Early TLS, one page, 7 x 25, Assistant Secretary of the Navy letterhead, November 7, 1913. Letter to Charles S. Miller of New York’s Department of Education. In part: “I do not think you need much assurance from me as to my interest in seeing that the right kind of Democrats are appointed to Federal offices, nor do I need to tell you that I am doing all I can to bring about such a desired result. I will be pleased if you will write me at any time about Democrats in your immediate vicinity, letting me know your views as to the various candidates.” In a handwritten addendum, Roosevelt adds, “This would be a great help.” In fine condition, with light soiling and filing holes to the top. A fine example of FDR exercising his political might early on in his career—he had just entered politics in 1910 with an unexpected win in the election for a seat in the New York State Senate. Democratic politics in New York were still dominated by the bossism of Tammany Hall, and Roosevelt became the leader of the party’s ‘insurgent’ faction fighting against the deep-rooted machine. His assurance of supporting “the right kind of Democrats” almost certainly refers to this intraparty battle between the old, corrupt Tammany Democrats ingrained in New York politics and the emerging new liberals that Roosevelt represented. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction 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.
