Description:

T. Roosevelt TLS Re: "duty on board the U.S.S. MAINE" 1 mo. Before U.S.S. Maine Disaster

A typed letter signed by Theodore Roosevelt as Acting Secretary of the Navy related to the U.S.S. Maine. 1p, measuring 7.75" x 10.25", Washington, D.C., dated January 4, 1898. Signed "T. Roosevelt" as Acting Secretary and addressed to Paymaster Charles W. Littlefield. The letter has numerous endorsements and docketing on the front and back from Littlefield and others, as well as several stamps. With flattened mail folds and ink ghosting from where folded. Light toning and soiling throughout. Boldly signed by Roosevelt.

Typed on Naval Department letterhead, Roosevelt instructs Littlefield on how to pass on his duties following his detachment from the U.S.S. Maine. Reading in full: "Upon the reporting of your relief, Paymaster Charles M. Ray, U.S.N., on January 31st, 1898, you will make the required transfers to him, including the public funds in your possession, and amounts on deposit, will regard yourself detached from duty on board the U.S.S. MAINE, will proceed to your home, settle your accounts, and, at the expiration of the period allowed by law for that duty, wait orders."

Paymaster Littlefield's business at home settling accounts may have saved his life as, on February 15, a little over a month after this letter was sent, an explosion occurred on the U.S.S. Maine which killed three-quarters of her crew. The explosion took place in the front of the ship, where most of the Maine's crew were resting in the enlisted quarters, and of the 355 total crew, two officers and 251 enlisted sailors were drowned or died in the blast. Although many believed it to be an accident, yellow journalism circulated that Spain was responsible for the explosion. The phrase "Remember the Maine" became a rallying cry and served as a catalyst that would contribute to the start of the Spanish-American War. Assistant Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt would later write a letter of protest against these rumors, particularly those spread by Captain Philip Alger, saying, "Mr. Alger cannot possibly know anything about the accident. All the best men in the Department agree that, whether probable or not, it certainly is possible that the ship was blown up by a mine."

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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