TLS signed “J. H. Doolittle,” one page, 7.5 x 10.5, George Washington Bicentennial Airplane Flight letterhead, no date. Letter addressed to Major E. A. Cyrne in Dumont, New Jersey. In part: “One hundred and fifty-seven years ago this week, the Continental Congress inaugurated the postal service…that later became the Post Office Department of the United States. Benjamin Franklin became the first director. Mail, at that time, was carried by post riders and stage coaches…In this Bicentennial Year of George Washington’s birth it therefore seems appropriate that a demonstration be made of the advance of transportation facilities since those early days. I am making a flight over as many of the routes traveled by George Washington as is possible in a single day from dawn to dusk…So that you will have a record of this flight, I am dropping several of these letters as I pass over certain cities.” Signed at the bottom in black ink by Doolittle, and also signed again near the top, “J. H. Doolittle, July 25, 1932,” the date of his commemorative flight. Another notation in another hand along bottom reads, “Accompanied by great grand niece of George Washington.” Accompanied by a July 24, 1975, newspaper article referencing this particular letter as being bought by Morris Login, who at the direction of Charles Hamilton, “to send it on to General Doolittle requesting to sign and date the letter once again. General Doolittle was pleased to see the letter and filled Mr. Login’s request immediately.” Also accompanied by a 1975 TLS to Login from Doolittle’s secretary, sending regrets that the General is out of town and unable to get a message to Login in time for the 200th Postal Service anniversary, as well as the original mailing envelope. Uniform light toning, with a couple of heavier spots, and aforementioned notation along bottom and top, otherwise fine condition. An interesting and desirable letter on its own, enhanced by its provenance and relationship to autograph authority Charles Hamilton. RRAuction COA.
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