ALS as president, one page, 4.75 x 8, Executive Mansion letterhead, March 18, 1898. Letter to the Diplomatic and Consular Offices of the United States, in full: "Bishop Walden of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States, is leaving for an extensive visit to foreign countries, and I have peculiar pleasure in commending him to our representatives abroad. He is an old friend and a valued one. I will appreciate any courtesies which you have in your power to extend to him." In fine condition, with a light block of toning from prior display, and some old mounting remnants on the reverse of the integral page. McKinley was a devout lifelong Methodist who became active in his local church at the age of 16. As a congressman and then as governor of Ohio, McKinley worshipped at the Methodist Episcopal Church, where he befriended Bishop John Morgan Walden. Given that Walden was often tasked with inspecting missions around the globe, this uncommon presidential letter of recommendation is likely related to his international travel duties, which included missions in Mexico, South America, Europe, China, and Japan.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
