Scarce ALS as president, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, [May 31, 1937]. Letter to Secretary of the Interior Harold Ickes, who was recovering from a heart attack. In part: “I am too sorry to hear of the illness. But the Doctors all say it is just a question of absolute quiet for several weeks—& that there will be no permanent ill effects—I’m very glad you are going to Naval Hospital—& I will come to see you on Wednesday on my return—Be a good boy & do what they tell you and don’t worry.” In fine condition, with staple holes to top margin of second page. Though this letter is undated, the personal diaries of Harold L. Ickes, published posthumously, date this letter as May 31, 1937.
Upon entering the White House in 1932, Roosevelt appointed Ickes secretary of the interior—the lone Republican in his Democratic cabinet. He was responsible for implementing the administration’s many New Deal policies and emerged from political obscurity to become a national figure. Handwritten letters by FDR as president are exceedingly rare, and as a get-well message to one of his most trusted domestic advisors, this example is of the utmost desirability.
Ex. R. M. Smythe, March 21, 1996; lot 134. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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