Circa 1930s, inscription to canvas verso reads "This piece of canvas was used by President F. D. Roosevelt - Aug 18 - 1937 while making his Lord MacCauly Speech at Fort Raleigh, Roanoke Island. / He stood on this piece of canvas / [A. Q. Bell?] / I should know because I put it there at the request of Colonel [Starling?]", in painted and gilt frame.

Sight size 19 3/4 x 25 1/2 in.; Frame dimensions 25 x 32 3/4 in.

From the Personal Collection of Mr. William Ivey Long, Seaboard, North Carolina and New York, New York

FDR, polio's most famous victim, might have "used" this canvas as a flat surface to help him stand on Roanoke Island's uneven sand while speaking.

Some expected stains and warping to canvas considering its use; oil paint applied thickly, and there are several cracks; some surface grime.