Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed as President....

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Personal letter signed April 15, 1940 on The White House Washington stationery, one page (conjoining leaves), to Governor Henry Horner of Illinois regarding the Illinois primary and the governor's health. FDR writes: "PERSONAL/ My dear Henry:/ 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./ Very sincerely yours,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." The letter is docketed as being received in the Office of the Governor on April 17, 1940. Governor Henry Horner (1878-1940), born Henry Levy, was the first Jewish governor of Illinois, born in Chicago. A Chicago lawyer, he served as Cook County probate judge (1914-1932), demanding fair fees from undertakers and probate lawyers. As Democratic governor of Illinois (1932-1940), he rescued the state from bankruptcy and improved schools and roads. He rejected the machine Democrats' bill, which led to bitter primary battles weakening his health. FDR speaks about both of these critical issues in his letter to Governor Horner. Governor Horner's health did not hold out much longer, and he succumbed on October 6, 1940, while still in office, as FDR would succumb less than five years later. Governor Horner passed away less than six months after this letter was sent by FDR to Governor Horner! This letter represents perhaps the last communication between FDR and Governor Horner.