Description:

Calvin Coolidge
Washington, DC, December 15, 1927
Calvin Coolidge ALS as President: "autograph letter of Roger Williams...is a rare historical document"
ALS

Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933). Autograph Letter Signed, "Calvin Coolidge," as president, 1p, on bifold White House stationery, 7" x 8.875", Washington, December 15, 1927. Inner pages and verso blank. Central horizontal mailing fold. Lightly toned. Minor scattered spotting. Tape remnants and light pencil notations at verso. Else, in fine condition, and with a large signature by Coolidge which measures 3.5" in length!

30th U.S. President Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929) writes to Frederick Peck with congratulations on his obtaining a rare historical document.

In full:

"My dear Mr. Peck:

Accept my most hearty congratulations in securing for the Anderson Galleries an autograph letter of Roger Williams. It is a rare historical document that will increase in interest with time.

Yours,
Calvin Coolidge."

The rare autograph that Coolidge speaks of in his letter is surely that of the founder of the colony of Rhode Island, the Reverend Roger Williams (c. 1603-1683). Williams was born in London and educated at Cambridge University before emigrating to New England in 1631. He established the settlement of Providence on Narragansett Bay in June 1636 as a refuge for people persecuted for their religious beliefs, on a gift of land from the Narragansett Indians. A pioneer of religious liberty, Williams is best known for advocating separation of church and state in Colonial America.

Frederick Stanhope Peck (1868-1947) was an American businessman and prominent figure within Republican politics in the state of Rhode Island. Throughout his political tenure, Peck would serve as a Republican National Committeeman, a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives, and the State Commissioner of Finance. Peck was also a prominent figure in the realm of American autograph collecting. His personal collection featured one of the most comprehensive assemblies of autographs from the signers of the Declaration of Independence; he also amassed an extensive presidential collection, and historical artwork and artifacts.

Though not an avid autograph collector himself, President Coolidge was often the target of requests for his own. He would fulfill the requests with a simple, polite note, in keeping with his reputation as "a man of few words." Coolidge continued to receive requests for his autograph throughout his post-presidency, particularly on photographs.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7" x 8.875"
  • Medium: ALS

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