W. H. Taft TLS to Football Legend H. D. Phillips With 1930 Taft Stamp

Typed Letter Signed, "Wm H Taft", 1p, measuring 7.5" x 10.5", dated February 27, 1921, New Haven, Connecticut. A letter from the 27th President William H. Taft on personal stationery during his time serving as a professor of law at Yale University, to football legend Henry D. Phillips. The Taft commemorative stamp was the first stamp in which Taft's portrait appeared. The stamp was issued on June 4, 1930, three months after Taft had died. The stamp and letter are accompanied by writing which provides further context to the two pieces. Expected mailing fold, minor toning. Staining from paper clip at top left. Overall, in near fine condition.

Within, Taft asks Phillips that the University of the South "honor" the Editor of the Boston Transcript James Williams.

In full:

"Mr. James Williams, Editor of the Boston Transcript, is a very vigorous Editor and one exercising a great deal of influence in Boston and the vicinity. He does honor to the University of the South, and I should think it entirely proper that the University of the South should do honor to him."

William H. Taft (1857-1930) was the 27th President of the United States, serving a single term from 1909-1913. He is the only individual to serve as both the chief executive of the United States, as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a position he attained after his presidency.

Henry D. Phillips (1882-1955) was an American Episcopal bishop and college football player and coach. Sportswriter Fuzzy Woodruff called him "the greatest football player who ever sank cleated shoes into a chalk line south of the Mason-Dixon line."

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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