American military officer (born 1865) who served as an influential aide to presidents Roosevelt and Taft before perishing during the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. ALS signed “A. W. B.,” on the image side of a 5.5 x 3.5 picture postcard of Gibraltar, postmarked March 11, 1912. Butt writes to Irwin “Ike” Hoover (1871–1933), Chief Usher at the White House from 1909 until his death. In part: “Love and many messages from the old rock which reminds me of the firm friendship of my friend Hoover. Best wishes….” The Titanic disaster occurred just over a month later, on the night of April 14–15. At the time of writing, Butt was near the end of a six-month vacation in Europe taken at the behest of President Taft. On April 10, he boarded the Titanic at Southampton for the return trip to the United States. Tiny edge tear and a hint of mild soiling to address panel, otherwise fine, crisp condition. R&R COA.
