Harry Truman TLS to Frances Perkins, First Woman to Serve on Presidential Cabinet

TLS, measuring 7.25" x 10.5", dated March 18, 1957, Kansas City, MO. A post-presidential letter on Federal Reserve Bank stationary addressed to the Honorable Frances Perkins, former Secretary of Labor on Franklin Roosevelt's cabinet, in which he responds to her inquiry on the address of one Matthew Connelly. The man in question was likely Matthew J. Connelly, former White House Appointments Secretary under Truman, who was indicted for bribery in 1955. Boldly signed and inscribed at the conclusion "Harry Truman/ Mrs. T. wants to be remembered." Minor surface toning with evidence of prior mounting along outside edges. Condition is near fine- interesting connections from the cabinets of FDR and Truman!

In part:
"You don't know how much I appreciated your letter inquiring for Matthew Connelly's address… It certainly makes me feel wonderful when people, who were associated with me as you were, are interested in the welfare of other people who were also associated with me."

Frances Perkins (1880-1965) was an American workers-rights advocate who served as Secretary of Labor between 1933 and 1945 under FDR. The first woman to ever serve in a presidential cabinet, Perkins was also the longest serving in that particular position, lasting for a total of twelve years. Following Roosevelt's death, Truman would go on to replace most of his cabinet members but nominated Perkins for a different position on the U.S. Civil Service Commission, which she accepted.

Matthew J. Connelly (1907-1976) was an American civil servant under Truman, who, having risen to Executive Secretary of the Vice President and then Appointments Secretary, was indicted for bribery in 1955 and served a six month sentence in 1960. However, in 1962, Connelly was granted a full pardon by then-President John F. Kennedy.

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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