TLS signed “Wm. H. Taft,” one page, 5.5 x 9, War Department letterhead, March 17, 1906. Taft writes to William Butler at the Indianapolis Sun. In part: “Thank you for your kind words. The Supreme Court business has been postponed until December, and the questions connected with it are therefore not to be revived until then. I am sorry if I was remiss in failing to answer one of your letters, but it must have escaped my attention.” While serving as Roosevelt’s Secretary of War and close advisor, Taft repeatedly expressed his wish to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court—a position then occupied by Melville Fuller. When Taft reportedly refused the position of Associate Justice that opened with the retirement of Henry B. Brown in May 1906, Roosevelt instead appointed William H. Moody. Ironically, the position Taft so coveted opened up during his own presidency and would be filled by Edward White. A decade after his presidency, in 1921, Taft was finally appointed as Chief Justice by Warren G. Harding, and served in that capacity until 1930. In very good condition, with scattered toning and soiling and mailing fold touching first letter of signature. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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