Theodore Roosevelt: a Condolence Letter on the Death of a Friend's Father

Manuscript

Autograph Letter Signed
2 pages | SMC 1250

Quick Reference

Background

“Dr. Edward W. Lambert, one of the oldest and most prominent physicians in New York, died from heart disease at his home… Dr. Lambert became associated with Henry B. Hyde in 1859, who in that year founded the Equitable Life Assurance Society, and was made the society’s first medical director.”

-New York Times, July 19, 1904

To his dear friend and family physician, Dr. Alexander Lambert, whose father had just died, Roosevelt writes a condolence letter,

I have thought of you much in your sorrow. I know that at such a time there is little good in any friend writing; for there is nothing to say which will really be of comfort; but at least you must know how fond we are of you, and how deeply concerned in all that affects you.

Later that summer, Dr. Lambert was a house guest at Sagamore Hill.

Autograph Letter Signed, as president, 2 pages, quarto, on White House letterhead but postmarked Oyster Bay, New York, July 24, 1904. With autograph White House envelope. To Dr. Alexander Lambert in New York City.

Page 1/3

WHITE HOUSE,
WASHINGTON.

July 24th 1904

Dear Aleck,

I have thought of you much in your sorrow. I know that at such a time there is little good in any friend writing; for there is nothing to say which will really be of comfort;

Page 2/3

but at least you must know how fond we are of you, and how deeply concerned in all that affects you.

With love to Mrs. Lambert, believe me

ever faithfully yours

THEODORE ROOSEVELT