Title:
Theodore Roosevelt Signed White House Letter (TLS) — February 26, 1906 — Discussing Russo-Japanese War Diplomacy — PSA/DNA Certified (Cert. #85786370)
Description:
Offered here is a Typed Letter Signed (TLS) by President Theodore Roosevelt, dated February 26, 1906, written on official “The White House, Washington” stationery and personally signed “Theodore Roosevelt” in bold ink. The letter is addressed to Laura Roosevelt, the wife of James West Roosevelt, who was Theodore Roosevelt’s first cousin, and originates from a group of Roosevelt family documents and ephemera that descended through the James West Roosevelt family.
The one-page letter reads:
“Dear Laura:
I shall be delighted to receive the letters.
It was so nice catching a glimpse of you.
By the way, I never told you that the Japanese did not want action taken in the form that Captain Zalinski proposed. You saw what we ultimately did in connection with the Red Cross.
Good luck go with you.
Ever yours,
Theodore Roosevelt”
The content includes Roosevelt’s brief commentary regarding Japanese preferences following the end of the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) and references Captain Edmund Louis Zalinski, a Civil War veteran and U.S. Army officer.
Zalinski commanded Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, where Dr. Samuel Mudd—imprisoned for aiding John Wilkes Booth after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln—was held. During a devastating yellow fever outbreak at the fort, Dr. Mudd treated infected soldiers and helped contain the epidemic. Zalinski later petitioned President Andrew Johnson for clemency in recognition of Mudd’s actions, ultimately contributing to his release. This historical reference creates an interesting connection between Roosevelt’s correspondence and events tied to the aftermath of Lincoln’s assassination.
The letter is typed on official White House letterhead with the printed heading “The White House, Washington” and dated February 26, 1906 at upper right. Roosevelt’s ink signature appears prominently at the conclusion.
The document has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, with the holder label reading “Letter — Theodore Roosevelt — PSA/DNA Certified — Authentic Auto.”
Historical Context:
Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919) served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909 and was one of the most influential leaders of the Progressive Era. His presidency was marked by major domestic reforms, conservation initiatives, and an increasingly active American role in global diplomacy.
Roosevelt played a pivotal role in mediating the end of the Russo-Japanese War, helping broker the Treaty of Portsmouth in 1905, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1906, becoming the first American recipient of the honor. His remarks in this letter reflect the continuing diplomatic and humanitarian considerations surrounding the war’s aftermath, including cooperation with organizations such as the Red Cross.
Letters written from the White House during Roosevelt’s presidency, particularly those referencing international affairs, are highly sought-after artifacts of American political and diplomatic history.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
This document has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA.
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Signer: Theodore Roosevelt (26th President of the United States)
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Document Type: Typed Letter Signed (TLS)
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Date: February 26, 1906
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Stationery: The White House, Washington
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PSA/DNA Certification Number: 85786370
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Authentication: PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Autograph
The PSA holder provides tamper-evident encapsulation and archival protection for the historic document.
Closing Appeal:
Signed presidential letters from Theodore Roosevelt during his time in the White House remain among the most desirable pieces of American political memorabilia. This example combines official White House stationery, a bold Roosevelt signature, family provenance through the Roosevelt lineage, and historical references to international diplomacy and notable figures of the Civil War era—creating a compelling and historically layered collectible.
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.
