Description:

FDR Regrets That An "international situation" Makes It Impossible To Go On Vacation 1 Week Before WWII Erupts in Europe

A 1p typed letter signed by sitting 32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), as "Franklin D. Roosevelt," August 24, 1939, Washington, D.C., 7" x 9," on White House stationery, to Mr. Duncan G. Harris, New York City. The usual horizontal fold, else very fine.

FDR writes: "It was good to get your note at Halifax last Monday and I sincerely hope you have not had as much fog as we had. I planned to go into Mahone Bay but the fog delay and the international situation made it impossible. I am delighted to see those 'Popular Mechanics' stories, and I am much interested in Gilbert Hadden's expedition. I do hope he succeeds. What a grand crew you had with you. I wish I could have joined up. As ever yours, Franklin D. Roosevelt."

Roosevelt is writing about his last getaway before the beginning of World War II on September 1, 1939, mentioning the fact that the "international situation" made it impossible for the President to continue his vacation into Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia.

FDR's relationship with Harris went back many years to an expedition he undertook in 1909, when he became interested in the treasure and tales of Oak Island, Nova Scotia. Tales of the "Money Pit" had spread all over Canada, including Campobello Island, the summer home of FDR. His group raised $5,000 and Roosevelt, Duncan G. Harris, Frederick Childs, and Albert Gallatin sailed from New York on August 18, 1909. They brought along diving suits (which proved impractical) and oversaw test drilling at 150 feet, finding the same cement-like material. Samples of it submitted to Columbia University were reported to be man-made. FDR's work on the island was brief but his interest continued for many years.

In August 1939, FDR had privately devised a plan to anchor his battleship off Mahone Bay to see the work then being conducted by Erwin T. Hamilton but, as mentioned in the letter, the impending war in Europe prevented him from following through with his plans. Interestingly, Duncan G. Harris was also one of the defendants when the Justice Department filed the antitrust suit against the United States film industry on July 20, 1938, in FDR's second term as President. A terrific and historic personal letter relating to the outbreak of World War II in the days immediately preceding the initiation of the world conflict.

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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