TLS as president, one page, 6.75 x 8.5, White House letterhead, November 13, 1948. Letter to his friend and former comrade Fred J. Bowman, president of the Wilson Brothers Sporting Goods Company, in full: “Now that things have settled down somewhat, I want to let you know how deeply I appreciate your assistance during the campaign. I can’t tell you how much it means to me to know that all my old friends kept faith with me during these past months. It made the fight a lot easier to make and I shall never forget it. I hope it won’t be too long before I can personally express my thanks to you.” Truman strikes through the recipient’s surname in the valediction and writes “Fritz” in his own hand. Handsomely double-matted and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 20.75 x 16.25. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Bowman served as a sergeant in Battery D of the 129th Field Artillery Regiment, which was commanded by Captain Harry S. Truman in World War I between 1918-19.
This very gracious letter from President Truman dates to 11 days after he was successfully reelected to office in one of the greatest election upsets in American history. Facing low approval ratings and a three-way split in the Democratic Party, Truman was widely considered to be the underdog in the race with virtually every prediction indicating that Dewey would emerge victorious. In spite of the Chicago Daily Tribune's famed banner headline blunder of ‘Dewey Defeats Truman,’ the incumbent won the election with 303 electoral votes to Dewey's 189, a surprise victory that marked the fifth consecutive presidential win for the Democratic Party.
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