Franklin D. Roosevelt: Typed Letter Signed with Holographic Additions as New York Governor....

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ranklin D. Roosevelt. Typed Letter Signed. One page 4to, State of New York, Executive Chamber letterhead, March 18, 1932, to Leighton Shields of St. Louis, Missouri, with several words written in FDR's own hand, regarding his Missouri campaign for President of the United States. FDR writes: "Dear Mr. Shields [crossed out in by FDR and over the formal name FDR writes in his own hand ‘Leighton']:/ I have before me your letter of March 7th, all of which I read with a great deal of interest./ 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 very soon [‘very soon' is written in FDR's own hand]./ Sincerely yours,/ Franklin D. Roosevelt." James Alexander Reed of Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri. Was born near Mansfield, Richland County, Ohio, November 9, 1861. He was educated as a lawyer and was involved in the Democratic Party, first as Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, 1900, then as United States Senator from Missouri, 1911-1929. He was a rival Democratic candidate for nomination for President in both 1928 and 1932, and FDR deferred to Senator Reed's native candidacy in the 1932 Democratic Primary, the reason for this letter by FDR to his key Missouri supporter in 1932, Leighton Shields. Senator Reed died September 8, 1944. A very interesting and historically significant letter, showcasing the gentleman's approach to the 1932 Democratic nominating process that FDR employed by not challenging a rival by deciding not to "make a fight" against Missouri's former United States Senator in his own state's Presidential primary of that year. This letter also shows the different function and significance of the Presidential primary system in 1932 from later Presidential campaigns. A very nice letter, with several words written in FDR's own hand, and a very bold signature from candidate FDR.