TLS, one page, 7 x 10, May 13, 1916. Roosevelt writes to Judge Richard Campbell of the Philippines. In full: “That’s an awfully nice letter of yours! I will see Judge Moreland as soon as possible. Now, I wish I could see you and go over this situation. I do not believe that the Republicans have any intention of nominating me. I only hope they will give us some man who will be the antithesis of Wilson. What a trump General Barry is!” The central issue in the 1916 presidential election was the looming prospect of American involvement in the war in Europe. To no one’s surprise, the Democrats nominated incumbent Woodrow Wilson, while the Republicans nominated Charles Evans Hughes, then a sitting associate justice on the Supreme Court. Regrouping after the disastrous result of Roosevelt’s “spoiler” candidacy in 1912, the Progressive Party nominated him once more. Roosevelt, his disdain for Wilson even greater than before, and all too aware of the prospect of another split Republican vote, withdrew his candidacy and threw his support behind Hughes. Wilson prevailed with 49% of the popular vote to Hughes’ 46%. In fine condition, with single horizontal and vertical fold and a few traces of light soiling. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
