Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924) 28th President of the United States (1913-1921).
Typed letter signed as President, on White House letterhead, 1p, 8¾ x 7", Washington, Aug. 29, 1917. Less than four months after the U.S. entered World War I, Wilson writes to Secretary of War Newton D. Baker about a gun invention made by a friend of Wilson's at Princeton, which had been turned down by General (William) Crozier (1855-1942), the Chief of Ordnance of the U. S. Army from 1901-1918. In part: "…D.M. Barringer was a classmate of mine at Princeton. He has used guns all his life and I should expect to find that he knew what he was talking about. I would appreciate it very much if you would have a fresh examination and test made of the invention he refers to. I do not wish in any way…to question the former action of General Crozier, but I am sure he would be willing to have the matter again looked into at my request."
D. M. Barringer was a noted mining engineer who discovered that the crater in Arizona, now called "Meteor Crater," was indeed caused by a meteor. That Wilson would interfere in military matters by implying that a mining engineer would be a better judge of whether a gun was worthwhile than the Chief of Ordnance seems presumpsuous, and especially with a world war going on. Letter is toned and soiled and backed by japan paper.
Estimated Value $400 - 600.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
U.S. Presidents
