Franklin D Roosevelt Signed Letter 1932 Presidential Campaign

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT SIGNED 1932 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN LETTER – EXECUTIVE MANSION ALBANY – JAMES FARLEY REFERENCE

Original Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed (TLS) on Executive Mansion, Albany, New York letterhead, dated July 18, 1932, only weeks after Roosevelt secured the Democratic nomination for President of the United States.

The letter is addressed to Francis E. Ziesse of the Metropolitan Gasoline Dealers Association in New York City and concerns political support for the upcoming national campaign. Roosevelt thanks the recipient for his congratulations and expresses confidence in the Democratic Party platform and the coming election.

In part Roosevelt writes:

"I have been much heartened and pleased by your message of congratulations."

"I feel most confident that the principles of our platform will bring success at the polls to our national ticket."

Of particular historical interest, Roosevelt directs the recipient to his campaign manager, James A. Farley, one of the most important political strategists of the twentieth century:

"I have sent your letter to Mr. James A. Farley... with request that he get in touch with you."

The letter concludes with a bold fountain pen signature:

Franklin D. Roosevelt

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This letter was signed during the critical period between Roosevelt's nomination and his landslide victory in the 1932 Presidential Election. Documents from this brief campaign window are especially desirable, capturing Roosevelt as Governor of New York and Democratic nominee before entering the White House.

The content directly references the national Democratic ticket and future Postmaster General James A. Farley, making this a desirable political and presidential collectible.

ITEM DETAILS

• Franklin D. Roosevelt Typed Letter Signed (TLS)

• Executive Mansion, Albany, New York letterhead

• Dated July 18, 1932

• One page

• Original fountain pen signature

• Political campaign content

• References James A. Farley

• Addressed to Francis E. Ziesse, Metropolitan Gasoline Dealers Association

CONDITION

Original document with expected mailing folds, light age toning, and handling wear consistent with age. Signature remains strong and highly displayable. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

An outstanding Roosevelt campaign-period autograph from one of the most pivotal elections in American history. Far scarcer and more historically significant than routine presidential correspondence.

Regarding the signature. Please see closeups.

The ink shows natural variation in width and density, especially in the capital F and throughout "Roosevelt."

There are visible changes in pen pressure, with heavier downstrokes and lighter connecting strokes.

The signature appears to have been executed quickly and fluidly.

The crossing stroke and loops show slight irregularities that are characteristic of a live signature.

No tremor or hesitation marks often found in traced signatures.

The large loop of the capital "R" in Roosevelt has a smooth, continuous motion.

The final "lt" portion shows natural acceleration and tapering.

The ink appears to sit in the paper fibers rather than as a screened or printed image.

Comparison to known Roosevelt signatures

The signature is consistent with authentic Roosevelt campaign-period signatures from the early 1930s. During this period, FDR often signed in a relatively compact style compared to some of his later presidential signatures.

Caveat: Secretarial signatures

Roosevelt's office did use secretaries for some correspondence, particularly later in his presidency. However:

This 1932 campaign-period letter is relatively personal.

The signature does not immediately resemble the more common secretarial forms seen on some Roosevelt correspondence.

The pen characteristics visible here favor an actual hand-signed example.