Harry S. Truman, Scarce Autograph Letter Signed as 33rd U.S. President

A one-page handwritten letter on folded The White House stationary, from Harry Truman to Kenneth Royall, the first Secretary of the Army, and his wife, Washington, D.C., dated May 9, 1948. In the letter, Truman writes: "Dear Kenneth and Mrs. Royal [sic]:- / You were very kind to make / a very much appreciated contribu- / tion to my birthday. I like "old man / Forester" very much. These many / very pleasant memories of my / career in the Senate in which he / took part. / So – in spite of Palistine [sic], Korea, / Rail Strikes, Air Forces and other / unpleasant things, I had a happy / birthday. Your contribution made it / happier. Sincerely / Harry Truman." Verso stamped "NOTED BY SECRETARY OF ARMY."

8 7/8 x 6 7/8 (folded)

Known for his love of bourbon, and often starting his morning with a shot of it, it is not surprising that Truman writes about enjoying this spirit as a birthday gift in this scarce handwritten letter. He also writes about recent events and concerns during his presidency, including Palestine. Just days after he wrote this letter, Truman "made one of the most momentous decisions of his presidency: recognizing the new state of Israel just minutes after its founding" (https://www.trumanlibraryinstitute.org/israel/).

Kenneth C. Royall (1894-1971) was a native of North Carolina and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served as the United States Under Secretary of War during Truman's administration from 1945 until 1947, and then as the Secretary of War for just two months before the position was abolished. Royall then became the first Secretary of the Army during the same administration, a position he held until 1949.

Letter now folded sightly askew, with scattered minor marks, a shallow center fold from mailing, a corner fold and some additional very minor creasing, three tears (only one impacting the hand-written letter), edge toning, some areas discolored from tape (with some paper residue) on verso, and a small chip to back corner.