(1858 - 1919) Twenty-sixth President of the United States who started the Panama Canal, settled the Russo-Japanese War, broke up Standard Oil and encouraged conservation. ROOSEVELT DECRIBES THE BACKGROUND OF ONE OF HIS MOST FAMOUS QUOTES Outstanding pair of framed pieces concerning one of Roosevelt's most famous aphorism. One display includes a retained copy of a letter sent to Roosevelt by LAWRENCE F. ABBOTT (1859-1933), an American editor, historian, and writer, as well as Roosevelt's close friend. He was also secretary to Roosevelt during the latter's tour of Europe and Africa (1909–10), and edited Roosevelt's African and European Addresses (1910). Abbott's unsigned letter to 'Colonel Theodore Roosevelt', 1p. legal folio, [n.p.], Feb. 10, 1917, reads in part: '...Everett P. Wheeler who, as you know, is an old line Democrat and therefore, I suppose, naturally one of your critics, has just published a book called 'Sixty Years of American Life'. In looking it over...I find the following quotation: Aggressive fighting for the right is the noblest sport the world knows. Theodore Roosevelt. This is one of the best of your aphorisms and fits the present crisis perfectly [World War I]. Do you remember where and when you said it? Somehow or other you have a faculty for putting good morals and spiritual ideal on a masculine basis that even the commonest man can understand and appreciate...' In a separate frame appears Roosevelt's letter to Abbott in response, a T.L.S. 'Theodore Roosevelt' on Metropolitan magazine letterhead, 1p. 4to., New York, Feb. 20, 1917. In full: 'I remember perfectly using that sentence, but I can't tell you the exact date. It was when I was Police Commissioner, and I think in connection with an address to some college boys. Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt'. Both letters are in very fine condition. Each is separately matted with large, original signed portraits of Roosevelt by JOEL ISKOWITZ (b. 1946), an American designer, book illustrator, print artist and stamp designer, most noted for his brilliant designs of coins and medals. The matting incorporates metallic-like fillets and gorgeous matching frames.