TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 7 x 9.25, personal letterhead, December 23, 1913. Nine months after leaving the White House, Taft writes George H. Blackslee, a professor at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. In part: “My lecture on the Monroe Doctrine was published in full in the Independent, and I have pleasure in sending you, under separate cover, a copy of it. The addresses which you sent me were of much assistance to me in the preparation of my paper, and I thank you cordially for your courtesy in this matter. I shall be very glad to receive the next issue of the Journal of Race Development which you say will contain these papers in printed form.” In fine condition, with a horizontal fold and scattered creasing.
Blakeslee, this letter’s recipient, taught history and international relations at the Massachusetts college and was also founder of the Journal of Race Development, the first American journal devoted to international relations. The “lecture on the Monroe Doctrine” that Taft references here was delivered to the Peace Society in New York City on December 11. The following day, the New York Times reporter sent to cover the event detailed not only the speech but also the startling revelation that Taft had lost ‘exactly 69 pounds of flesh since he left the White House.’ Appreciative content from a much thinner former chief executive. 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.
