Harry Truman Nominated for Vice President: "They almost tore me to pieces…"

TLS, 1p, measuring 8" x 10.5", dated August 4, 1944, Washington, D.C. A letter on Senate letterhead written just days after Truman was nominated as the vice presidential candidate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Addressed to Fred J. "Fritz" Bowman, Truman's WWI comrade-in-arms, and informally signed as "Harry". He adds in a handwritten postscript along bottom edge, "You sure did a lot for us at the Convention. I can't tell you how much we appreciate it." Exhibits expected surface creasing and flattened folds, with isolated area of soiling along top left edge, not affecting text. Very good overall.

In full:
"I cannot tell you how much I appreciated your letter of congratulations. Bess and I were both sorry we didn't get to see you and Mrs. Bowman again before we left Chicago.
I am leaving today for a fishing trip over the week end and also hope to get a little rest. They almost tore me to pieces when I was home.
I will of course give you a ring whenever I get to Chicago. Give my best to Mrs. Bowman."

The selection of vice president at the Democratic National Convention was held on July 21, 1944 and was later described as "one of the great political stories of our century". Truman was up against incumbent Henry A. Wallace, who's liberal standings made him less desirable for re-nomination in the eyes of the DNC. This, in turn, led many Democratic leaders to lean in favor of the more moderate Truman, humorously dubbed the "Missouri compromise". What followed was a movement by party leaders to persuade FDR that Truman would be a more ideal running mate, effectively turning him against Wallace. In addition to the current vice president's views, many Democrats were also concerned about Roosevelt's declining health and thought Truman would be a better fit to replace him as president, which he did three months after assuming vice presidency in April 1945.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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