[AMERICANA]. TAFT, William Howard (1857-1930). Typed letter signed (“Wm. H. Taft”) as President of the United States, to Robert Erskine Ely, Washington, D.C., 25 December 1909.

1p. on bifolium, 8vo, on White House stationary, old centerfold, marginal toning or soiling.

ONE OF TAFT'S HEROES. Taft declines an invitation on Christmas Day to see the one-hundredth anniversary of the birth of William Ewart Gladstone at Carnegie Hall. In the letter, Taft describes Gladstone as one of his heroes and that he has always "had such a deep admiration for Mr. Gladstone's life and work."

Selections from the Library of Dr. John Talbot Gernon