Beschreibung:

TAFT, William Howard (1857-1930), President . 19 typed letters signed ("Wm H Taft"), SEVEN AS PRESIDENT, and 2 autograph notes signed as President ("WHT") on a secretary's TLSs, to Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Ricks, various locations, 20 October 1906 to 9 June 1918. Together 20½ pages, 4to and 8vo, eight on White House stationery, most with envelopes . [With:] Copies of Ricks' letters to Taft. "THE VOTES WITH WHICH I EXPECT TO BE REELECTED IN NOVEMBER MUST COME LARGELY FROM THOSE OF THE REPUBLICAN FAITH" Fine, newsy letters written to close friends before, during and after Taft's term as President. 20 October 1906: Taft responds to Ricks concerns about the inclined railway on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga: "the matter was referred...[to] the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park Commission...it would appear that every precaution that human ingenuity could suggest has been taken...to make this railway safe and secure..." 10 July 1908: Shortly after receiving the Republican nomination for president Taft thanks Ricks "[for] your kind letter of congratulations." 3 December 1908: "So far as I know there is no movement now to remove your father-in-law, General Trowbridge, from office, and I should want to know some very good reason why he should be removed before I should consent...Hamilton Howard...is a son of Senator Howard of Michigan. He and I are distantly connected; Howard, you know, is my middle name. Because we are distantly connected and he knows me, I presume he thinks he will get an appointment, but because we are connected and I know him, I don't think he will get an appointment." 22 December 1908: Taft declines an offer of some wine and notes "I'd like to tell you about my being on the water wagon when I see you." 14 January 1909: "I have your letter of January 7th and note what you say regarding Myron T. Herrick and his fitness for the Treasury portfolio." 26 June 1912: "The votes with which I expect to be reelected in November must come largely from those of the Republican faith, and our campaign has got to be one of conciliation instead of alienation. We must educate rather than excoriate." 5 July 1912: "Things will look different in November from the way they look now. Four months offers time for a campaign of education, and I hope that campaign may work to my advantage." 9 September, 1912: referring to an injury: "It won't be necessary for me to try Doctor Phillips' remedy this time...my ankle is very greatly improved. A few more days of rest, and I'll be out on the links again." 11 October 1912: "Upon returning from a pleasant 7-day motor trip through New Hampshire and Vermont I find your...letter...you already know how deeply grateful I am for your support." 23 April 1913: concerning an officer's promotion: "Wilson will not know anything about it, and he will rely on his Secretary of War, who will rely on his Chief of Staff." 4 August 1914: "the gout and lumbago are under control...I have been down to 82 on the [golf] course, which I hope will give you some respect for me." 9 June 1918: to Mrs. Ricks regarding her desire to work in the Red Cross canteen. (21)