Description:

Calvin Coolidge
Washington, DC, August 18, 1923
Calvin Coolidge TLS to Confederate Veteran, 2 Weeks Into Presidency
TLS

A typed letter signed by Calvin Coolidge just two weeks after becoming President following the unexpected death of Warren G. Harding. Washington, D.C., dated August 18, 1923. On White House letterhead, signed "Calvin Coolidge" and addressed to Judge John T. Goolrick. Coolidge thanks Judge Goolrick for his hospitality during a visit to Fredericksburg and sends his good wishes. 1p, measuring 6.25" x 8" (sight), the letter has been matted and framed with a black and white photograph of Coolidge to the overall size of 18.5" x 14.25". With a flattened mail fold at the center. Toned throughout with scattered staining and soiling. Large signature by Coolidge.

In full:

"I shall always remember with the greatest pleasure your kindness to me on the occasion of my visit to Fredericksburg, and I want to thank you sincerely for the message which you send. Mrs. Coolidge joins me in expressing our appreciation, and extending to you our good wishes."

On August 2, 1923, President Warren G. Harding died unexpectedly from a heart attack in San Francisco while on a speaking tour. Vice President Coolidge was in Vermont visiting his family home and received word by messenger of Harding's death. His father, a notary public and justice of the peace, administered the oath of office in the family's parlor by the light of a kerosene lamp at 2:47 a.m. on August 3, 1923. The following day, Coolidge was sworn in again by Justice Adolph A. Hoehling Jr. of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia.

John T. Goolrick (1843-1925) was a veteran of the Civil War who served in Pollock's Company, Fredericksburg Light Artillery, M. Johnson's Battalion, 2nd Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, C.S.A. President Coolidge would play an important role in Central Virginia battlefield preservation, and signed a bill in February 1927, which created Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania National Military Park.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: Letter: 6 1/4 x 8 in. (15.9 x 20.3 cm.), Frame: 18 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (46.4 x 36.2 cm.)
  • Artist Name: Calvin Coolidge
  • Medium: TLS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

July 16, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000