Herbert Hoover Explains, In Autograph, His Antipathy to Writing Holograph Letters

December 22, 1937

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Herbert Hoover Explains, In Autograph, His Antipathy to Writing Holograph Letters
Autograph Letter Signed
2 pages | SMC 328

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      Background

      Here, at last, the conundrum of how the President who is probably the most common in typed letters but among the rarest in autograph ones,  is solved. "I am not in favor of holograph letters,” Hoover proclaims. “I would not get through 1/10th of 1% of my mail that way - moreover the typewriter spells better and leaves a record by which you can prove what you did not say, and that is part of one's daily occupation.”  
      Autograph Letter Signed, 2 pages, recto and verso, on his personal letterhead, no place, December 22, 1937. To Mr. Lampson. Very rare.
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      Dec 22 1937

      HERBERT HOOVER

      Dear Mr. Lampson

      I am not in favor of holograph letters - I would not get through 1/10th of 1% of my mail that way - moreover the typewriter spells better and leaves a record by which you can prove what you did not say, and that is part of one's daily occupation. 

      But the typewriter is a 

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      Page 2 transcript
      a [sic] poor method of conveying emotion. Therefore, this note is intended to convey more than usual wishes of a happy and prosperous New Year to you and yours.

      With Kind Regards of

      Herbert Hoover