This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/30/2016
Gifford Pinchot was head of the Division of Forestry in 1898 and under President Theodore Roosevelt was named Chief Forester of the redefined U.S. Forest Service. He became a close friend and collaborator with Roosevelt and put into practice his guiding principle that forests could produce timber and yet be maintained for the enjoyment of future generations. It is no secret that conservation was of key importance in Teddy's career, as he created the National Park Services, among other great endeavors. In the Senate election of 1914 in Pennsylvania, Pinchot tried his chance (although ultimately failed) at defeating incumbent Senator Boies Penrose. It was during Pinchot's campaign for this election that an aging Theodore Roosevelt handwrote this personal plea in support of Gifford on a 4.25" x 7" mailing card, dated Oct 29th, 1914. The note reads: "Dear Sir: I am writing to ask you personally for your support of Gifford Pinchot against Boies Penrose. Penrose stands in public life for all those forces of evil against which every clean and decent citizen should [unknown] stand. Pinchot is the only man who can beat Penrose. I ask your help for Pinchot and for us other men on the Washington party ticket. They are fighting this year for the same things for which we fought in 1912. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt". A passionate plea from Roosevelt on a topic for which he is extremely highly regarded! The card itself shows a fair amount of handling wear and staining, but the handwritten note and signature stand out boldly and remain perfectly readable. Authenticated & encapsulated by PSA/DNA.