Roosevelt, Theodore, 26th President of the USA (1858-1919). Typed letter signed ("T. R.").

€ 800.00

To his close friend, the soldier, journalist and later governor of Massachusetts, Curtis Guild Jr. (1860-1915), acknowledging receipt of a letter and affirming that he cannot promise to visit the Republican Club of Massachusetts anytime soon: "I am in receipt of your letter of the 25th instant in reference to visiting The Republican Club of Massachusetts. Do not ask me to make any promise now. I shall have to go over the whole ground throughout the country before venturing to make a single engagement".

Roosevelt had just been sworn in as 26th President of the USA on 14 September 1901, the day William McKinley died of gangrene following the attempt on his life on 6 September. Roosevelt's statement that he needs "to go over the whole ground throughout the country" before agreeing to an engagement with his friend was undoubtedly due to his unexpected accession to the presidency.

On stationery with embossed letterhead "Executive Mansion, Washington" and mourning border.