Collection of 22 TLSs from Harry S. Truman as a Missouri senator, all signed “Harry” or “Harry S. Truman” and addressed to Kansas City politician Vivian E. Phillips, who served as chairman of the Local Government Committee. Dated between 1938 and 1943, the letters, with the exception of one, are typed on 8 x 10.5 United States Senate letterhead, seven examples of which feature postscripts written in the hand of Truman. Letter content consists mostly of brief pleasantries and various state and federal-related topics like the FHA, the creation of an “Apple Commission,” and the Reconstruction Finance Corporation. While strictly professional in nature, the letters reveal a budding friendship and political partnership built on time, trust, and matching principles.
Highlights include:
February 23, 1939: “I understand the Governor is endeavoring to create an Apple Commission and assess the apple growers, ostensibly to help the apple business, but as near as I can see, it is a political maneuver to help the Governor in his 1940 campaign.” The postscript reads: “Hope you are well & happy and that I can see you soon.”
March 10, 1939: “Certainly did appreciate your wire, and I will be in Jefferson City on Wednesday morning, March Twenty-second by ten o’clock and will immediately hunt you up. I think I have something to say that will be of interest to the whole State.”
September 23, 1939: “I will certainly be pleased to do what I can for Miss Myrtle May Smith. However, at the present time positions in Washington are scarce and hard to get, but we will do our best for her.” The postscript reads: “I’m getting 5000 letters a day. Did you get that many on the Police Bill?”
September 30, 1939: “Appreciated very much your letters of September Twenty-seventh, and I was particularly interested in hearing from St. Louis. I believe my situation down there is improving all the time. The letters on the neutrality act have fallen off decidedly. We are only getting an occasional telegram now from a German-American. I suppose when the argument comes up in the Senate they will pick up again.”
May 17, 1940: “I regret exceedingly that you have come to this decision, although I understand exactly, I think, why you did it. Six years is a long time to spend in a legislative body, I know for I am just finishing up that term and I am trying to come back. You are perfectly correct in saying that the press and a lot of radio broadcasts make every possible effort to discredit members of legislative bodies. That is just too bad, I think.” Truman’s postscript: “I hope you haven’t ended your public career. Public service needs men of your ideals.”
August 12, 1940: “I appreciate most highly your letter of congratulation. I am very thankful for the endorsement by the Democrats of Missouri.” The postscript: “I won because of such good fellows as you. Hope I can thank you personally.”
November 8, 1940: “Thanks a lot for the kind congratulations. It was a hard fight, but I believe the people of Missouri appreciate service.” The postscript: “I can’t thank you enough for your support.” In overall very good to fine condition, with some edge and corner wear. The collection is accompanied by three secretarially signed letters from Truman, a typed speech draft written and used by Phillips to promote Truman's first Senate bid, several Missouri newspapers and clippings, a couple of programs, and numerous letters addressed to Truman by Phillips and others. An excellent pre-White House letter collection that finds Truman as one of the nation’s most formidable senators—a member of the high-profile Appropriations, Interstate Commerce, and, of course, Truman Committees—whose influence and political sagacity can be readily discerned across these 20-plus letters.
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