TLS signed “T. Roosevelt,” one page, 6.5 x 7.75, The Outlook letterhead, December 14, 1911. Roosevelt, heading the letter “Private and Confidential,” writes to J. M. Hummel in Sandwich, Illinois. In full: “Believe me, I appreciate your kind and friendly letter and I value more than I can say your good opinion; but I can only say, as I have already said, that I do not want to be nominated for any office.” Within weeks, Roosevelt indeed threw his hat in the ring as a Republican “spoiler” candidate for the 1912 presidential race; failing to win the Republican nomination in the following June, he ran as a Progressive and, in splitting the Republican vote with incumbent Taft, threw the election to Woodrow Wilson. In very good condition, with mild wrinkling and soiling, several creases, light edge toning, and several staple holes to top margin. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
