Details:

Harlan Fiske Stone autographed typed letter (TLS), dated February 20, 1945, on official Supreme Court of the United States letterhead bearing the designation "Chambers of the Chief Justice," Washington, D.C. Addressed to L. P. Stewart, Inc., a Washington fuel supplier, the letter concerns the delivery of heating oil during the final months of World War II. Signed "Harlan Stone" in ink at the conclusion.

Stone writes, in part:

"I beg to hand you herewith fifteen (15) fuel oil ration coupons for 1,500 gallons of oil, attached to fuel oil ration certificate No. V 88297 C-10."

He continues with an urgent request:

"As my oil supply is getting low, will you please put a fresh supply in my tank today or tomorrow."

The latter sentence is underlined for emphasis.

An interesting example of wartime correspondence from the Chief Justice of the United States, documenting the effects of World War II rationing regulations on everyday life in Washington, D.C.

During the war, the federal government imposed extensive rationing measures to conserve petroleum products and other essential resources for military use. Heating oil was among the commodities subject to rationing, requiring consumers to surrender government-issued coupons when purchasing fuel.

Written in February 1945, just months before Germany's surrender, the letter offers an unusual glimpse into the personal affairs of one of America's highest-ranking judicial officials during the closing stages of World War II.

Very good condition with an original horizontal mailing fold, age toning, scattered staining, and minor handling wear. Some ink marks are present below the signature, with additional discoloration along the right margin. Stone's autograph remains clearly legible.

Harlan Fiske Stone (1872–1946) was an American jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court from 1925 to 1941 and as the 12th Chief Justice of the United States from 1941 until his death in 1946.

Before joining the Supreme Court, Stone served as Dean of Columbia Law School and United States Attorney General under President Calvin Coolidge. Appointed Chief Justice by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, he presided over the Court during World War II and participated in landmark constitutional decisions, including Korematsu v. United States (1944), in which he joined the majority upholding the wartime exclusion of Japanese Americans. His judicial career was particularly influential in the development of federal constitutional law and civil liberties.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11700 1419369-1