TLS as president, signed “FDR,” one page, 7 x 8.75, White House letterhead, December 23, 1940. Letter to Rip Patterson in New Jersey, written from the perspective of Fala, FDR's Scottish terrier. In full: "My master was delighted when I read your note to him. He laughed and his joy was great, particularly when you mentioned certain newspaper and editorial pages, and suggested a way for me to use them. I hope you hear him on the radio tomorrow evening. He has promised me that he will put forth his best efforts to make this 'Christmas a happier occasion.' With much too much of this world trying to destroy itself, it is difficult to say Merry Christmas, but let us hope our future Christmases will be merrier and happier." In very good condition, with overall foxing affecting only appearance. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
One of the most famous presidential pets, Fala was given to FDR by his distant cousin, Margaret 'Daisy' Suckley, as an early Christmas gift in 1940. Fala moved into the White House on November 10, 1940, and became Roosevelt's constant companion—traveling with him on everything from routine visits to Hyde Park to historic international meetings like the Atlantic Charter Conference. The media enjoyed covering the dog and his White House antics, and the presidential pet became the subject of nationwide popularity—as evidenced in this letter, Fala even received 'fan mail' from other dogs around the country.
The letter closes on a more somber note, with the observation that the world is "trying to destroy itself"—referring to the conflict in Europe, one year before America's entry into World War II. It also alludes to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous radio addresses—his 'Fireside Chats'—in which he communicated self-assurance during times of despair and uncertainty. December 29, 1940, marked the occasion of one of his more significant radio addresses, in which argued that the best way to stay out of the war and preserve national security was to aid the Allied forces, establishing the United States as the 'arsenal of democracy.'
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