Two items: 1) TLS, one page, 8 x 10.75, law firm letterhead, May 25, 1921. FDR writes to Edwin A. Elsbach in San Francisco. In part: “Thank you for your letter ... and for your offer to assist in the campaign. The Committee discussed very carefully the suggestion which you have made in regard to adding the words ‘world peace’ instead of merely ‘distinguished public service’ and it was decided that while, of course, world peace would remain the great criterion in the award, there are so many other things which President Wilson exemplified that we want it as broad as possible in construction. As a matter of face, it might be difficult to make the award at any given time for lack of some particular individual or organization which had, at that particular time, contributed much toward world peace; and at the same time there might be some person or organization who had greatly contributed to some other branch of public service. Therefore, I think you will agree with me that it is better to leave the wording pretty general, with the understanding that world peace is the basis of it....” Wilson, who had appointed FDR Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1913, completed his White House term a few months earlier, in March 1921. Shortly thereafter, FDR became chairman of a committee for the purpose of establishing a $500,000 award to recognize outstanding achievements in humanitarianism, to be named in honor of Wilson. While the two men respected one another, their relationship was at times strained—due in part, no doubt, for Roosevelt’s role as the running mate of unsuccessful Democratic presidential nominee James Cox in the 1920 election, though Wilson had originally desired to serve a third term. Indeed, Wilson at first refused to meet with Roosevelt regarding the details of the award, though they finally met face to face in June 1921. In his 2003 biography Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom, historian Conrad Black notes that at the meeting, “Wilson remained sufficiently irritated with Roosevelt that he refused him an autograph on a copy of Washington’s farewell address that Roosevelt had published in Wilson’s honor. Wilson claimed, through his secretary, that this was consistent with a rule he had against autographing such things. However, after learning of Roosevelt’s illness, Wilson sent ‘My dear Roosevelt’ a note of ‘heartfelt sympathy’.... During this period, in fact, both FDR and Wilson were confined to their respective wheelchairs. 2) Bank check, made out to Roosevelt for $4.00, 6 x 2.75, January 16, 1922, endorsed by him on the reverse, “Pay to the order of Woodrow Wilson Foundation, Franklin D. Roosevelt.” Light intersecting folds and light toning near top edge of letter, and several folds, punch cancellations (away from signature) and a hint of mild soiling to check, otherwise fine condition. A significant and historic association between these two giants of twentieth-century history! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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