President Warren G. Harding: Possibly the Last Letter He Wrote from the White House

June 20, 1923

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President Warren G. Harding: Possibly the Last Letter He Wrote from the White House
Typed Letter Signed
1 page | SMC 1327

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      Background

      Considering Harding’s past, this letter is appropriately parochial and, considering his future, strangely prophetic: concerning, apparently, a proposed memorial to be erected near the local cemetery.

      It is also, in all probability, the last letter Warren Harding wrote from the White House. He would die, on the road, six weeks later, and be buried in Marion, Ohio, at the local cemetery - the Harding Memorial being exactly where the Memorial, under discussion here, is located.
      Typed Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, quarto, The White House, Washington, June 20, 1923. To George H. Van Fleet in Marion, Ohio. With White House transmittal envelope.
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      Page 1 transcript
      THE WHITE HOUSE
      WASHINGTON

      June 20, 1923.

      My dear Van Fleet:

      Replying to your note of June 19th, I hasten to say that there is nothing to release concerning the memorial proposed to be erected South of Marion Cemetery.  Very little information has come to me on this subject, and it is all very much of a mystery.  I have never ventured to give any sort of sanction or approval.  I have no occasion to oppose it; I do not see my way clear to approve it.  I have feared there is a possible commercial enterprise inspiring it.  All this is very confidential to you.

      Very truly yours,

      WARREN G HARDING


      Mr. George H. Van Fleet,
      c/o The Star,
      Marion, Ohio.

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      Page 2 transcript
      THE WHITE HOUSE

      WASHINGTON.D.C. 7
      JUNE 20
      430PM
      1923

      REGISTER
      OR
      INSURE
      VALUABLE MAIL


      Mr. George H. Van Fleet,
      c/o The Star,
      Marion, Ohio.


      (PERSONAL)