Lot 187: ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Autograph note signed ("F.D.R."), as President, to James A. Farley, Washington, [28 June 1935]. 1 page, 8vo, White House stationery, docketed in pencil at lower left by an unknown hand .

ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. Autograph note signed ("F.D.R."), as President, to James A. Farley, Washington, [28 June 1935]. 1 page, 8vo, White House stationery, docketed in pencil at lower left by an unknown hand.

FDR PUSHES A PATRONAGE APPOINTMENT ON HIS POSTMASTER GENERAL in this note that reads: "I honestly believe I should carry out my desire to appoint my old friend Peter Tajur to the Boston P.O. Will you tell this to Sen. Walsh & Sen. Coolidge & that I hope they will go along." The pencil note at bottom left reads "Given to JAF after Cabinet meeting 6/28/35." Farley was Roosevelt's campaign manager in 1932 and 1936 and held the Cabinet post that traditionally belonged to the party's patronage dispenser. In 1940, however, he developed the delusion that he could be a presidential statesman and sought the Democratic nomination. He assumed FDR would adhere to the traditional two-term limit and stand aside, and Roosevelt said nothing to disabuse him of the idea. But when the Chicago convention came in July, Roosevelt maneuvered the delegates into drafting him for the nomination, and Farley's presidential ambitions evaporated. Autograph notes and letters of FDR in office are rare.

Property from a New England Family