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PROPERTY FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION
ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. (1882-1945), President. Autograph letter signed ("F.D.R."), to Frederic A. Delano, Warm Springs, Georgia, 23 April 1928. 2 pages, 4to.
Details
ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. (1882-1945), President. Autograph letter signed ("F.D.R."), to Frederic A. Delano, Warm Springs, Georgia, 23 April 1928. 2 pages, 4to.
"I HAVE TAKEN TO CANES & ONLY USE THE CRUTCH (ONE OF THEM) ON ROUGH GROUND"
A rare letter in which FDR discusses the impact of polio on his life, as he reports on his own progress and the growing number of patients at his Warm Springs rehabilitation facility. "We have had a wet and late spring," he tells his Uncle, "but have managed to get in swimming & walking almost every day. I have taken to canes & only use the crutch (one of them) on rough ground. Sixty-five patients here--full up--& paying expenses at last." He goes on to lament the death of one of Delano's servants, then mentions his own Mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt: "Mama & I did so hope to see you down here. Her visit did her so much good I think & she left on Saturday feeling really stronger & I hope she will come down with me again in the autumn, for down here she gets a complete rest & freedom from any responsibilities."
Only to closest relatives would FDR open up about his disability and his long, slow recuperation. This year was a watershed for Roosevelt and his family. They were all heartened by the progress he made and remained convinced (in spite of all medical evidence to the contrary) that he might yet gain a full recovery--if only he spent most of his time in Warm Springs working on rehabilitating his leg muscles. But Roosevelt would not give up his political career. As badly as he wanted to walk again he wanted to pursue his dream of becoming President even more. In the fall he declared his candidacy for the New York governorship. His leg strength never got beyond the level he reached here in the spring and summer of 1928.
"I HAVE TAKEN TO CANES & ONLY USE THE CRUTCH (ONE OF THEM) ON ROUGH GROUND"
A rare letter in which FDR discusses the impact of polio on his life, as he reports on his own progress and the growing number of patients at his Warm Springs rehabilitation facility. "We have had a wet and late spring," he tells his Uncle, "but have managed to get in swimming & walking almost every day. I have taken to canes & only use the crutch (one of them) on rough ground. Sixty-five patients here--full up--& paying expenses at last." He goes on to lament the death of one of Delano's servants, then mentions his own Mother, Sara Delano Roosevelt: "Mama & I did so hope to see you down here. Her visit did her so much good I think & she left on Saturday feeling really stronger & I hope she will come down with me again in the autumn, for down here she gets a complete rest & freedom from any responsibilities."
Only to closest relatives would FDR open up about his disability and his long, slow recuperation. This year was a watershed for Roosevelt and his family. They were all heartened by the progress he made and remained convinced (in spite of all medical evidence to the contrary) that he might yet gain a full recovery--if only he spent most of his time in Warm Springs working on rehabilitating his leg muscles. But Roosevelt would not give up his political career. As badly as he wanted to walk again he wanted to pursue his dream of becoming President even more. In the fall he declared his candidacy for the New York governorship. His leg strength never got beyond the level he reached here in the spring and summer of 1928.