TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 7 x 9, personal letterhead, December 13, 1914. Taft, then between his term as President and Chief Justice, writes to W. Robert Blum. In part: “If an American citizen takes part in an army of one of the belligerents of the present war, he of course loses all his immunity as an American citizen during the war, and must be treated as a belligerent. He would be subject to imprisonment and treated as a spy if he should come under the laws of war with reference to spies. There is nothing, however, in the statues of the United States that prevents his continuing to enjoy citizenship in the United States on his return.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In very good condition, with mailing fold, light toning, and rippling. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
