Description:

THEODORE ROOSEVELT (1858-1919) Twenty-sixth President of the United States who started the Panama Canal, settled the Russo-Japanese War, broke up Standard Oil and encouraged conservation. WITH THREATS OF VIOLENCE, THEODORE ROOSEVELT AND A CONFEDERATE GENERAL "GO TO WAR" Superb content, early A.L.S. on U.S. Civil Service Commission letterhead, 4pp. 8vo., Washington, Dec. 28, 1893 to "Friend William." Roosevelt makes clear in no uncertain terms how pleased he is to hear from his friend and his good fortune. He hopes to soon bring his family "to pass a few weeks on the lake." He then describes his personal battle on the committee with retired Confederate general George Johnston. In part: "...Yes, I did have a savage time of it here with that unreconstructed rebel, old [George] Johnston. He was a real type of the fire-eater; he always was armed with a revolver, and was always bullying and threatening and was talking about his deeds as a General in the [Civil] War, and "˜his people the Southerners' and "˜his party' the Democrats. He was a big fellow...I wished I had your throws[?] I resolved I could walk away if it came to a rough and tumble...After he had carried his bullying to a certain point I brought him up with a round turn, and when he threatened I told him to go right ahead, that I was no brawler, but that I was always ready to defend myself...and that moreover I would guarantee to do it, too. Then he backed off...he was an inveterate hater of Republicans in general, of Northerners, and especially of negroes. However, I finally drove him off the commission and before that happened had reduced him to absolute impotence..." Additionally, Roosevelt has stricken Johnston's name from the list of committee members on the letterhead, adding "Bust!" beside it. Fine condition, matted with a period engraving of Roosevelt as president, the entirety set into gilt wood frame with glass on either side making the letter entire visible. GEORGE DOHERTY JOHNSTON (1832-1910), an Alabamian, had served as a hard-fighting Confederate brigadier general. He saw action at First Bull Run, and was wounded at Ezra Church. He was on crutches during the Franklin-Nashville Campaign and he took command of Brigadier Gen. William Quarles' brigade following the Battle of Franklin. Johnston took part in every battle of the Army of Tennessee from the Battle of Shiloh to the Battle of Bentonville. For his part, Roosevelt, who had been a sickly child, exercised regularly and took up boxing, tennis, hiking, rowing, polo, and horseback riding. A few years hence, he would lead his "Rough Riders" in the famous charge at San Juan Hill.

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November 14, 2018 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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