Title:
Theodore Roosevelt Signed White House Letter (TLS) — October 17, 1906 — Personal Correspondence to Laura Roosevelt — PSA/DNA Certified (Cert. #85786372)
Description:
Presented here is a Typed Letter Signed (TLS) by President Theodore Roosevelt, dated October 17, 1906, written on official “The White House, Washington” stationery and boldly signed “Theodore Roosevelt” in ink at the conclusion. The letter is addressed to Laura Roosevelt, wife of James West Roosevelt, who was Theodore Roosevelt’s first cousin, and reflects the warm personal correspondence that existed within the extended Roosevelt family.
The one-page letter reads in full:
“Dear Laura:
I think I ought to drive down with Seaman to the polling place; but would you be willing to meet me at the polling place and take me for a little drive before I go back to the station? I am so anxious to see you, and it was so good of you to write me, dear Laura.
Ever yours,
Theodore Roosevelt”
At the bottom of the page appears the typed address:
Mrs. J. West Roosevelt
Oyster Bay, N.Y.
The letter remains well preserved and displays typical fold lines and light age-related toning consistent with an early 20th-century document. Roosevelt’s signature appears clearly in dark ink beneath the typed closing.
The piece 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 dynamic leaders of the Progressive Era. By 1906, Roosevelt was at the height of his presidency, pursuing reforms involving corporate regulation, conservation policy, and international diplomacy.
Despite the demands of the presidency, Roosevelt maintained close ties with his extended family, particularly those connected to Oyster Bay, New York, where his beloved home Sagamore Hill served as the “Summer White House.” Personal letters such as this one reveal a more intimate side of Roosevelt, showing him coordinating travel and visits with family members while balancing the responsibilities of the presidency.
Correspondence written on official White House stationery and signed during Roosevelt’s presidency remains highly desirable among collectors, especially when it reflects personal relationships within the Roosevelt family circle.
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: October 17, 1906
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Stationery: The White House, Washington
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PSA/DNA Certification Number: 85786372
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Authentication: PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Autograph
The PSA holder provides tamper-evident encapsulation and long-term archival protection for the historic document.
Closing Appeal:
Presidential letters signed by Theodore Roosevelt during his tenure in the White House remain among the most compelling artifacts of American political history. This example offers a glimpse into Roosevelt’s personal family relationships while bearing his distinctive signature on official White House stationery—an appealing combination for collectors of presidential autographs and Rooseveltiana.
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.