Lot #164

Theodore Roosevelt

Description

While on Safari in Africa, TR sends an introduction for Commander Peary’s book, The North Pole

ALS, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.5 x 7, March 12, 1910. Letter written while on the White Nile in the Sudan, to Mr. Moker. In full: “In the immense mail that has just come I find your letter. Will you send the enclose(d) brief introduction to Captain Peary, and ask him if he cares for it? I feel so strongly about his great work that I was unwilling not to make the effort to do as he desires; and yet the press of business upon me now is such that I can not devote to it the time it so amply deserves.” Letter is archivally sleeved in acid-free Mylar. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and a uniform shade of mild toning.

Upon returning from his historic trek to the North Pole, Peary began to write about his adventures in what was to become the 1910 book, The North Pole. Peary asked Theodore Roosevelt to pen the introduction for that work—the very introduction that is referenced here and that a century ago accompanied this letter. Roosevelt’s introduction reads, in part: “In the summer of 1908, I, as President of the United States, went aboard Peary’s ship to bid him Godspeed on the eve of what proved to be his final effort to reach the Pole. A year later, when I was camped on the northern foothills of Mt.Kenia, directly under the equator, I received by a native runner the news that he had succeeded, and that thanks to him the discovery of the North Pole was to go on the honor roll of those feats in which we take a peculiar pride because they have been performed by our fellow countrymen.” Well-written praise, despite TR’s concern expressed here of being unable to “devote to it the time it so amply deserves.” Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #358 - Ended June 16, 2010

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