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168

William H. Taft and Franklin D. Roosevelt

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
William H. Taft and Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Auction Date:2011 Jan 12 @ 16:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
TLS, as president, signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, dated April 30, 1909. Taft writes to Charles Southgate in Boston. In full: “I am very sorry I cannot be with you to celebrate the Centennial of the Massachusetts Bible Society. My early associations in Massachusetts are connected with that Society. My aunt’s husband, Dr. Increase Niles Tarbox, was an officer in the Congregational Society, and was associated with Dr. Butler, known as ‘Bible Butler,’ who, I think, was for a long time connected with your Society. The good which it has done in spreading the reading of the Book, upon the precepts of which the progress of modern Christian civilization has been based, is hardly to be measured. I congratulate the Society upon its prosperous condition in this its centenary, and I wish for it continued usefulness. It is one of the sources of moral uplift of which there are so many in New England, which by their age and long record of successful effort are entitled to our veneration and esteem.”

TLS, as president, signed “Franklin D. Roosevelt,” one page, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, dated July 31, 1939. Roosevelt writes to the Massachusetts Bible Society. In full: “I am glad to reaffirm my faith in the Bible as the ever present revelation of the Divine Will. I am among the unnumbered hosts who know the peace which comes to those who turn to the Bible for help. It remains today what it has been through countless centuries: a fountain of strength, a source of never ending comfort and inspiration.”

Roosevelt’s letter is in fine condition, with a bit of light edge toning. Taft’s letter is very good, with scattered light toning and damp staining, some mild rippling, and some light feathering to signature.

This unique pairing sets aside the notion of ‘separation of church and state’ and outlines the strong religious convictions of both of these presidents. The handling of Roosevelt’s personal, domestic, and world crises in particular reflect a strength rooted in religious beliefs. Historians maintain that no public duty ever interfered with his commitment to the Episcopalian Church. “I am glad to reaffirm my faith in the Bible as the ever present revelation of the Divine Will,” FDR writes here. In what is perhaps a more telling line, written just weeks before the start of World War II in Europe, Roosevelt professes to knowing “the peace which comes to those who turn to the Bible for help.” Taft—a member of the Unitarian Chuch—shows similar faith in congratulating the Massachusetts Bible Society on its centennial and strides made in “the progress of modern Christian civilization.” The ongoing mission of the Massachusetts Bible Society has been the sale and distribution of Bibles throughout New England and, in the early days of its existence, visiting the immigrant population at the Boston docks. Reflective content from two chief executives, each written while in office.
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