Three letters by Eleanor Roosevelt to financier and statesman Bernard Baruch, who served as a close advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on the role of industry in war supply. Includes two TLSs on White House letterhead, and an ALS in a Kyoto Municipal Office card, all one page. Excerpts from the letters:
January 29, 1936: "I had a most interesting trip to Arthurdale on Monday, and there is a report to be written by an industrial engineer on the whole occupation situation down there. I think we are getting down to facing facts. I hope so. I would like to tell you about it the first chance we get…They hope to get the factory started by March 1st."
June 18, 1937: "I am enclosing some material about a man who came to see me yesterday. I am sending the samples of his product to you under separate cover. Mr. Wilson, our minister here, says he used this product all last winter and for the first time in his life, was entirely free from colds and that he had gained weight which is a very unusual thing for him. This man, Luigi Ascenzi, is an American citizen, and as you will see has had his product tests. He wants $1500 to tide him over. A man in the village of Hyde Park has given him space in which to work. He hopes to sell to one of the big drug companies in order to make a contract even though he does not make a great deal of money…Do you think I should take a chance and lend him the $1500, or as you insist on being my partner, would you be willing to raise $750? If this product does all he claims, it should be a boon to mankind, but of course, I have no way of deciding whether it is good or not."
June 1, 1953: "This is an unforgettable experience & most interesting. I am being given a wonderful opportunity to know what the Japanese people are thinking & feeling. It will be fun to tell you about it when I get home." In overall fine condition.
