Franklin D. Roosevelt "rigorous home rule" TLS as NY Governor; Also Alluding to Warm Springs, Georgia

1p typed letter signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), then Governor of New York and future 32nd U.S. President, as "Franklin D Roosevelt"at lower right. Written in Albany, New York on June 9, 1932. The gilt and embossed state seal appears at the top of the "State of New York / Executive Chamber / Albany" letterhead, with "Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor"printed at upper left. Expected light folds. A few paper clip impressions at lower right, one of which touches the "t" of "Roosevelt". Else near fine. 8" x 10.5". Ex-Forbes Collection.

Roosevelt served as the 44th Governor of New York between January 1929 and December 1932; when he wrote correspondent Edward I. Wade in June 1932, he had just over six months left in his gubernatorial tenure before assuming the presidency. Governor Roosevelt assured Wade that he would act assertively to prevent state corruption, but added that, "It is not always understood that our state constitution contains a rigorous home rule clause which gives the different cities almost complete autonomy." Did Roosevelt's experience governing such self-reliant and fractious cities in New York give him insight into how to unite the nation under the New Deal?

At the bottom of the letter, Roosevelt alludes to his "adopted state"of Georgia. (Roosevelt's friend Clark Howell (1863-1936) was the longtime editor and owner of The Atlanta Constitution.) Roosevelt sought out the hot (88° F) and mineral-rich waters of Warm Springs, Georgia almost every year between 1924-1945 to soothe and revitalize his legs, partially paralyzed by polio.

Provenance: Ex-Forbes Collection. Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990), the American owner-publisher of Forbes magazine and a consummate collector, amassed one of the most substantial autograph collections of such breadth and depth that it filled a half-dozen residences on three continents. Many of his manuscripts were sold in a series of multi-million dollar sales by Christie's in the early 2000s. The Forbes name is considered to be the apex of provenance, especially when attached to an item like the above. We are honored to have been chosen by the family to sell at auction the substantial balance of the collection.

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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