Lot #40

Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed

Description

"Since the sinking of the 'Titanic' some 250 life saving devices, boats, life-saving suits, preservers, etc., have been submitted, none of which have been found to have sufficient merit"

TLS as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, signed “F. D. Roosevelt,” two pages, 8 x 10.5, Secretary of the Navy letterhead, October 29, 1914. Letter to Annabel Crinnion, in part: "The Department notes that you have been granted a patent for life-saving suits for war ships, and your inquiry as to whether the Navy Department would be interested in receiving further information in regard to your new patent. The Bureau of Construction and Repair, of the Navy Department, has charge of life-saving equipment of this nature, and this Bureau will be pleased to give consideration to a copy of your patent, together with descriptive matter of your life-saving suit, and any other data which you may care to submit. In this connection, however, the Department advises you that since the sinking of the 'Titanic' some 250 life saving devices, boats, life-saving suits, preservers, etc., have been submitted, none of which have been found to have sufficient merit to warrant their adoption in lieu of the present practice. The Department, therefore, regrets that it cannot hold out to you any hope that your device will be adopted for the naval service. The device to which you refer appears to be in the nature of a life preserver and in this connection you are advised that vessels of the Navy are at present furnished, in addition to the boat outfit, with cork ring life-buoys, 18″ and 30″, for rescue work, and also with either Kapok or cork life preservers." In fine condition. Great content associated with the Titanic disaster and American ingenuity.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts
• Dates: #616 - Ended September 15, 2021

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