Details:

Frank Murphy autographed typed letter (TLS), dated March 15, 1937, on official State of Michigan Executive Office letterhead, Lansing. Written during his tenure as Governor of Michigan and addressed to William Arts of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the letter discusses Murphy's efforts to resolve the historic General Motors sit-down strike of 1936–1937.

Murphy writes:

"I am deeply grateful to you for your expression of commendation in connection with my efforts to assist in the settlement of the General Motors strike. It was thoughtful of you to send me your cordial message, which I greatly appreciate. It is a pleasure to comply with your request for an autographed photo."

Signed "Frank Murphy" in ink beneath the typed closing, "Sincerely."

The letter dates to just over a month after the conclusion of the landmark Flint sit-down strike, one of the most consequential labor disputes in American history. Beginning in December 1936, workers occupied General Motors plants in Flint, Michigan, demanding recognition of the United Automobile Workers (UAW). Murphy played an important role in mediating the conflict, resisting calls to use force against the striking workers and helping facilitate the February 11, 1937, settlement. The agreement represented a major victory for organized labor and helped establish the UAW as a powerful force in the American automobile industry.

Accompanied by two original vintage black-and-white press photographs depicting Murphy during his subsequent career in Washington, D.C. One photograph shows Murphy conversing with another gentleman outside a government building, while the second depicts him wearing formal attire and a top hat. Both photographs retain original press agency information, caption clippings, editorial markings, and date stamps on their versos, documenting Murphy's appointment as United States Attorney General in 1939 and his later Supreme Court service.

The letter exhibits original mailing folds, areas of age toning and discoloration, and minor handling wear. The accompanying press photographs exhibit typical newsroom handling wear, with original caption clippings, stamps, and adhesive remnants on their versos.

Frank Murphy (1890–1949) was an American jurist and Democratic politician who served as Mayor of Detroit (1930–1933), Governor-General of the Philippines (1933–1935), High Commissioner to the Philippines (1935–1936), Governor of Michigan (1937–1939), United States Attorney General (1939–1940), and Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court (1940–1949). Appointed to the Supreme Court by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Murphy became known for his strong defense of civil liberties and individual rights. He notably dissented in Korematsu v. United States (1944), condemning the wartime exclusion of Japanese Americans as unconstitutional racial discrimination. His intervention in the 1937 General Motors strike remains one of the defining achievements of his political career.

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

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Reference sku: 11700 1419665-1