Lot 689
Roosevelt, Theodore. Typed letter signed as President, marked "Confidential", on pale green White House letterhead, 3 pp, 9" x 7", Oyster Bay, New York, September 11, 1907. To Benjamin Wheeler, President of UC Berkeley. Having announced his decision not to seek another term, Roosevelt plans to make a political appointment which would not be popular with William H. Taft's supporters. In part, "…I have decided to appoint Mr. Merrill to the post office, but the appointment may of necessity only be temporary…If Congressman Knowland, who objected to him, had proposed some unobjectionable third party, I should have appointed him; but he did not…I want it understood that it may not be possible for me to send in [Merrill's] name for the permanent appointment to the Senate…You have no conception how difficult it is for me from this distance…Thomas [the Taft-backed nominee] apparently had as fine a set of recommendations as any man could have." Roosevelt adds an Autograph Note below his signature on the second page, "Do let your community speak out emphatically!" The President then adds an afterthought. In part, "…I do not want to feel that I have jeopardized the selection of Taft delegates without ample reason. The Taft people have been very urgent that I should appoint Thomas. As I need not say, it is very unwise to let this fight in any way or shape rest upon factional preference…Surely there should be enough Republicans of influence to make Knowland and the others appreciate their position, unless they are unwise enough to make him think that they are simply engaged in a factional effort to discredit him and that the appointment of postmaster is purely to influence the primaries…" Light toning else fine.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
|
| |
| Realized $1,661 |
