Taft, William H (1857-1930) 27th President of the United States (1909-1913).
Typed letter signed ("Wm H Taft"), 3 pages, United States Court of Appeals, Judges Chambers, Cincinnati, April 22, 1897. A most revealing letter of Taft who would hold more offices than any other President during his lifetime. Writing as a Circuit Court Judge, he advises William R. Day to take the office of Solicitor-General, outlining the duties and positive aspects. He writes in part: "…I have seen it so often stated that you had been invited to become Solicitor-General and that you were doubtful of the wisdom of taking the place that I take the libertuy of writing to you on the subject. When a man has once filled an office I presume it is natural for him to take an interest in having the office filled by men of such character and ability that it may gratify his pride and vanity to be regarded as of the same class….I know you are worthy of it….I presume that each administration wishes to stand well with the Supreme Court. That is the only permanent body that there is and the real link between the Administration and the Court is the Solicitor-General. The duties of the Attorney-General are so largely executive that it is impossible for him to really represent the Government in court except on rare occasions….If the office has been tendered to you, as I hope it has, I write to urge you to accept it. To my thinking it is the most delightlful office in the gift of the President…. The duties of the office are embraced under two heads:-first to prepare opinions for the heads of Departments and second to argue cases and take charge of the business in the Supreme Court of the United States. It is entirely non-political and is everything that a lover of the practice of the law must enjoy…".
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
U.S. Presidents