QUEEN AMALIE OF SAXONY WRITES TO HER SISTER-IN-LAW ABOUT POOR HEALTH AND A VISIT FROM HER SON

QUEEN AMALIE AUGUSTE (1801-1877). Amalie was a Princess of Bavaria, the daughter of King Maximilian I, and Queen of Saxony. Amalie married King John of Saxony in 1822, and they had nine children, including the future King Albert of Saxony.

ALS. 1pg. N.d. [circa 1853-1854]. N.p. [likely Dresden]. An autograph letter signed “A” by Queen Amalie of Saxony. Responding to a prior correspondence, Amalie discusses her recent poor health and a visit from her oldest son Albert and his wife Karola. The letter is written on both sides of an envelope and is accompanied by an English translation on a separate sheet: “Dear Therese, Pardon me that I have no yet answered your first letter & that I only today reply to the last. I was very miserable & have trouble to recover my strength. I think you heartily for your sympathies in our joy to have Albert with us again. It will unfortunately not last long, as he leaves already Thursday & takes Karola with him which will be for me a great sacrifice. I hope you are well again! It is to be hoped I shall soon be able to see you. Entirely yours A”. The translation is accompanied by a brief gloss: “Translation of Queen’s letter. Albert is her son & Karola is his wife. Amélie gave me this literal translation.” The recipient of the letter was likely Amalie’s sister-in-law Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen (1792-1854), who became Queen of Bavaria through her marriage to Amalie’s oldest brother Ludwig I. It is unclear who wrote the translation and gloss. The letter is in fine condition.

NANCY REAGAN SENDS CONDOLENCES TO A WIDOW

NANCY REAGAN (1921-2016). Reagan was First Lady.

ALAN KRANOWITZ (1941-2002). Kranowitz was a legislative official and lobbyist who worked most closely with the Reagan administration.

TLS. 1pg. June 11, 2002. Office of Nancy Reagan. A typed letter signed “Nancy Reagan”, sending condolences to the widow of Alan Kranowitz: “Ronnie and I  were so sorry to learn of Alan’s death recently.  Although there are certainly no words to ease the pain at this difficult time, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  We know that losing Alan is an incredibly painful reality.  But we hope that in time your fond memories of him will bring you peace.  He was a great patriot whose service to our country went beyond the call of duty.  Alan’s service as my husband’s chief Congressional liaison helped further his second term legislative agenda.  Ronnie joins me in sending our deepest condolences.  God bless you and your family.”  The letter is in fine condition and comes with the original envelope.

AN ELEANOR ROOSEVELT SIGNED WHITE HOUSE CARD

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT (1884-1962).  Eleanor, the wife of Franklin Roosevelt, was the longest serving First Lady.

Signed White House Card. 3 ½” x 2 ¾”. No date. The White House.  A White House card signed “Eleanor Roosevelt” in blue ink.  It is in good condition with trimming to the margins and the corners and two pieces of tape.  The autograph is large and dark.

FIRST LADY ELEANOR ROOSEVELT MENTIONS FALA, THE ROOSEVELTS’ FAMOUS SCOTTIE DOG

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT (1884-1962). Roosevelt was First Lady from 1933 to 1945, as well as a prominent human rights activist.

TLS. 1pg. June 11, 1943. The White House. A typed letter signed “Eleanor Roosevelt” as First Lady. On “The White House” letterhead, Roosevelt discusses her famous Presidential dog, Fala the Scottish Terrier: “Dear Mrs. Tucker: Thank you for your letter. There have been so many things written about Falla [sic] and there is also a movie and I do not think there is anything I could add to the story of Falla [sic] and the Princesses. In any case, I will not be in New York City with any free time for the next several weeks. Very sincerely yours, Eleanor Roosevelt”. The movie Roosevelt refers to was produced by MGM about life in the White House. During his final Presidential campaign the following year, FDR would make a speech refuting claims that he had forgotten Fala in the Aleutian Islands and sent a destroyer to reclaim him, at taxpayer expense, saying that he felt justified in objecting to libel surrounding his dog. Fala is represented alongside FDR on his memorial in Washington D.C. It is in very good condition, with an area of toning.

A SIGNED PHOTOGRAPH OF ELEANOR ROOSEVELT ON HORSEBACK

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT (1884-1962). Roosevelt was a popular and influential First Lady.

PS. N.d. N.p. A black-and-white photograph signed “Eleanor Roosevelt” on the bottom margin.  The image is slightly blurry and there is another figure, dressed in a military uniform, on horseback beside her, as well as a large dog in front of them. It is in very good condition. There are two filing holes in the left margin of the image.  A most unusual image of the First Lady.

FIRST LADY ELEANOR ROOSEVELT WRITES ABOUT RELIEF EFFORTS FOR THE GREEK FAMINE DURING WORLD WAR II

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT (1884-1962). The wife of FDR, Roosevelt was First Lady of the United States from 1933-1945, as well as a noted humanitarian throughout her life.

TLS. 1pg. January 6, 1944. The White House. A typed letter signed “Eleanor Roosevelt” as First Lady, dated during World War Two. On White House letterhead, Roosevelt wrote to about the problem of providing relief to Greeks who were starving due to a war-related famine. “Dear Mrs. Butler: I have your letter and a copy of Senate Resolution 100. Such a resolution would have no value. Everyone would like to be able to feed the people of Europe. The State Department and Governor Lehman’s committee are doing everything they can. The pattern for Greece cannot be followed because Greece has nothing the Germans could take out. The difficulties of transportation add greatly to the problem. It is heartbreking [sic] to think of starving children and I know every effort is being made to work out some plan which will not prolong the war. Very sincerely yours, Eleanor Roosevelt”. Lehman refers to former Governor of New York Herbert Lehman, who was working with the State Department and United Nations on such relief efforts. The letter is in very good condition, with some folds.