Extraordinary TLS, one page, 8 x 10.25, Navy Department letterhead, April 18, 1898. Roosevelt writes to W. G. Marshall in New York. In full: “I was very much touched and pleased by your letter. Believe me I am more than proud of your kind words, and I hate to act counter to what my friends approve, but I feel I should go to the front if I can in the event of war. It may be that I will not get the chance, but if I do get it I think I should practice what I have preached. When the war comes, then my usefulness in the Department will be largely at an end, for my usefulness has been in preparing the materials, and when the moment of action arrives the important point will be the use made of the materials which have been prepared….” After Spain rebuffed an ultimatum and declared war on the United States on April 23, 1898, Congress passed a measure on April 25 declaring that a state of war had existed retroactive to April 20 (later changed to April 21). Roosevelt resigned his Navy Department post shortly after and organized the First U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, famously dubbed the “Rough Riders” by the press. Expert cleaning and deacidification to letter, mild wrinkling, and a subtle shade of fading to ink (the signature remaining bold and clear), otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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