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Partly-printed DS as president, signed “T. Roosevelt,” one page, 10.5 x 16, October 30, 1906. Extradition order presented to Thomas J. Burns. In part; “Whereas, it appears by information in due form received, that John Sullivan, charged with the crime of manslaughter is a fugitive from the justice of the United States, supposed to have taken refuge in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, And whereas, application has been made to the British authorities for the extradition of said fugitive…the necessary warrant is ready to be issued by the authorities of the aforesaid for the delivery of the above named fugitive into the custody of such person or persons as may be duly authorized to receive the said fugitive and bring him back to the United States for trial. Now, therefore, you are hereby authorized and empowered…to receive the said John Sullivan as aforesaid and to take and hold him in your custody and conduct him from such place of delivery in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland by the most direct and convenient means of transportation, to and into the United States there to surrender the said John Sullivan to the proper authorities of the State of Maryland.” Signed at the conclusion by Roosevelt and the acting secretary of state. In very good condition, with a couple slight separations along intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, adhesive remnants to bottom of reverse, some scattered light toning and soiling. The white wafer seal is toned, but intact. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope.
Accompanied by its complementary document signed by Herbert Gladstone, dated November 30, 1906, transferring custody of Sullivan from the prison at Brixton to “Detective Thomas James Burns of the Baltimore Police and Sergeant Albert James of the Metropolitan Police”; Burns’s 1901 Baltimore Board of Police Commissioners appointing him a detective on the force, and a carbon of a 1925 letter from the Baltimore Police Commissioner stating that Burns “having been reported by them as permanently incapacitated…be retired on one-half (1/2) pay.”
Roosevelt negotiated more than 30 extradition treaties and other international agreements during his presidency, including one with Great Britain. The criminal referred to in this extradition document is unknown. Roosevelt took a special interest in law enforcement, having served as the president of the Board of Police Commissioners of New York City from 1895 to 1897. During his tenure in that position, he radically reformed a notoriously corrupt police force, implementing measures which included the hiring of officers by merit and no longer political affiliation, enforcing a new disciplinary code, and providing standardized pistols to policemen. Roosevelt even walked late night and early morning police beats to make sure officers were on the job. A highly rare extradition document, and terrific association with Roosevelt’s involvement with law enforcement. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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