Roosevelt, Franklin D., as Thirty-second President

Typed letter signed, 1 page (8  7/8  x 7 in.; 225 x 177 mm) on pale green White House letterhead, Washington, 17 June 1943, to Lord Beaverbrook, London; two holes pinched in left-hand margin.  With typed envelope, closed with red sealing wax bearing the Presidential seal; two holes punched in upper margin.

Typed letter signed, 1 page (8 7/8 x 7 in.; 225 x 177 mm) on pale green White House letterhead, Washington, 17 June 1943, to Lord Beaverbrook, London; two holes pinched in left-hand margin. With typed envelope, closed with red sealing wax bearing the Presidential seal; two holes punched in upper margin.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Commander-in-Chief and book collector. This letter to the legendary newspaper publisher—and Minister of Aircraft Production—demonstrates Roosevelt's ability to engage in humorous bantering even during a time of crisis. The President begins by thanking Beaverbrook for "another grand weekend" and also thanks him for the gift of some first editions of Rudyard Kipling.  Presumably one of the gifts was a copy of Plain Tales from the Hills, as Roosevelt goes on to mention characters from that story collection in the letter. 

"I have not let those marvelous Kiplings out of my sight—in fact, I have already reread three of them and I am taking them to Hyde Park to go into the locked bookcase beside my desk.  I am ever so grateful for them and I am confirmed in my thought that they are excellent material for movies.  After this show is over I have visions of a visit to Hollywood by Beaverbrook and Roosevelt, joint producers of Mrs. Hawksby, Mrs. Gadsby and the Brushwood Boy.  We might then catch a live viceroy to that that [sic] part,  Perhaps Winston will select one.

"Give the latter my love when you see him.

"Have a good trip with Averell [Harriman] and do be sure to come back soon."

Althought the letter itself is addressed to Beaverbrook at the Waldorf Towers in New York, the envelope indicates that it was sent to him in London via diplomatic pouch.