The founder of Macy’s department store and Titanic casualty. Straus’ wife, Ida, refused to board a lifeboat, returning to her husband, saying ‘I will not be separated from my husband. As we have lived, so we will die together.’ When both were offered the safety of a lifeboat, he firmly replied, ‘I will not go before the other men.’ Rare TLS, one page, 4.75 x 8, personal letterhead, August 8, 1904. In full: “I am in receipt of your favor inviting me to accompany the Committee on Notification to Esopus on Wednesday next, and in reply beg to say that it will afford me so much pleasure to be one of the party present at the official notification to Judge Parker of his nomination.” In fine condition, with some slight spreading to typed text. Ex. Brian Green Collection. RR Auction COA.
