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-"Sunday" [July, 1932]. Hyde Park, New York. Three pages. State of New York letterhead.
-To: Jouett Shouse.
-Original folds, minor soiling, else fine.

Alfred E. Smith, FDR's predecessor as Governor of New York, announced that he would be available for the 1932 Presidential nomination, and was assisted in his bid by two principal figures, John J. Raskob and Jouett Shouse, who urged local Democratic organizations not to instruct their convention delegates which candidate to vote for. FDR's team, especially James A. Farley and Louis Howe, worked vigorously to combat the Stop-Roosevelt coalition headed by Shouse, and FDR emerged triumphant.

FDR writes (in part): "Two weeks and more ago, when I got your fine telegram-I dictated a letter to you, but in the rush of putting off on the boat trip it was not sent-anyway I would much rather write you long hand and more personally. I really do appreciate your good sportsmanship and also your real and fundamental devotion to the Democratic Party through all these years. I hope you thoroughly know that I have at all times, privately and publicly praised you for all that you did to lay the necessary groundwork for the victories in 1930 and the coming victories this year-Without that work our party position would be less clear and the Republican propaganda would have been far more damaging. I am not one to hold any rancor towards the give and take of battle during the pre-nomination campaign-and as you know I was wholly ready to support and work for the nominees and the party if someone other than myself had been chosen-It is good to know that your attitude is the same-I know too that you can and will be of great help in many ways during the coming 3 ½ months of activity-and I hope much that you will come up to Albany some day soon at your convenience to see me-I expect to make no extended trip for over a month anyway-Let me know when you can come."

This rare and important FDR letter, referring to the upcoming 1932 Presidential election, is boldly handwritten on two pages of State of New York letterhead.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed (Secretarial) as New York Governor.
-July 2, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Mr. C. V. Hulse of Algona, Iowa.
-Mailing fold, light aging, else about fine.

On the day after his late night nomination to be the Democratic Party's candidate for president, FDR writes, "My dear Mr. Hulse:/ Your comments on national conditions and on the political and economic situation in Iowa are most interesting. I appreciate your writing me as you did, and thank you for your friendly interest./Very sincerely yours..." Signed by proxy.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-July 6, 1932. Albany, New York. One Page. 8" x 10.5".
-To: Mr. Matthew J. Eder, Harlem Board of Commerce, New York City.
-Folds, even light toning, else fine condition.

FDR invites Mr. Eder "...to attend a conference in the Executive Chamber on Tuesday, July nineteenth at two o'clock in the afternoon, daylight saving time, to consider the cost of State government." This letter contains a very rare instance of FDR identifying himself as "Governor" below his signature.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-July 6, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead. Transmittal envelope included.
-To: James J. Brennan of Marblehead, Massachusetts.
-Original folds, slight wear, else wear.

In this letter to an organizer of his presidential campaign in Massachusetts, FDR writes (in part): "You know, I am sure, that your active work and unswerving devotion during the past weeks and months have been realized and very deeply appreciated. As the Convention dissolves and we prepare ourselves for the coming campaign, I am writing to thank you for all you have done and to say that I know you will continue up to the very last moment your loyal efforts for the Democratic candidate and for the final success of the Democratic Party at the polls next November."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-July 29, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". State of New York letterhead.
-To: Leighton Shields of St. Louis, Missouri.
-Original folds, minor foxing, else fine.

FDR writes to a key supporter (in part): "Many thanks for that nice letter of July 11th. I regret the delay in replying to it. Mr. Baumhoff sent me the snapshot of you and Mrs. Shields, and I am very glad to have it. My autographed photograph is being forwarded to you under separate cover, and with it go my best wishes."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-August 1, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: The Honorable Hernand Behn, president of International Telephone and Telegraph
-Double original folds flattened, light paper clip marks at the top left, else fine.

FDR writes to Behn, who is in St. Jean-de-Luz, France, concerned about the telephone executive's health, "I had known of your illness, but did not realize how serious it had been and I hope that you are rapidly getting on your feet again."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-August 3, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. State of New York letterhead.
-To: Frank Walker of New York City.
-Original folds, minor wear and soiling, else fine.

FDR writes to his close political aide, Frank Walker of the Democratic National Committee (in part): "This will introduce Mr. George St. Jean, an old friend of mine who is anxious to be of assistance to you in your work. He desires an opportunity to go over the entire matter with you."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-August 4, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8.5" x 11". Executive Mansion letterhead.
-To: Edythe H. Barlow of Atlanta, Georgia.
-Extra original folds, three-hole punched along left edge, minor creases and wear, else fine.

In this letter declining membership in a religious organization, FDR writes (in part): "I am sorry at my delay in answering your letter of July 16th. I regret very much that I cannot become a member of the Circle on Faith and Gratitude. You, of course, realize that if I were to join any organization such as this it would become necessary for me to accept invitations to join a great many organizations, whose aims I know nothing about. It would be impossible for me to make any distinction between organizations throughout the United States. I hope you appreciate this difficulty, and that you will therefore understand my declination. I trust that you will convey this message to Mrs. Reynolds, who seems to be the Founder of your Circle."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-August 8, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Mr. Hamilton Fish, Jr., Washington, D.C.
-Mailing folds, staple holes affecting no text, else fine.

FDR writes "I must apologize for my long delay in thanking you for your delightful telegram to me after the Convention. It was held for me during my absence on the cruise with the boys and since then I have only just been able to reach it in the mass of my correspondence. I greatly appreciate your thought of me and I shall hope to see you one of these days soon." Despite the convivial tone of this letter, Congressman Hamilton Fish, Jr. (1888-1991) was a virulent opponent of Roosevelt's. Fish's isolationist leanings and anti-Communist obsession would guide his votes well into World War II.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor.
-August 10, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10". Executive Mansion letterhead.
-To: Irving Benning of St. Joseph, Michigan.
-Original folds, some toning, else near fine.

FDR writes (in part): "It is always a pleasure to hear from an old classmate. I am sorry that I could not reply at an earlier date. Thank you very much for your good wishes. I know that I can count on my old friends for their loyal support."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Notation as New York Governor.
-September 2, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8.5" x 11". Executive Mansion letterhead.
-To: Chester M. Kerr, Jr., of Cleveland, Ohio.
-Original folds, minor creases and wear, else fine.

In this letter dated just two months before the 1932 Presidential election, FDR writes to a young supporter (in part): "I wish it were possible for me to comply with the request in your interesting letter of August 24th. As you doubtless follow current events closely you will appreciate the fact that the time element to me at present has to be considered. I wish it were possible for me to spend some time with you. I have a keen appreciation of the vital importance to the future welfare of the country of having the younger minds deal with the problems of our political and economic national life. I should be interested in getting your views and in outlying mine. If you are following my campaign addresses you have probably noted that I am attempting to discuss these various problems one at a time, and before the election you will be able to form very definite opinions on what I advocate and what the Democratic Party proposes to do. Please accept my sincere regrets as it is impossible for-me to see you as you request." FDR added the handwritten notation "Personal" above the salutation to Mr. Kerr.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Magazine Cover.
-October 8, 1932 issue of The Literary Digest.
-Signature slightly bloomed, else very good condition.

A beautiful copy of The Literary Digest with a large FDR signature just above his portrait on the cover. With barely a month to go before the presidential election, this issue is chocked full of political articles related to Roosevelt's chances in the upcoming election - "Can Roosevelt Carry Hoover's State?".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Inscribed and Signed 1932 Lithograph Sketch.
-1932. 18" x 24". Matted and framed to 24.5" x 30.5".
-To: Senator Elmer Thomas of Oklahoma.
-Some foxing, minor creases and wear, slight fading of the ink, else near fine.

This large lithograph sketch of FDR includes the caption "Franklin Delano Roosevelt 1932" and is signed in pencil by the artist. FDR's inscription reads (in full): For my friend Elmer Thomas from Franklin D. Roosevelt". John William Elmer Thomas, an Oklahoma Democrat, was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1926, then won reelection in 1932, 1938, and 1944. In 1938, FDR visited Oklahoma to campaign for Thomas. The 24.5" x 30.5" frame is finished in gold leaf.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photographic Portrait Inscribed as Governor of New York.
-1932. 9.5" x 13.5". Morris & Ewing, Washington, D.C. studio mark.
-Fine.

FDR has inscribed this striking portrait to his former classmate and law partner: "For Harry Hooker with the affectionate/ regards of his old schoolmate and friend./ Franklin D. Roosevelt/ 1932". Henry Stewart Hooker (also known as Harry) was a member of Marvin, Hooker & Roosevelt from 1910-1918. A beautifully inscribed and intimate piece.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor (President-Elect).
-November 17, 1932. Albany, New York. Two pages. 8" x 10.5". Gold-embossed Executive Chamber letterhead.
-To: Honorable Joseph F. Loehr, Mayor of Yonkers, New York.
-Mailing folds, else fine.

President-elect Roosevelt writes, in part, "I have read with much interest your letter of October twenty-seventh relative to the construction of the Hudson River Highway, from Peekskill to the New York City line, with funds to be furnished by the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. Let me grant all the favorable points you bring out regarding this road, but having done this, I am forced to the conclusion that it would be difficult, if not impossible, to secure the necessary funds from the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. Our experience to secure funds for constructing the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, across the Hudson River between Catskill and Hudson has been most disappointing...".

Included in this lot is a carbon of the four-page letter dated October 26, 1932 from Mayor Loehr to Governor Roosevelt that prompted the above response. An interesting look inside New York politics.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor (President-Elect).
-November 19, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8.5" x 11". Executive Mansion letterhead.
-To: Alabama Congressman J. Lister Hill.
-Original folds, some foxing and minor creasing, else near fine.

In this letter to J. Lister Hill (1894-1984), a congressman and, later, senator from Alabama, FDR writes (in part): "It meant much to me to have your word of congratulation and good will. Now I can only thank you briefly, but I will look forward to hearing from you again, and hope you will continue to give me the benefit of your advice and cooperation during the days which lie ahead."

Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Nance Garner: Note Signed as President-Elect and Vice President-Elect.
-November 23, 1932. Washington, D.C. One page. 5.25" x 7". On Mayflower Hotel letterhead.
-To: Raymond and Malcolm Moley of Santa Barbara, California.
-Slightly toned with a central fold crease, else fine.

FDR and Garner sign their names to a birthday greeting for the children of Raymond C. Moley. The greeting is written in Moley's own hand as is the accompanying transmittal envelope. Moley was a member of Roosevelt's "Brains Trust" and later served in FDR's cabinet as Assistant Secretary of State.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Document Signed as New York Governor (President-Elect).
-December 22, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8" x 10.5". Carbon copy of original typed document. Gold-embossed Executive Chamber Letterhead.
-To: The Board of Estimate and Apportionment of the City of New York.
-One flattened fold, extremely light paperclip traces, else fine.

The "Walker Affair" of 1931-2 in New York could very well be, as they say, ripped from today's headlines. Jimmy Walker (popularly known as "Beau James") was the fun-loving, free-wheeling, loose-living mayor of New York City during the Jazz Age of the late 1920s who, under pressure by Roosevelt, resigned on September 1, 1932 and left the country to avoid possibility of criminal prosecution. With this document, FDR approved the financial outlay for the investigation of Mayor Walker by the Seabury Commission, in full, "State of New York/ Before the Governor./ In the Matter/ of/ Charges against Hon. James J. Walker,/ Mayor of the City of New York, brought/ by Samuel Seabury, Wm. Jay Schieffelin,/ and others./ To the Board of Estimate and/ Apportionment of the City of New York:/ Pursuant to the provisions of Subdivision 7 of Section 34 of the Public Officers Law, as added thereto by Chapter 15 of the Laws of 1928, I hereby make requisition upon you for the following sums of money, which you are to appropriate to meet the reasonable expenses of conducting before me the hearing of the said charges against Hon. James J. Walker, Mayor of the City of New York. That is to say:/ Compensation allowed and approved by me to Martin Conboy, Esq., as Counsel employed by me in the conduct of the proceedings on the hearing of such charges. . . . . . . . . . . $25,062.12./ Compensation allowed and approved by me to George A. Glendon, Jr., Esq., as Official Stenographer at the hearing of the said charges for 120 copies of the verbatim report taken at the said hearing. . . . . . . . . . . $16,776.45..." Roosevelt signed this original carbon in ink at the bottom as New York governor.

It's an interesting story how these two Democratic New York politicians, formerly friends, came to be locked in such a political death-match. James John Walker (1881-1946) was the son of an Irish Catholic local Democratic official from Greenwich Village. Before entering politics, he worked as a writer of popular songs and trained to be a lawyer. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 1909 and the New York State Senate in 1914. With the help of then-Governor Al Smith and the powerful Tammany Hall political machine, he was elected mayor of New York City in 1925, defeating the incumbent in the primary. His first four-year term was a time of great prosperity for the city. He created the Department of Sanitation, brought about unification of the city's public hospitals, and made considerable improvements in the playgrounds and park systems; and, under his guidance, the Board of Transportation approved contracts for the construction of an elaborate subway system. It was also a time of flappers and speakeasies; gangsters and gun molls; organized crime and its handmaiden: political corruption, and almost everybody and everything had a price. It was a great time to be a politician in power - if you knew how to play the game, and apparently he did. In the first two years of his administration, Walker indulged himself with several vacations overseas, spending 143 days out of office. His response to critics: "I refuse to live by the clock."

The beginning of the end of Walker's reign as mayor occurred with the murder of Arnold Rothstein, the world-class gambler who reputedly fixed the 1919 World Series. Mortally wounded November 3, 1928, at the Park Central Hotel in Manhattan, Rothstein lived a day but refused to say who shot him, telling the police, "Me Mudder did it." The lack of a conviction in this notorious gangland murder called to public attention the weaknesses of the district attorney and the police department. Judge Samuel Seabury, and anti-Tammany Hall crusader, was appointed by the state legislature to head a commission, charged with investigating the reports of municipal corruption in New York City. He began with D.A. Thomas Crain, who had only a 4% conviction rate, and continued on. The Seabury Commission hearings uncovered a government rife with problems. Mayor Walker came under more and more scrutiny for his lack of attention to the city matters at hand and rumors of influence peddling and financial indiscretions. Public outcry was that Walker should also be investigated.

New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, a patrician from Hyde Park on the Hudson Highlands, was in an uncomfortable position. He was a crusader with a distinguished lineage, but he still had to prove that his talents could match his Presidential ambitions. Influential columnist Walter Lippmann had said of him, "Franklin D. Roosevelt is no crusader. He is no tribune of the people. He is no enemy of entrenched privilege. He is a pleasant man who, without any important qualifications for the office, would very much like to be President." If FDR did nothing, he would be seen as a lightweight, not qualified for the presidency. If he prosecuted Walker, he risked losing the support of the powerful New York Democratic political machine. On the eve of the Democratic National Convention in 1932, Roosevelt convened an informal trial of the Mayor of New York, with Walker as the star witness. When he ordered the proceedings to begin, Franklin Roosevelt became a political heavyweight, a man of personal and political substance, and a man ready for the awesome responsibilities and challenges of assuming the U.S. presidency. This present lot is an historic item in which FDR, as President-Elect, approves the funding for the actions taken against Mayor Jimmy Walker of New York City. Suitable for the finest of collections.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as New York Governor (President-Elect).
-December 28, 1932. Albany, New York. One page. 8.5" x 11". Executive Mansion letterhead. Original transmittal envelope included.
-To: William J. French of Newburgh, New York.
-Original folds, signature slightly faded to brown, else near fine.

In this letter, FDR offers advice to an unemployed man who has fallen on hard times during the Great Depression. The President-Elect writes (in part): "I remember your father very well, of course, and you yourself when you were a small boy. I wish I could suggest something definite in regard to employment. May I suggest that you go over to Middletown and see Dr. Robert Woodman, Superintendent of Middletown State Hospital, and show him this letter. It is possible that they may have some work there. As you know, most State positions are under the civil service, but there is sometimes work for chauffeurs or messengers."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Herbert Hoover as President Telegram Regarding FDR Assassination Attempt and Anton Cermak Clipped Signature.
-February 15, 1933. The White House, Washington, D.C. One page. 8" x 6.5". Signature, 3" x 1.25".
-Browning as expected and folds, both items very fine condition.

This extremely historic Western Union telegram reads "RXQC1195 24 GOVT=The White House WASHINGTON DC/ 15 1106P/ PRESIDENT ELECT FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT=/ MIAMI FLO=/ TOGETHER WITH EVERY CITIZEN I REJOICE THAT YOU HAVE NOT BEEN INJURED I SHALL BE GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR NEWS OF MAYOR CERMAKS CONDITION=/ HERBERT HOOVER." Naturalized Italian immigrant Giuseppe Zangara found it very difficult to find work during the Great Depression, and developed a strong hatred of President Herbert Hoover, whom he blamed for his problems. When FDR defeated Hoover for the Presidency in 1932, Zangara turned his anger towards the new president-elect. On February 13, 1933, Zangara read that FDR was to visit Miami's Bayfront Park on February 15, 1933. Zangara bought a .32 caliber pistol and joined the crowd. As FDR and his party, which included Chicago Mayor Anton Joseph Cermak (1875-1933), appeared and started to fire. A woman in front of him, Mrs. Lillian Cross, a spectator standing next to Zangara, deflected Zangara's aim by grabbing his arm as he fired his last four shots. "I saw he was trying to kill the President so I caught him by the arm and twisted it up," Mrs. Cross later told the media. Zangara managed to fire five bullets and hit five people, as a nearby photographer joked "Just like Chicago, eh Mayor?" Mayor Anton J. Cermak had been hit in the abdominal area. The bullets also hit four bystanders, including a mother of five children. On March 6, 1933, barely two days after FDR was inaugurated the Thirty Second President of the United States, Mayor Cermak succumbed to his wound. Zangara was charged with murder and after being found guilty was sentenced to death in the electric chair at the Florida State Penitentiary. When he heard his sentence he yelled at the judge, "You give me electric chair. I no afraid of that chair! You're one of capitalists. You is crook man too. Put me in electric chair. I no care!" Giuseppe Zangara was executed on March 20, 1933. The Hoover telegram was obtained directly from an acquaintance of the person who bought the home in Berea, Ohio where FDR advisor Raymond C. Moley was born and raised. Moley accompanied FDR during this fateful trip, and even interrogated the would-be presidential assassin, Giuseppe Zangara, in his jail cell for several hours.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Postal Cover Signed as President-Elect also Signed by John Nance Garner.
-February 22, 1932. Mount Vernon, Virginia. 9.5" x 4" Washington Bicentennial envelope.
-To: W. Kuhn, New York City.
-Small split on top margin, even brown toning, wear and light soiling. Good condition.

Also signed in left margin by John N. Garner, Vice President-Elect. The cover has an integral 5-cent Mt. Vernon stamp and carries twelve postage stamps of various denominations, each commemorating the birth of George Washington by means of a portrait. A very colorful venue for an FDR signature.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Signed Photograph as President-Elect.
-February 26, 1933. Black and white, 8" x 10", with printed United Press International photo credits and tipped-on printed caption on the verso.
-Crazed at the edges and a few points in the central image, signature slightly faded, else very good.

An interesting photograph of a serious Franklin and smiling Eleanor seated together and taken a few days before FDR was sworn in as the 32nd president of the United States. Roosevelt has signed the photograph across Eleanor's figure. On the verso is a printed description: "London Bureau/ Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt/ New York: Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt photographed with her husband, United States President-Elect Franklin Delano Roosevelt, at their home in Hyde Park, New York, February 26th, 1933".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Photograph Signed as President-Elect.
-[1932] 8" x 10". Black and white. Matted and framed to 12.5" x 15.5".
-To: Raymond Moley, Jr.
-Some toning, minor warping, else fine.

FDR inscribes and signs (in full): "For Raymond II from his friend Franklin D. Roosevelt". FDR gave this personally signed item to the son and namesake of his close advisor Raymond C. Moley, who would later resign as Assistant Secretary of State to become one of FDR's most vocal critics as Editor of Today (1933-1937) and, later, as Associate Editor of Newsweek.

Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: Handmade Marionettes.
-[c. 1940]. 24" H. Crafted by Mabel and Les Beaton of Rye, New York.
-Fine condition.

These unusual, one-of-a-kind marionettes of FDR and ER were made by the highly esteemed partners Mabel and Les Beaton, professional puppeteers and makers, and the authors of the 1947 book Marionettes: A Hobby for Everyone, referred to as "the Beaton Bible" by others in the profession. Both puppets have two-part torsos and flexible waist sections. All parts are cast wood dough or carved wood with tongue and groove knee and ankle joints. They are strung from a standard wood airplane control with removable leg bars.

Book From the Hyde Park Library of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Cours de Belles-Lettres, ou Principes de la Litterature, Nouvelle Edition, Tome II, (Paris: Desaint & Saillant, 1753), full leather binding with tooled spine, 16mo, 372 pages. Wear at corners and chipping at the bottom of the spine, else near very good.

Franklin Roosevelt, 54 Piece Sterling Silver Flatware Set, Monogrammed "FDR", "Etruscan" pattern by Gorham Silver Company.

The Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt sterling silver flatware set consists of the following pieces: seven dinner knives; seven dinner forks; sixteen teaspoons (one with a mangled bowl); six bouillon spoons; two salad forks; eight butter spreaders; two large serving spoons; one carving knife; one master butter, one sugar spoon, one large serving fork; one jelly server; and, one cake cutter.

Accompanying this set is a letter of provenance from Eleanor Roosevelt's cousin, Barbara Morgan, dated January 30, 1999 (the 117th anniversary of FDR's birth). Barbara Morgan writes, "The sterling silver flatware service belonged to President and Mrs. Franklin Delano Roosevelt...The service came into my family's possession through my cousin, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt (Mrs. Franklin Delano Roosevelt)."

The Morgan family is related to Eleanor Roosevelt through her maternal aunt Edith Livingston Ludlow Hall Morgan, married William Forbes-Morgan, Jr. Barbara Morgan is the daughter of William Forbes-Morgan III, which means that Barbara Morgan is Eleanor Roosevelt's first cousin, once removed, through the Hall Family line.

Franklin Roosevelt: Original Portrait by A. E. Morley. Pen, pencil, and charcoal on board, 14" x 20.5". Framed in a damaged gilt frame with a contemporary French mat (25" x 33.5" overall). The portrait, signed "A. E. Morley" to the left below the image, shows a pleasant and smiling FDR. There is minor water staining and light browning to the board.

The portrait hung at the American Servicemen's Stage Door Canteen in London during World War II. When the Club closed down at the end of the war it was given to Mr. Albert Goodman, a member of the Sporting Club of Great Britain and on the committee that provided funds for the Stage Door Canteen. Upon Goodman's death the portrait and other assets were sold to Freeman Advertising Limited.

[Franklin D. Roosevelt] Polish American Council of the United States: Signed Declaration Regarding the Issuance of U.S. Stamp Honoring Poland in 1943 (Scott 909).
-June 22, 1943. Chicago, Illinois. One page. 11" x 15". Manuscript document in a beautiful color-enhanced calligraphic hand. With original 11.5" x 8.25" transmittal envelope bearing a plate block of the Poland commemorative with First Day of Issue cancel.
-To: The Honorable Franklin D. Roosevelt.
-Declaration has repairs on verso to fold, else fine condition.

The document reads, in full, "Mr. President:/ Gathered on the occasion of the ceremonies marking the fist day of sale of the United States stamp honoring heroic Poland, we send you, Mr. President, our greetings and sincere assurances of our appreciation of this symbolic recognition of Poland's contribution toward our war effort. Poland, the country of our forefathers, was the first to resist Nazi aggression. In her unbreakable and unswerving determination to protect her people's age-long traditions and her independence, Poland suffered cruel persecution. Yet, her spirit was not crushed and her sons fight today with even greater fierceness, not only for the freedom of their country, but also for the liberty of all humanity. It is fitting, therefore, that our government should pay this tribute to the unconquered people of Poland and to the brave soldiers of that country, who fight for our common cause./ Polish American Council of the United States." The document contains twelve signatures of the officers of the Council.

This is a lot with appeal both as a document sent to President Roosevelt and signed by a number of leading Polish-Americans of the period, and also as a part of Roosevelt's legendary stamp collection. Included is the original Harmer folder showing that this was Lot 396 in the "First Roosevelt Sale" held February 4-5, 1946. Both the document and the envelope have rubber-stamped in red on verso: ""From the Franklin D. Roosevelt Collection Auctioned Feb., April, 1946 by H. R. Harmer, Inc., NY."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: U.S.S. Potomac Ship Model.
-[no date] 22"L x 4"W x 5"H.
-Some chipping to paint on base, else fine.

The U.S.S. Potomac was FDR's presidential yacht from 1936 until his death in 1945. The original measures 165 feet in length, weighs 376 gross tons, and is now preserved in Oakland, California, as a National Historic Landmark. For a time during the 1960s, the ship was owned by Elvis Presley. This vintage model was built by Vaclav Neidermertl, a master model maker, who received numerous Bronze and Silver Medals in his homeland of the Czech Republic and in Switzerland, where he won the Silver and Bronze medals of Europe from NAVGA. This replica of the U.S.S. Potomac was entirely scratch built using only wood, museum board and a pulp-based compound.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: United Mine Workers of America Folk Art.
-1938. Ellsworth, Pennsylvania. 17" x 12.75".
-Loose in frame, minor wear, else very good.

This United Mine Workers of America folk-art tribute to FDR was prepared by Mike Shumiloff of Local Union No. 1190 in Ellsworth, Pennsylvania. A true symbol of the relationship between FDR and the New Deal with organized labor.

Franklin Roosevelt, Original Portrait by Allan Dudley Jones framed, oil on canvas, 27" x 36" (32" x 41" overall). The painting, signed "A. D. Jones" on the verso of the canvas, captures FDR's dynamic presence powerfully against a dark-blue patriotic background of stars and the outstretched wings of an American eagle.

Allan Dudley Jones painted this portrait of President Roosevelt, as a contribution to a World War II War Bond Drive. The painting hung for a time in the lobby of the Paramount Movie Theatre in Newport News, Virginia.

Allan Dudley Jones was born in 1915 in Hampton, Virginia, and educated at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. He taught art at William and Mary College, the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, the University of Virginia, and elsewhere. He has painted several mural decorations in public buildings, and his Diorama of the Monitor and the Merrimac hangs in the Mariners' Museum of Newport News, Virginia. His works are also owned by the Virginia Museum of the Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Chrysler Museum of Norfolk, Virginia, the High Museum of Atlanta, Georgia, and other institutions.

Included with this lot is a binder with additional clippings and information about the artist as well as a letter of provenance signed by Jones.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, Slate Shingle from Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia. One of the gray slate shingles, set in a 17.5" x 18" shadowbox, from the rooftop of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia. FDR's cottage was re-shingled in 2002 in order to preserve the home in which FDR sought recovery from infantile paralysis, worked as Governor of New York, and President of the United States, sought respite, and ultimately died on April 12, 1945. FDR's Little White House, operating under the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, made several of the original gray slate shingles available in order to raise funds to maintain this important part of FDR's legacy. The gray shingle is set in a shadow box with two of the copper nail heads that held it atop of the Little White House. Attached to the back is a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Little White House Historic Site and a photograph of the set taken in front of the President's home. Within the frame are matted pictures of FDR and his beloved Little White House. There is also a matted inscription that states: "Under this gray slate shingle from President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Little White House in Warm Springs, Georgia, is where he developed some of the most far reaching policies and ideas of the New Deal. It was also under this slate roof where he died on April 12, 1945./ FDR's legacy is as important as ever. The new museum at the Little White House will reflect upon and honor his contributions to Warm Springs, the United States and the world. / On behalf of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Warm Springs Memorial Advisory Committee, we wish to thank-you for your generous contribution in keeping this legacy alive."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Bas Relief Copper Wall Plaque.
-1934. 14" x 16".
-Some tarnish, soiling, and wear.

This bas relief copper work including a portrait of FDR is signed by the artist, Ludv. Donge, and dated "34".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: United Mine Workers of America Folk Art.
-1938. West Brownsville, Pennsylvania. 16" x 12".
-Toning, some adhesive residue, minor wear and chipping, else very good.

This 1938 United Mine Workers of America tribute to FDR includes two handwritten notations by a union member: "Social Security Act. Account Number 190-10-6357 / Theodore Belan / Victory Sure! We cannot miss." and "I am proud to be a member of this Great Local Number 762 / District No. Five / Theodore Belan / West Brownsville / Pa."

Franklin Roosevelt White House China Plate. Made by Theodore Havilland, this ornate 6.5" diameter blue and gold trimmed plate bears the initials "FDR". Given to FDR by the citizens from Limoges in 1938. Marked on the reverse, "Au President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, au bon artisan de la Paix, Septembre 1938 Les Limousins Reconnaissants." (Translated: To President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the good architect of peace, September 1938, from the grateful citizens of Limoges.") Excellent condition.

Obtained from John Roosevelt Boettiger, the son of Anna Roosevelt and John Boettiger, Jr., and the grandson of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt. Boettiger kept the plate as a small memento, having donated the rest of the very large set to The Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site in Hyde Park, New York. The U.S. Park Service, which presides over the home the Roosevelt children used to call 'The Big House,' changes the china around the dining room table periodically, and this set, appears in rotation. During FDR's presidency the set was commonly used at the White House, because of its formality and its donation as a gift of state from the government of France.

To view the Letter of Provenance from John Roosevelt Boetigger for this lot, please click on this link.

Franklin Roosevelt: Signed Original Pencil Drawing, framed, pen and pencil executed on light brown stock, 9" x 11.5" (19" x 21.5" overall). The drawing is boldly signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" at lower right blank margin and by the artist Paul Frehm in white pen within the drawing. Evenly yellowed, else fine.

The drawing depicts a beaming FDR above a group of people from the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation, which FDR founded as the major treatment facility for poliomyelitis in Warm Springs, Georgia.

Paul Frehm (1904-1986) was an internationally known syndicated cartoonist who drew Ripley's Believe It or Not" from 1949 to 1978, which appeared in over 285 newspapers worldwide. Prior to his success with Ripley's, Frehm covered the Lindbergh kidnapping trial of Bruno Hauptmann as an official courtroom sketch artist.

Box of "F & D" "Fine and Dandy" Cigarettes. The 4.5" x 5.5" x 2" box of cigarettes, manufactured in Pennsylvania, features a stylized silhouette that has some resemblance to FDR. Fine and Dandy cigarettes were a favorite to be sold at Democratic fundraisers and were known as a "Franklin D". The deep red box, with count of fifty cigarettes, featuring a blue "Series 115" cigarette stamp. The cigarette box is nailed shut and appears to be unopened.

Franklin Roosevelt Memorial, Grosvenor Square, London, England, Original Painting by Anthony Klitz, framed, oil on canvas, 15" x 30" (21.5" x 36.5" overall). The painting is signed "Klitz" in the lower right corner.

Roosevelt Memorial in London painted so beautifully by Klitz was funded in 1946 entirely through the sale of a souvenir brochure to the British public. This was organized by The Pilgrims, a society dedicated to the enhancement of friendship and understanding between Great Britain and America. So enthusiastic was the public response to the subscription that the total sum required was reached and exceeded in a mere six days from the day that British Prime Minister announced the opening of the appeal on the radio. More than 160,000 separate donations had been received. On April 12, 1948, the statue was unveiled by Eleanor Roosevelt in front of an audience including the Royal Family, the Prime Minister Clement Attlee and the Leader of the Opposition Sir Winston Churchill. A magnificent and original oil depicting the Roosevelt Memorial in London's Grosvenor Square.

Anthony "Tony" Klitz (1917-2000), born in Southport, England, was educated at Bishop Wordsworth School, Salisbury, and attended Cheltenham Art School (1936-1939) until his war service. Demobilized as a major, he eventually came to live and work in London in 1950. He evolved his style after working with the Australian artist Hayward Veal (while in London). At the time of his second exhibition in London, the critic Norman Collins wrote: "In comparison with other great capitals of the world London remains astonishingly unpainted. Mr. Klitz, an artist with a fine sense of architectural atmosphere and character, has done a great deal to redress the balance. His pictures show a fine but restrained sense of colour and he is engagingly sensitive to the London scene. Mr. Klitz is an artist - and this is a high tribute indeed - whose work will appeal equally to those who live in London and to those who have paid a visit to London, and want to have something by which to remember it. Whether it is Horse Guards Parade or the River, Mr. Klitz has captured that strange pearly light which is the secret of so much of London's grace."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: U.S. Merchant Marine Wooden Serving Tray.
-[no date] Rio de Janeiro. 21" x 13.5".
-Minor wear and chipping to paint, some warping on back, else very good.

Inlaid wood, reverse painted decoration (on back of the glass top) and real butterfly wings make up this display piece. "U.S. Merchant Marine" appears on a banner below two American flags draping either side of a paper cutout picture of FDR. In the bottom middle is a color maritime scene labeled, "Rio de Janeiro." Likely this piece was made in Brazil as a souvenir for servicemen. Following his inauguration on March 4, 1933, FDR sent a message to the Congress asking whether or not the U.S. should have an adequate merchant marine. He left little doubt that he personally favored a strong flag fleet that could compete with foreign shipping combines, allow the U.S. to continue its trade in the event of a major foreign war, and be able to provide the logistics ships required by the Navy. It took the Congress over a year to answer FDR's question, with the Merchant Marine Act of 1936.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Stangl "Happy Days Are Here Again" Prohibition Repeal Pitcher and Mug Set.
-1934. The Stangl Company, New Jersey. Porcelain. Pitcher: 7.5" H x 23" diameter. Mugs: 4" H x 13" diameter.
-One small chip on rim of pitcher, else fine.

These original 1934 Stangl porcelain pottery items, featuring caricatures of FDR and other prominent Democrats, are a humorous memento of Roosevelt's repeal of Prohibition at the outset of his first term as President. This lot includes one full light-brown set featuring a pitcher and four mugs, plus one additional green mug. The caricatures in the set are those of: FDR (pitcher and one mug); Vice President John Nance Garner; William McAdoo, son-in-law of Woodrow Wilson; and Maryland Governor Albert Ritchie (one mug each). The additional mug features FDR. This unusual set is a must for the collector wanting to cheer FDR's popular repeal.

Franklin Roosevelt: Large Wrought Iron Pen Tray presented by FDR to Frank Scheider, the husband of Melvina Thompson Scheider, Eleanor Roosevelt's personal secretary. The pen tray features a three-dimensional and large rose, the symbol of the Roosevelt family. The tray measures 11.5" x 6," and 3" high to the tip of one of the rose petals. The bottom of the tray is marked "Rancraft" or "Crancraft". On the bottom of the tray is taped the following note: "Presented to Uncle Frank Scheider by President FDR, Franklin D. Roosevelt."

Malvina Thompson, known to her friends as "Tommy," was a fixture in the Roosevelt household, as critical to Eleanor's life as Missy was to Franklin's. Short and stocky, with brown hair and a continual wrinkle in the bridge of her nose, the forty-eight-year old Tommy had started working for Eleanor when Franklin was Governor of New York. She had married Frank Scheider, a teacher in the New York public schools, in 1921 and divorced him in 1939. She had no children. She had her own room in every Roosevelt house: a sitting room and bedroom in The White House, a bedroom in Eleanor's Greenwich Village apartment, and a suite of rooms at Val Kill, Eleanor's cottage at Hyde Park.

"Tommy" Thompson died April 12, 1953, eight years to the day after FDR, from a brain hemorrhage (like FDR), after a 12 day hospitalization. Eleanor Roosevelt was devastated. She later wrote, "When she [Thompson] died, I learned for the first time what being alone was like."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Inlaid Wood Folk Art Portrait.
-1933. 13" x 15.5".
-A gift to the president from Victor D. Parenti of Philadelphia.
-Minor wear and aging, else fine.

This inlaid wood folk art portrait is signed on the front by Helios K. Rissanen, although the gift to FDR is attributed to "Mr. Victor D. Parenti, Esquire, of Philadelphia."

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Pencil Sketches for Wood Carving.
-July 13, 1982. 18.5" x 9.5". Matted and framed to 24" x 16".
-Light creases and soiling, else fine. Frame has many chips and nicks.

This pencil sketch of FDR, intended as a plan for a 40-inch wood carving, includes three poses. The sheet is signed and dated by the artist at lower right.

Franklin Roosevelt, Original Sketch in the Style of Al Hirschfeld, ink on board, 17" x 19", attractively framed under glass (22" x 24" overall), with an indecipherable signature and "FDR/1944/Hirschfeld Repro, '81".

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Lithograph Signed by Artist Tom Little.
-November 8, 1963. 14.5" x 6". Matted and framed to 21.25" x 23".
-To: Paul Corbin.
-Fine.

This illustration of FDR depicted at the wheel of a ship is titled "So Came the Captain with the Mighty Heart" and dated "1-27-43". The artist has inscribed and signed the piece in the bottom margin (in full): "To Paul Corbin, with my very Best Wishes-Tom Little-11-8-'63". In more than a half century with the newspaper the Tennessean, Tom Little (1898-1972) filled a varied assortment of positions, including police reporter, city editor, and editorial cartoonist. His stark, uncompromising drawings were so popular that more of his cartoons were reprinted in other publications than those of any other artist of his time.

Franklin Roosevelt Bust by Jo Davidson. The portrait was executed in 1934, during FDR's first administration. This is a later, composition copy. It stands 9.5" high (including the white stone base).

Jo Davidson (1883-1952) was one of the most prolific and sought-after sculptors in America. He is so important that his bust portraits have been given an entire room in the National Portrait Gallery. Presidents, literati, and all manner of popular personalities sat for him throughout his long career. Central to Davidson's artistic philosophy was the belief that outward appearances reflect the inner spirit of the individual; hence his style is forthright and free of mannerism. He also designed the official medal struck by the United States Mint to mark Franklin Roosevelt's fourth inauguration.

Franklin Roosevelt Gold $5 Proof and Uncirculated Commemorative Coin Set. The 1997-W Franklin D. Roosevelt Gold Commemorative depicts a portrait of former President Roosevelt and the Presidential seal. In the original United States Mint presentation case. Each coin is 90% gold (0.24 troy oz).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Bronze Sculpture Maquette for Dowdell's Knob. This maquette is number six of just fifteen commissioned to finance the life-size bronze of Roosevelt unveiled at Warm Springs, Georgia on April 12, 2007, to mark the sixty second anniversary of FDR's death.

The life-size bronze sculpture of FDR is located at a reflective spot of President Roosevelt, overlooking Pine Mountain Valley near Warm Springs, Georgia, where FDR traveled shortly before he died. This spot, called Dowdell's Knob, is currently located in FDR State Park in Georgia. As the park historian notes, Dowdell's Knob was FDR's favorite retreat. On this rocky outcropping, FDR entertained his closest friends (his grill is still there) and grappled with World War II and the Great Depression. At Dowdell's Knob he was most at home, with no need to hide his disability.

After extensive research, including conversations with FDR's relatives, the sculpture artist Martin Dawe has created the president as he appeared so often at Dowdell's Knob - sitting on his removable car seat with his legs uncovered. "I wanted the sculpture to be strong, wise and intimate," says Dawe. "Capturing FDR's likeness was just a matter of studying photos and video, but capturing his character and legacy was another matter." Placing the sculpture on Dowdell's Knob not only adds poignancy to the design, but allows visitors to sit beside the president at the very place where FDR conceived many of the ideas that have continued to shape our country. The sculptor created just fifteen numbered maquettes, bronze on black marble, of which this is number six, measuring 15.5" in height by 11.5" in width, by 18" in depth.

Dawe's maquette, or model at 1/15th scale, bears an uncanny resemblance to FDR. 'But it was also the way he portrayed Roosevelt, showing the vigor and strength of the man,' White said. 'Not as being worn down by the burdens of the presidency, but as a vital, vigorous disabled American who was capable of marshaling incredible political will to move this country forward and stand up to fascism.' When Dawe sculpted his first clay model of FDR, he made one error. 'I put the braces on backwards,' he recalled. A staffer at the Little White House corrected him: 'No, it [the lacing] goes on the other side.' The artist has since studied Roosevelt in depth and come to appreciate the president's affection for Dowdell's Knob. 'It's a magical place that makes you feel contemplative just by its nature,' Dawe said. It's where Roosevelt, who made 41 trips to Warm Springs from 1924 to 1945, spent two or three hours alone on the knob the day before dying of a cerebral hemorrhage on April 12, 1945.

Miniature Book, The Inaugural Addresses of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. (Worcester, Massachusetts: Achille J. St. Onge, 1945). One of 2000 copies printed at the Merrymount Press, 88 pages, 2 3/16" x 3 1/8". Some light looseness and foxing, else near very good in brick-red cloth, gilt-decorated. A.e.g. (Welsh 6046; Bondy p. 169; MBC I: no. 3, p. 5).

Franklin D. Roosevelt: Christopher Magadini Acrylic Illustration.
-[1980s] Audubon magazine. Acrylic on illustration board. 18" x 25". Matted and framed to 30" x 35".
-Minor wear on edges of frame, else very fine.

This acrylic illustration by artist Christopher M. Magadini accompanied an Audubon magazine article about the life of FDR. Beautifully matted and framed, the illustration is signed by the artist in red in the lower left corner. Magadini is a prominent illustrator who earned his B.F.A. at the Art Center College of Design, Los Angeles, and his M.F.A. at Syracuse University. He has created illustrations for such publications as Field & Stream, Reader's Digest, Flying, Boating, Home Mechanix, Popular Science, and The Wine Enthusiast.