TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” three pages, 8 x 10.5, personal letterhead, August 10, 1920. Letter to Gus J. Karger of The Times–Star, in part: “I am carrying on a difficult discussion and maintaining an attitude which I expect to continue through the campaign. I believe thoroughly that I am right. If there were more doubt of it in my mind than there is I would still feel the necessity of taking the position because I am confident of Harding’s election and I am anxious to prevent a slump from him of League Republicans, whose defection might weaken his obligation to secure a modified League in some form, which the Republican platform and his acceptance speech impose upon him…I have had a visit from Irving Fisher, an intimate friend of mine, with whom I often differ. He had had a personal conversation with Harding for the purpose of finding out what he would do in respect to the League of Nations. He had a similar talk with Cox…Cox thinks he can put me in a hole by pressing me as to my Senatorial preferences. The New York Times telegraphed me his statement on the subject and I answered it, as you may have seen. I have amplified this some in an editorial in the Ledge which I am forwarding today and of which I inclose you a copy. It leaves my vote on the Senatorship in Connecticut on the question whether the Democratic opponent is a Wilson and Cox Bitter Ender as to Article Ten or not…The whole colony here has been saddened by a tragedy in a Cincinnati family…A party of some ten…went some thirty or forty miles into the mountains from here to a fishing and game camp, in which I have a share. Martha after a week’s stay came back and reported that Frances Child was ailing…Sunday afternoon Frances, who was complaining of a severe headache and pain in the back of her head…was seized with convulsions and after a series of such attacks she died about ten o’clock Sunday night…it is a sad satisfaction to know that the violence of the attack precluded any possible saving of her life.” Taft adds a lengthy handwritten postscript to the conclusion, “I have concluded to hold the editorial of which I enclose a copy till I see what Cox says to my telegram to the Times. Mrs. Child expects to have the body cremated in Montreal. I suppose in my editorials I am suiting no body but myself though I hope I am helping some Republicans to save their conscience and vote for Harding.” Includes the aforesaid four-page editorial rough draft, which bears numerous emendations in Taft’s own hand, as well as a letter from the recipient. In very good condition, with scattered staining, edge chipping, and rippling from onetime exposure to moisture. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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