ALS, two pages, 5.75 x 7.75, Sagamore Hill letterhead, October 26, 1917. Roosevelt writes to prominent financier Clarence Hungerford Mackay (1874–1938). In full: “The ducks were the very nicest gifts we could have received; I am very glad we have such a thoughtful sportsman friend! Of course I shall do all I can for Mitchell; the outlook may grow brighter—it can’t grow darker. When are we to see your children over here?” In clean, fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Roosevelt’s hand, bearing two “Buy a Liberty Loan Bond” stampings.
Mackay and Roosevelt were not only fellow hunters but also neighbors, each enjoying life in New York’s Nassau County. Roosevelt was undoubtedly being sincere in his thanks here for the waterfowl, as the hunter also recognized the need to protect wildlife habitats. To that end, he used his presidency to establish the National Wildlife Refuge System, creating more than 150 million acres of habitat dedicated to wildlife, and ironically leading to enhanced duck populations for hunters. The two men shared another historic bond, as Mackay, a telegraph company magnate, was present on Independence Day, 1903, when TR transmitted the first around-the-world message from his home in Sagamore Hill using Mackay’s Commercial Pacific Cable system. Terrific association between two old friends and the wildlife connection they shared. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
