Original November 24, 1947 White House letter signed by President Harry S. Truman, with an additional handwritten postscript in Truman's hand.
This remarkable piece of presidential correspondence was written to Edward D. "Eddie" McKim of Omaha, Nebraska, a close personal friend of Truman and a fellow World War I veteran.
The one-page letter is typed on official THE WHITE HOUSE — WASHINGTON stationery and bears Truman's full signature, "Harry Truman," in black ink.
Below the typed letter and recipient's address is an additional handwritten postscript:
"Appreciated your suggestion as enclosed. It would be OK!"
The handwritten postscript is especially desirable because it adds a personal message in Truman's own hand beyond his signature. The signature and postscript exhibit consistent handwriting characteristics, ink appearance, and pen strokes.
LETTER CONTENT
Truman addresses McKim familiarly as "Dear Eddie" and discusses three subjects:
First, he acknowledges McKim's November 20 letter concerning a successor to Colonel Young, promising to see what can be done about the situation.
Second, he refers humorously to the "Fat General" and Army–Notre Dame football tickets.
Third, Truman reminisces about duck hunting along the Missouri River:
"The duck shooting episode made me homesick."
He recalls going to the Missouri River every year around that time and enjoying the outings even when the hunting was unsuccessful.
The letter is particularly appealing for its informal, personal tone. Rather than a routine presidential acknowledgment, it reveals Truman's continuing friendships, interests, and memories while serving as President of the United States.
EDWARD D. McKIM — TRUMAN'S CLOSE FRIEND
Edward D. McKim was a longtime personal friend and military associate of Harry S. Truman.
During World War I, McKim served under Truman in Battery D of the 129th Field Artillery, part of the 35th Division.
Their friendship continued for decades after the war, including throughout Truman's presidency.
McKim subsequently served briefly as a senior administrative assistant to President Truman.
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library preserves substantial correspondence between Truman and McKim, documenting their close personal relationship.
The familiar salutation "Dear Eddie," personal reminiscences, and handwritten postscript are entirely consistent with this longstanding friendship.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Dated November 24, 1947, this letter was written during Truman's presidency, less than a year before his celebrated upset victory in the 1948 presidential election.
The correspondence provides an unusually personal glimpse of Truman during his White House years.
Its subjects range from military appointments and college football to nostalgic recollections of hunting along the Missouri River.
The combination of official White House stationery, a full presidential signature, personal correspondence with a longtime friend, and an additional autograph postscript makes this a particularly interesting example of Truman presidential memorabilia.
PROVENANCE
From the estate collection of Oliver W. Roberts, longtime general manager of the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska.
The Roberts collection contains extensive original correspondence, invitations, and documents associated with prominent American presidents, cabinet officials, military commanders, and civic leaders.
The letter itself is addressed to Edward D. McKim, not Roberts. Its presence in the Roberts collection reflects its subsequent preservation among Omaha-associated historical papers; the precise circumstances of its transfer to Roberts are undocumented.
SIGNATURE AND ORIGINALITY
Original period White House typed letter signed (TLS), dated November 24, 1947.
Features a full "Harry Truman" signature and an additional handwritten postscript.
The signature and postscript appear consistent in ink, handwriting, and pen strokes, supporting their attribution to Truman.
The letter has not been independently authenticated by a third-party autograph authentication service.
Condition: Very good overall vintage appearance. The paper is clean and bright, with minor handling wear and slight age-related imperfections. The typed text is sharp and fully legible. The signature and handwritten postscript are dark, prominent, and well preserved. The reverse is blank. See photographs for exact condition.
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