TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, April 28, 1915. Letter to Judge William Henry Hunt urging him to run for Senate. In part: “They are talking in Montana of a compromise between the Republicans and the Progressives, by which the regular Republicans are to get the Governorship, and Joe Dixon is to be returned to the Senate. I think this is a fatal mistake. We need the Senate badly, so that the next Republican Administration can remedy some mistakes of the present Democratic Administration, and to pin our faith on Joe Dixon, when the majority, if we win it, will only be one or two, is as foolish as any proposition I know. It has occurred to Hillies to ask whether you would be a candidate for the Senate in Montana. You have had some precedents to justify such a course…and your standing is so good in Montana that it is confidently asserted that your candidacy would clear things up.” Taft also pens “personal” at the top of the page. Hunt was a state and federal judge and a territorial governor of Puerto Rico. On December 12, 1910, Hunt was nominated by President William Howard Taft to the newly created United States Commerce Court. Hunt was confirmed on January 31, 1911. The Commerce Court was abolished three years later, on December 13, 1913. In fine condition, with several intersecting folds, (a couple of which pass through signature). Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
