TLS signed “Harry S,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, March 17, 1953. Letter to Robert L. Stuhr at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, considering hypothetical conversations with past presidents. In part: "I doubt very much if any of those gentlemen could discuss the modern situation of the United States and its relationship to the rest of the world in a lucid manner. They would have to go over the history of the period from the time they left office to the present date but I am sure that all of those you name would be able to do it in a very short time and be up to date and modern in thought, word and deed. Personally, I think the best way to converse with these dead gentlemen would be to read the history of their Administrations, the state papers and the policies which they stood for and the policies which some of them inaugurated and then try to apply the principles for which they worked and on which they stood, to present world conditions. It is a great mental exercise and a pastime well worth-while.
Washington's Farewell Address, which is so often quoted by the Isolationists, is completely out of date. Jefferson's principles, however, are still as much alive as they were in his day and will be as long as humanity lasts. I think you will find that is also true of Andrew Jackson's fight to keep national control in the hands of the people.
Lincoln, of course, spent his time saving the Union and it certainly is a wonderful thing for the world that he did just that. With the United States of ours divided into three or four independent republics we would be of no more force in the world than some of the other smaller nations. As it is, we are the most powerful free nation in the world and we should accept that responsibility and live up to it. I am of the opinion that we will do that in the long run." He adds a handwritten clarifying comment at the conclusion: "Washington's Address is out of date only as to foreign policy. Jackson kept national financial control in the capital!" In very good to fine condition, with creasing and a short tear to the top edge.
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