TLS as president, one page, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, February 29, 1936. Letter to Albert A. Plato, the Chancellor Commander of the Knights of Pythias. In full: “I want to assure you of my sincere appreciation of your kind message of February nineteenth. As one of the newer members of the Knights of Pythias I am grateful for the cordiality of your greeting as well as the spirit of brotherhood which prompted you to send it.” Scattered toning and soiling, light mirroring of letterhead along bottom edge, and a couple fingerprints under signature, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, with several pencil notations and cross-outs.
Roosevelt joined the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization dedicated to the cause of universal peace, in 1936, with his initiation taking place in the White House. At the time, he stated, ‘I am more deeply impressed with the beautiful lessons and the high and lofty ideals of the Pythian Order than any [organization] to which I belong.’ With the nation...and the world...approaching war, Roosevelt endorsed the Pythian pledge to promote ‘a spirit of goodwill, in an honest effort of understanding, can live together on this earth in peace and harmony.’ The philosophy of ‘Peace Through Understanding,’ on December 7, 1941, would switch to peace through warfare. This letter serves as a unique reminder of the president’s appreciation of the organization’s “spirit of brotherhood” and provides insight into the hesitancy of FDR to involve America in World War II. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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