[ Autograph ] William H. Taft T.L.S. as President on White House letterhead lp. 8vo., Washington, Aug. 15, 1912 to Capt. John Hood of the battleship U.S.S. Delaware. In part: '...the U.S.S. Delaware has obtained the highest combined final merit in gunnery and engineeringfor the year I take great pleasure, as Commander in Chief of the Navy in announcing this award I wish to commend you for the zealous and efficient performance of duty and for the high state of discipline...' Moderate to heavy soiling, with Taft's bold signature a tad blurred