F.D.R. sends his regrets at having to postpone a meeting

with famed social work leader John Adams Kingsbury

because of “a slight indisposition, more temporary than serious”

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1882–1945.  32nd President of the United States, 1933–1945.  Typed Letter Signed, Franklin D. Roosevelt, one page, 8” x 10½”, on gold embossed stationery of the State of New York, Executive Chamber, Albany, [New York], September 3, 1929.

The first-year Governor sends his regrets for having to cancel a meeting with famed New York social work leader John Adams Kingsbury.  He writes, in full:  “I very much regret the necessity of having had to postpone once again your interview with me at Hyde Park on Sunday last.  I was compelled to abandon any thought of traveling because of a slight indisposition, more temporary than serious, and consequently did not  get down to Hyde Park over the week end.  /  In the very near future I will have my secretary advise you as to another date when I shall be very glad indeed to have you call.  /  Sincerely yours, . . . .”

Kingsbury (1876–1956) was one of the most renowned social work leaders in the  United States in the early 20th Century.  He served as the director of the prestigious New York City Association for Improving the Condition of the Poor, after which he became the city’s Commissioner of Public Charities, which was the most important public welfare position in the country.  Kingsbury later served as a member of the executive committee of the New York State Charities Aid Association and as the secretary and a director of the Milbank Foundation, a health research agency.

Roosevelt has signed this letter with a 3¾” full signature in black ink.  The letter has two horizontal mailing folds, not affecting the signature.  There is a recipient’s stamp in the blank area at the upper right, and there is a pencil notation “Warm Springs” in another hand in the blank upper left margin.  Overall the letter is in fine condition.

Unframed.