TLS signed “Charles A. Lindbergh,” one page, 6.25 x 7, February 18, 1929. Letter to representative Clyde Kelly arguing for extending air mail service to the countries of Central America. In part: “Due to the slowness of the present means of travel and the expense and difficulties of railroad construction, it appears that the airplane affords the most feasible way of bringing modern transportation to isolated communities. The Central American Republics, which I passed through enroute to the Canal Zone, displayed an intense interest in the possibility of rapid communication with the United States and with each other and were anxious to know when the facilities of the air lines would be placed at their disposal for mail and passengers.
I believe that provision should be made for the transportation of mail from these countries back to the United States and for their inclusion in this service at the earliest possible moment.” In fine condition, trimmed in size, with a uniform shade of toning from previous display. Originally offered by Sotheby’s; the letter is accompanied by its original sales folder.
Lindbergh had just completed a survey flight between Miami and Cristobal Canal Zone in Pan Am's Sikorsky S-38A amphibian when he sent this letter to Kelly, a Pennsylvania congressman serving on the Committee on Post Office and Post Roads. Kelly became known as the ‘father of air mail’ for his work in revolutionizing the delivery of mail in the United States. He was also the sponsor of the the Air Mail Act of 1925, legislation that authorized the postmaster to award contracts for airmail service to commercial carriers (and prompted many major corporations to venture into the young aviation field). Lindbergh connection to air mail, of course, dates to his work with the Roberson Aircraft Corporation in Saint Louis, where he provided service between that city and Chicago prior to his famed solo flight to Paris. He later used that fame to further advocate air mail service by giving lectures and carrying souvenir mail on promotional flights. Clearly he rallied like-minded individuals, such as Kelly, to the cause, as evidenced here. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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