TLS, one page, 6 X 9.25, White House stationery, April 4, 1941. Roosevelt writes to Caroline Derby. In full, “Thank you so much for your letter. I have given it to the President to read as I know he will be interested in your reaction to present conditions and will be grateful for the kind things you say.” Affixed to a larger piece of cardstock and in fine condition, with a bit of scattered soiling. On back of the card is affixed a partially printed thank you card on mourning stationery from Buckingham Palace, completed in manuscript, which reads, “The Private Secretary to Queen Mary is commanded to thank Miss Caroline Derby for her letter of sympathy with Her Majesty in her great sorrow” and is accompanied by a printed poem about the late king written by Miss Derby. Caroline Derby was a member of the illustrious Derby family of Salem, Massachusetts, although she lived in England for a time. Nathaniel Hawthorne, in the Custom House chapter of the Scarlet Letter, refers to E. H. Derby, a relative and Salem shipping magnate as "King Derby"; he is believed to be America’s first millionaire. RRAuction COA.
