Description:

Edith Bolling Wilson, 2 Great Letters

Two letters signed by former First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson (1872-1961): the first a typed letter signed dated January 3, 1927, and the second an autograph letter signed dated February 1, 1930. Both letters are boldly signed in full as "Edith Bolling Wilson."

The lot is comprised of:

1. A 1p typed letter signed as "Edith Bolling Wilson" above an additional printed signature of "(Mrs. Woodrow Wilson)" at lower right. The letter dated January 3, 1927 is on a single leaf of stationery with Wilson's Washington, D.C. address "2340 S Street NW" embossed on the letterhead. Expected paper folds, with one well-creased horizontal fold discretely reinforced verso. Else near fine. 6.875" x 7.875."

Edith Wilson wrote General Adolphus W. Greely (1844-1935), in part: "You are very generous to make so charming a reference to me in your biography, and I am happy to be known as one of your friends. We shall all look forward to your book when you are ready to publish, for it will be the record of an unusual service to mankind…"

Greely was best-known for leading the Lady Franklin Bay Expedition in northwestern Greenland in 1881. The Arctic explorer had also served as Chief Signal Officer of the U.S. Army. The biography in which Edith Wilson is mentioned is almost certainly Greely's biography, "Reminiscences of Adventure and Service: A Record of Sixty Five Years" (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1927.)

2. A 2p autograph letter signed as "Edith Bolling Wilson" at lower right. The letter dated February 1, 1930 is written on two pages of stationery stock with Wilson's Washington, D.C. address "2340 S Street NW" embossed on the letterhead. (The stationery looks to have been previously bifold, but the pages were separated and are now taped together side-by-side verso.) Expected paper folds and light water stains, else near fine. 8.5" x 6.5." Accompanied by its original transmittal envelope also engrossed by Wilson, neatly letter-opened.

The former First Lady addressed this thank you note to one Isabelle Snell (1865-1938), the widow of Frank Hiram Snell. Wilson wrote in part: "The fan, of the colour [sic] I love, is such an unusual one I will have the greatest pleasure in using it. Sometime you must tell me where it comes from - and how - in your many friends - you so generously thought of the pleasure it will give me…"

Isabelle Snell née Cromwell was a Wellesley College-educated activist and suffragette. In October 1926, Snell had hosted a District of Columbia League of Women Voters reception for Edith Wilson.

Edith Wilson served as First Lady between 1915 and 1921. After her husband, 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) suffered a severe stoke in 1919, Edith Wilson effectively took control of the office of the president. She routinely consulted Wilson on executive decisions, but took such an active part in leadership that she later described this period as a "stewardship."

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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August 25, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
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