ROOSEVELT, Franklin D. (1882-1945). Autograph letter signed ("F.D.R") as President to Norman Davis, [Washington, c. July 1939].

One page, bifolium, 225 x 175mm on White House letterhead (slight toning at margins from prior matting, clear tape affixed to top of verso). [With:] the original transmittal envelope addressed to Davis in his hand, and adding a subject line below: "Kindness for Miss Rutherfurd."

Franklin Roosevelt arranges a position for the daughter of his former mistress, Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd, in a rare autograph letter signed as President. Roosevelt writes to Davis, then serving as both Chairman of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent and the President of the Council on Foreign Relations to thank him for helping Lucy's daughter Barbara with "this chance for training she & I are very grateful," and adding, "If this war does break out she will be working at it somewhere!" Barbara Rutherfurd was the daughter of Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd who carried on a relationship with F.D.R. during his tenure as Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Upon learning of the affair, Eleanor offered to divorce, and in response, Franklin ended the affair.