Title:
Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed as President on White House Letterhead – February 4, 1935 – Maryland General Assembly Invitation Correspondence – Beckett LOA

Description:
Typed Letter Signed (TLS) by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on official White House letterhead, dated February 4, 1935. The one-page letter is addressed to the Honorable Thomas L. Dawson, Secretary of State of Maryland, in Annapolis.

The letter was written in response to a Joint Resolution passed by the Maryland General Assembly expressing confidence and support for Roosevelt and extending an invitation to visit the state. Roosevelt graciously acknowledges the gesture while explaining that official obligations prevent him from accepting at that time.

The letter reads in full:

The White House
Washington

February 4, 1935

Dear Mr. Secretary:

Will you please convey my thanks to the Members of the Senate and House of Delegates of the State of Maryland for Joint Resolution No. 2 of the General Assembly. I deeply appreciate the expressions of confidence and support contained in the resolution and sincerely regret that the pressure of official business precludes acceptance of their cordial invitation. The Congressional situation is such that I really cannot plan any trips in addition to those now under contemplation.

Very sincerely yours,

Franklin D. Roosevelt

An interesting manuscript notation appears at the upper right margin, apparently in Roosevelt's hand, reading:

"Because the Congress is in session"

This notation corresponds to a revision in the text, where Roosevelt elected to substitute a more diplomatic explanation for declining the invitation. Such editorial changes provide collectors with an added layer of presidential involvement beyond the signature itself.

The letter is boldly signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" and accompanied by a Beckett Letter of Authenticity (Certification No. AF01246).

Historical Context:
This letter dates from the opening months of Franklin D. Roosevelt's second year in office and during one of the most transformative periods in American political history. By February 1935, Roosevelt was deeply engaged in implementing the New Deal, the sweeping series of federal programs designed to combat the Great Depression.

The nation remained in the grip of economic hardship. Unemployment was still extraordinarily high, banks and businesses continued to struggle, and Congress was actively considering major legislation that would reshape the relationship between the federal government and the American people. Within months of this letter, Roosevelt would champion landmark measures including the Social Security Act, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and other programs that became defining features of the modern American state.

The reference to the "Congressional situation" is especially revealing. Roosevelt was at the height of his political influence and was working closely with Congress to advance an ambitious legislative agenda. His inability to accept invitations for travel reflects the intense demands placed upon the administration as it sought solutions to the nation's economic crisis.

The recipient, Thomas L. Dawson, served as Maryland's Secretary of State and acted as the intermediary between the President and the Maryland General Assembly. The resolution referenced in the letter demonstrates the strong support Roosevelt enjoyed in many parts of the country following his overwhelming electoral victory in 1932 and the early successes of the First New Deal.

Letters from Roosevelt discussing the practical realities of governing during the Depression are highly sought after because they provide direct insight into the daily responsibilities of one of America's most consequential presidents. The combination of official White House stationery, references to congressional affairs, and apparent presidential editorial input elevates this example beyond a routine acknowledgment letter.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
This letter has been authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services.

• Beckett Letter of Authenticity (LOA)
• Certification Number: AF01246
• Authenticated as a genuine Franklin D. Roosevelt signed letter
• Accompanied by full Beckett Letter of Authenticity
• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This attractive Franklin D. Roosevelt TLS combines several elements prized by collectors: official White House letterhead, a bold presidential signature, content directly related to governmental affairs during the Great Depression, and apparent handwritten editorial notation by Roosevelt himself. Created during a pivotal year in the development of the New Deal, the letter offers a tangible connection to one of the most influential presidents in American history as he navigated the immense challenges of economic recovery. For collectors of presidential autographs, New Deal history, and significant twentieth-century political artifacts, this is an outstanding and historically meaningful piece.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.