Two TLSs. The first letter is two pages, 6 x 9.25, dated December 7, 1942. Roosevelt responds to Harry Morse’s questions about the English people. Roosevelt writes, in part: “I think the class system in Great Britain will never again be the same. The top three percent liked its way of living and would like to return to it…but I do not think there is the slightest chance they can. They may retain, and probably will, their leadership in thought because people are accustomed to following some of them, but the upheaval that has taken place in Great Britain goes very deep. Slums have been removed and the slum dwellers have lived among their country cousins…I did not intend to praise the British standard of living because in many ways it is below our own and you are quite right that in some matters of education they are behind us, but in certain other things—social matters, for instance, they are not behind but ahead and there is no necessity of being ashamed on either side.”
After receiving her letter, Morse asked Roosevelt if he could include her comments in an upcoming publication, to which she responds with a second one-page TLS, dated December 17, 1942. She writes: “In my letter to you I was very frank as to what I feel about Great Britain. I am afraid as the wife of the President it would not be wise to have that letter published as an official pronouncement. Therefore, I feel you had better not publish it.” In fine condition, with first letter stapled together at top left. Accompanied by unsigned carbons of Morse’s correspondence to Roosevelt. Very frank comments from the first lady about their most important World War II ally. RR Auction COA.
