Description:
Offered here is a poignant Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Theodore Roosevelt, written on personalized Sagamore Hill stationery and dated May 18, 1917. What distinguishes this letter is Roosevelt’s striking tone of humility and civic sensitivity. Rather than issuing a simple decline, he conveys sincere regret and a deep concern for fairness. His words reflect a leader acutely aware of his public standing and the broader implications of his choices. By stating, “I would...have to go to a thousand others or give a thousand committees of good people offense,” Roosevelt reveals a democratic ethos—one that prized equity, inclusion, and the goodwill of community organizations.
The letter is addressed to Thomas Neland, esteemed President of the Canadian Club of New York, and is entirely handwritten and signed by Roosevelt. The full content reads:
"Dear Mr. Neland,
Alas! If I went to one place I would, literally, have to go to a thousand others or give a thousand committees of good people offense.
With regret—
Faithfully yours,
Theodore Roosevelt"
Neatly penned in dark ink, the letter appears on personalized Sagamore Hill stationery, with the printed green letterhead intact and well-preserved. It has been professionally authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, bearing certification number 85509840.
Historical Context:
Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919), the 26th President of the United States, remained an influential figure long after his presidency. This letter was written just weeks after America’s entry into World War I, at a time when Roosevelt was publicly advocating for a strong U.S. military response and even volunteered his own sons for service. Though he held no official office, Roosevelt's voice still carried weight in national and international matters.
His correspondent, Thomas Neland, played a vital role in U.S.–Canada relations as President of the Canadian Club of New York, an organization founded in 1885 by Erastus Wiman to strengthen ties between the two nations. Under Neland’s leadership, the Club championed improved trade, greater bilateral cooperation, and, controversially, Canadian independence from British rule. This letter likely responds to an invitation extended by the Club—Roosevelt’s courteous refusal underscores the demand for his presence across the civic landscape and his diplomatic care not to show favoritism.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
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Certified by: PSA/DNA
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Certification Number: 85509840
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Label: "LETTER – THEODORE ROOSEVELT – PSA/DNA CERTIFIED – AUTHENTIC AUTO"
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Encapsulation: Housed in a PSA tamper-evident slab for long-term preservation and display.
Closing Appeal:
This PSA/DNA-certified autograph letter is far more than a collectible—it is a personal glimpse into Roosevelt’s values and leadership philosophy. With characteristic eloquence, he declines an invitation not out of disinterest, but out of fairness, respect, and a profound awareness of the obligations that come with public esteem. Rooted in the diplomatic context of U.S.–Canada relations and the tensions of World War I, this handwritten letter is a rich historical document. It is an exceptional acquisition for collectors of presidential autographs, early 20th-century diplomacy, or Rooseveltiana.
