Description:

Woodrow Wilson
[York, England], July 3, 1896
Woodrow Wilson PSA 3rd Person Signed Envelope Sent During British Isles Bicycle Trip Following 1st Stroke
3rd person signed envelope

An envelope signed in the third person by future 28th U.S. President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924), then a Princeton academic, when writing out the name of his first wife, Ellen Axson Wilson, as "Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, / Princeton, / New Jersey / U.S.A." at center. Postmarked July 3, 1896 in York, England, with instructions to be sent "Via Queenstown" in Ireland. Bearing a cancelled 2 1/2d violet-blue Queen Victoria stamp in the postage section. Also postmarked in New York, New York, and Princeton, New Jersey, verso. Encapsulated and PSA/DNA certified authentic. Expected wear and weathering, else very good to near fine. The envelope measures 4.75" x 3.75" and the slab measures 10.125" x 6.75."

Woodrow Wilson sent this envelope to his first wife Ellen Axson Wilson (1860-1914) at Princeton, New Jersey. Wilson had graduated from Princeton University in 1879, and returned to his alma mater between 1890-1902 to teach political science and history. In early 1896, Woodrow Wilson suffered his first stroke at age 39, which resulted in numbness, pain, and loss of use of his right hand and arm. His physician, as well as his wife Ellen, advised Wilson to take a bicycle trip throughout the British Isles to aid in his recovery. Wilson spent part of his summer vacation cycling throughout Scotland and England; he sent this envelope to Ellen from York, from whence he departed by bicycle 200 miles to London! Wilson regained the use of his right hand four months after his stroke. Sadly, this was to be the first of many strokes he would suffer throughout his life.

In July 1896, while Wilson was abroad, his article entitled "General Washington" was published in Vol. 93, Issue 554 of "Harper's New Monthly Magazine." The lengthy article covered Washington's military career commanding the Continental Army, and was accompanied by Howard Pyle Illustrations. This was part of a 6-part series of essays on Washington that Wilson did for "Harper's" in 1896, probably to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

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: slabbed: 10.125" x 6.75"
  • Medium: 3rd person signed envelope

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