Description:

Franklin D. Roosevelt
Washington, D.C., February 28, 1919
FDR Naval Dept. TLS Re: WWI Destroyer Ships
TLS
A letter signed "Franklin D. Roosevelt" as Assistant Secretary of War, discussing two Naval destroyers that had served in World War I. 1p on Navy Department letterhead, measuring 7" x 10", Washington, D.C., dated February 28, 1919. Adhered along bottom edge are related biographical information on the two Naval officers Roosevelt mentions. Features uneven toning and scattered staining throughout, with expected letter folds and wear to edges. Good to fair overall with bold signature. Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from PSA.

In full:

"Referring to your letter of the 16th instant, I am enclosing herewith a brief sketch of the lives of Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale, U.S.N., and Captain Stephen Cassin, U.S.N., in whose memory the destroyers U.S.S. BEALE and CASSIN have been named."

The destroyers U.S.S. Beale and U.S.S. Cassin were launched in 1912 and 1913, respectively. During World War I, the Beale would join the Atlantic fleet, cruising along the coast in Mexican and Caribbean waters until placed in reserve in 1915. She was later reactivated in 1916 to serve on Neutrality Patrol, and would join the Atlantic Destroyer Force, operating out of Queenstown, Ireland.

Alternatively, the Cassin served as the lead ship in its class, which carried eight torpedo tubes as opposed to six. She followed a similar path as the Beale, eventually ending up in Queenstown. Notably, on October 15, 1917, the Cassin had sighted a German submarine approximately 20 miles from the cost, pursued it, and was struck by a torpedo that killed its gunner's mate.

This lot 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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  • Dimensions: 7" x 10"
  • Medium: TLS

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June 26, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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