TLS as president, one page, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, March 13, 1942. Letter to Margaret J. Drexel Biddle. In full: “I think it is horrid that your present to me was stolen from you! Nevertheless, the idea was definitely yours and when you get back your name will go in Volume I, with the added thought ‘Original Patentee.’ I am glad to hear that Sally sees you often and that she is well. You and Tony should know that I think I have saved you from the Governorship of Pennsylvania! The fact is that to-date nobody has agreed on anybody and, as the situation was extremely chaotic, I told them that I much preferred to have you both remain in the most unique diplomatic post–or rather posts–in all history! Thank you ever so much for the stamps.” In fine condition, with uniform faint block of toning over text and signature from previous display. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, delivered “By Pouch” as noted in the lower left corner, and bearing the seldom-seen red wax seal of the President of the United States on the reverse.
The recipient was no stranger to wealth and high society, being the only child of mining magnate William Boyce Thompson. Her husband, Tony Biddle, was a wealthy socialite, US diplomat, and army general. He was serving as US ambassador to Poland when Germany invaded in 1939, and joined the Polish government in exile in France before returning to the United States in 1940. Mrs. Biddle and her husband were in London, where he was serving as US ambassador to the governments-in-exile of Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Yugoslavia, when she received this letter from FDR, who sends word of having “saved you from the Governorship of Pennsylvania” and reassurance that “I much preferred to have you both remain in the most unique diplomatic post–or rather posts–in all history!” Unique correspondence as FDR connects with a representative to many of America’s World War II allies. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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