William Taft TLS Re: His Portrait at Yale Law School Plus More

TAFT, WILLIAM. Typed Letter Signed, “Wm H Taft”, 1p, on United States Supreme Court letterhead, 8” x 10.5”, Pointe-au-Pic, August 26, 1927. Accompanied by original mailing envelope. Expected folds, ghost of paper clip impression at left edge, else Fine condition.

Taft, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, writes to Attorney George Thompson, in part, “I have your letter of August 23d, in which you say that the Yale Law Association is interested in acquiring the portraits of alumni to adorn the walls of the new Law School Building, and ask me whether I consider the portrait of myself, painted by Wentworth in 1911, suitable for the purpose in question. I don’t remember ever seeing the portrait. It is possible that I sat for it. I should doubt whether it is a good portrait…”

The painting to which Taft likely refers is entitled, “President William H. Taft, three-quarter length portrait, seated facing front”, by artist Cécile de Wentworth, circa 1911. A photocopy of this print is included, courtesy of the Library of Congress.

Additionally included:

1) a mailing envelope addressed in the hand of William Taft to George Thompson, 9.5” x 4”, postmarked Pointe-au-Pic, Canada, with two 2-cent Canada postage stamps affixed. Opening tear at top, creases, else Very Good.

2) a vintage campaign pin featuring the slogan, “HELLO, BILL”, in large block letters, 4” diameter, Wendell Greenwood Company of Minneapolis. Cream and pale green with a black paper backing stamped with manufacturer’s logo in gilt. Safety pin secured to back, functional and in good condition.

3) a typed letter signed, “Charles Nagel”, 1p, 8.5” x 11”, St. Louis, March 26, 1929. Folds, mounting remnants at verso, minor tears at left edge, else near Fine. Nagel writes to C. Eugene Claghorn, Esq. regarding his belief that “President Taft was universally courteous and considerate in and out of the Cabinet sessions.”

William Howard Taft (1857-1930) was the 27th president of the United States (1909–1913) and the tenth chief justice of the United States (1921–1930). He was the only person to have held both offices. Taft (Class of 1878) was the first Yale graduate to serve as president of the United States. He was elected president in 1908, the chosen successor of Theodore Roosevelt, but was defeated for reelection by Woodrow Wilson in 1912 after Roosevelt split the Republican vote by running as a third-party candidate. In 1921, President Warren G. Harding appointed Taft to be chief justice, a position he held until a month before his death.

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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