Franklin D. Roosevelt Thanks His Secretary of War for a "Delightful Old Book of Abraham Lincoln's Debates"

January 10, 1939

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Franklin D. Roosevelt Thanks His Secretary of War for a "Delightful Old Book of Abraham Lincoln's Debates"
Typed Letter Signed
1 page | SMC 1370

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      Background

      In the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is a copy of the Political Debates Between Hon. Abraham Lincoln and Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, in the Celebrated Campaign of 1858, in Illinois; Including the Preceding Speeches of Each, at Chicago, Springfield, Etc; Also, the Two Great Speeches of Mr. Lincoln in Ohio, in 1859, as Carefully Prepared by the Reporters of Each Party, and Published at the Times of Their Delivery, Follett, Foster and Company, Columbus, 1860. It seems possible that it is this volume that President Roosevelt thanks friend Woodring for here.  “Many thanks to you for that delightful old book of Abraham Lincoln's debates,” Roosevelt has written. “It is a joy to have.”

      Roosevelt, who began collecting books as a boy, amassed a personal collection of some 15,000 volumes.
      Typed Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, quarto, The White House, Washington, January 10, 1939. To Secretary of War Harry C. Woodring, With transmittal envelope.
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      THE WHITE HOUSE
      WASHINGTON

      January 10, 1939

      Dear Harry:

      Many thanks to you for that delightful old book of Abraham Lincoln's debates.  It is a joy to have. 

      My best wishes to you and Helen for the New Year.

      As ever,

      FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT 


      The Honorable
      The Secretary of War
      Washington, D. C.

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      Page 2 transcript
      THE WHITE HOUSE


      The Honorable

      The Secretary of War

      Washington, D. C.