Single page typed letter signed on letterhead of Metropolitan, 432 Fourth Avenue, New York. 8.5" x 11". Dated "May 15th, 1917", and signed by Theodore Roosevelt as "Affectionately your uncle, Theodore Roosevelt". Presented matted, framed and glazed with a vintage youthful photo of FDR with a slight border flaw. Framed to an overall size of 27" x 16".
A fantastic letter between both Roosevelts. Theodore reached out to Franklin while he was Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy. Written on Metropolitan stationery, from the “Office of Theodore Roosevelt” Teddy writes his nephew Franklin in full:
Dear Franklin:
The bearer, Mr. Henry Reuterdahl, has been doing everything for the United States Navy that is in his power. He is now arriving to do all he can to help in the recruiting. He has been working under Commander K. M. Bennett as a volunteer without pay. He is glad to sacrifice his income and work entirely for the Navy, but he must live and so he cannot do the admirable work he is doing unless he is given a commission, as requested by the officer in charge of the Naval Publicity Bureau in a letter, copy of which I enclose. Reuterdahl’s only desire is to serve the Navy.
Affectionately, Your Uncle (signed) Theodore Roosevelt
Written to Hon. Franklin Roosevelt, Asst. Secretary U. S. Navy,
Washington D.C.
Among the most amazing association presidential letters we have ever handled. Theodore was actually Franklin’s wife’s uncle and a cousin of Franklin’s. We have searched auction records for over the last 100 years since this letter was written and can find no other example that exists! Nor could we find a letter from Franklin to Theodore. Additionally we queried some very knowledgeable dealers who have business for a long time and none of them were able to tell us if they had seen another example. While perhaps there are institutional examples, we think this represents the only opportunity one would have to own this associative letter between two of our most beloved presidents. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).