Description:

Theodore Roosevelt
Washington, DC, May 15, 1908
Theodore Roosevelt Letter Signed as President: "I believe it is a good thing to carry a shotgun on a trip like that..."
TLS

Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919). Typed Letter Signed, "Theodore Roosevelt," as president, 1p, on bifold White House stationery measuring 7.125" x 8.875", Washington, May 15, 1908. With edits in Roosevelt's hand. Central horizontal mail fold and creases. Light toning and soiling. In near fine condition. This letter was sold for over $2,200 in RR's June 2015 auction and will be accompanied by an RR Auction Certificate.

Roosevelt writes to Henry Sharp of Lincolnshire, England, an expert on guns for game hunting, regarding the manufacture of a custom gun for use on his upcoming trip to Africa - the famed Smithsonian-Roosevelt African expedition of 1909-1910 that Roosevelt would chronicle in "African Game Trails."

In full: "I am really indebted to you for your kindness. In a month or so I think I can answer you definitely, and if I then find I need a gun such as you propose I will gladly take advantage of your kindness to superintend its being made. It seems to me that it is exactly what I would want for my African trip, but I would like to get the advice of such men as my friends Edward North Buxton and Selous before deciding definitely. I believe it is a good thing to carry a shotgun on a trip like that, and it seems to me for lion hunting in the thick brush the proposed gun would be just right."

Edward North Buxton (1840-1924) was a British conservationist and Liberal Party politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1885 to 1886. An avid sportsman, Buxton was an alpine climber and a notable amateur lawn tennis player.

Frederick Courteney Selous (1851-1917) was a British explorer, army officer, professional hunter, and conservationist, famous for his exploits in Southeast Africa.

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: 7.125" x 8.875"
  • Medium: TLS

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