Showcasing the resounding popularity that continued through arguably the most successful presidency in our nation’s fascinating annals, this letter is a response by presidential candidate Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882–1945) to a vote of confidence he received from American poet/diplomat Robert Underwood Johnson. Only relevant and exceptional content comprises this significant find! In it, the reader discovers, not only Roosevelt’s acknowledgment of Johnson’s predicted campaign victory, but also a comment by FDR on the hugely controversial mayor of New York, Jimmy Walker. Dated September 6, 1932, in full, the note reads: “I am exceedingly sorry to learn of your illness and appreciate very much receiving your kind letter of congratulation and approval of my speech of acceptance. I know that with the confidence and earnest support of yourself and other such loyal citizens that your prediction regarding the result in November will come true. You are undoubtedly following the newspapers which give the report of the hearing which I held in the Mayor Walker Case and you may be assured that the handling of the procedure was based on my best judgment regardless of political consequences. My mother and Mrs. Roosevelt join me in extending to you our best wishes.—Yours very sincerely—(signed) Franklin Roosevelt.” The future president’s black fountain pen signature displays nicely against the tan-colored page (“Executive Mansion—Albany New York” letterhead), and the 8.5 x 11 relic exhibits fine condition (some areas of paper loss and mild toning). Consequently, just five days prior to having composed this note, FDR’s efforts in alleviating New York City of the corruption in the Jimmy Walker administration proved successful. Walker resigned on September 1, 1932. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
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