ALS signed “G. W. Carver,” one page, 8.5 x 11, Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute letterhead, April 5, 1934. Handwritten letter to his friend Paul R. Miller, a plant pathologist and Agricultural Research Service scientist, who made many trips to Alabama to work with Carver on peanut and cotton diseases. The letter, in full: “Your fine letter reached me today. I have enjoyed it so very, very much. I am certain you find your work both interesting and instructive from several angles. I can indeed understand the ‘Call of the Wild.’ I am so tied down now with my infantile paralysis work that I do not get time to go to the woods. I hope to soon however. My, if I could only get my great friend Paul, down here I certainly would take a day or two off. Had such a fine letter, last week, from Dr. Shear. The picture of my dear boy has been before me ever since it arrived, it came in perfect condition and is such a good picture of you. It is a handsome picture but does not flatter you one bit.” In fine condition, with some light creasing, and a short fold split, to the right edge.



During this period, Carver was largely focused on treatments for infantile paralysis, including the use of peanut oil massages. His work garnered tremendous media attention as well as countless visits from hopeful parents and their ill children. Although the oil itself proved nonessential, Carver's research showed that the accompanying massages did provide benefits to his patients. In 1939, he received the Roosevelt Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Southern Agriculture as 'a scientist humbly seeking the guidance of God and a liberator to men of the white race as well as the black.'