Description:

Harry Truman
Washington, DC, January 25, 1938
Harry Truman Fantastic Signed Letter Re: Anti-Lynching Bill in 1938
TLS

Harry S. Truman (1884-1972). Typed Letter Signed, "Harry," 1p, on United States Senate letterhead, 8" x 10.5", Washington, January 25, 1938. Handstamp of receipt at verso. Impression from being previously stapled at top left. File punch holes at upper margin. Expected mailing folds. Minor toning. Else, in fine condition.

This exact letter sold at Bonhams' December 9, 2015 auction for $1,125.

Truman writes to close personal friend, John Wesley Snyder (1895-1985), at the Reconstruction Finance Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. Truman and Snyder served together in the U.S. Army Reserves during World War I. Snyder later served President Truman as Federal Loan Administrator (1945), Director of the Office of Mobilization and Reconversion (1945-1946), and Secretary of the Treasury (1946-1953).

In full: "I am also looking forward to the visit on February First, but this legislative tangle has me worried to some extent. I cannot under any circumstances leave here if there is a possibility of a vote on the Anti-Lynching Bill because every negro organization in the State has an agreement with me to vote for it and I will almost have to deliver under the circumstances. I am sincerely hoping that we get it out of the way before the weekend. I will call you Saturday and let you know just what the situation is."

Truman actively supported anti-lynching legislation, recognizing the need for federal intervention to address the pervasive problem of lynchings in the South. Despite the legislation passing in the House, on February 22, 1938, the Senate ended a six-week filibuster on the Wagner-Van Nuys Anti-Lynching Bill, voting 58 to 22 to lay the bill aside. Even after becoming President, Truman continued to advocate for civil rights, including anti-lynching legislation.

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: 8" x 10.5"
  • Medium: TLS

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