Books and Manuscripts

Washington, (D.C.), July 1, 1918. One sheet, approximately 8 1/2 x 7 1/2 in. (216 x 190 mm). Typed letter on Navy Department stationery, signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, to a Mr. H.F. Powell of Baltimore: "Your prompt and patriotic response/to the NAVY'S call for glasses is greatly appreciated./It is with regret that at the present/time your Telescope cannot be used and is/therefore being returned to you by registered/mail./On behalf of the NAVY, I wish to thank/you most heartily./Very respectfully,/F D Roosevelt". Creasing from contemporary folds; sheet lightly toned. In mat with an image of Roosevelt; unexamined out of frame, 22 5/8 x 13 7/8 in. (575 x 352 mm).

Before World War I the United States imported most of its optical goods from Europe. With the commencement of hostilities the United States Navy faced a severe shortage of telescopes, binoculars, and other optical equipment, that before the wide use of sonar, was critical in spotting submarines. In response, Franklin D. Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, started the "Eyes for the Navy" program in which Americans could donate their optical equipment for use by the Navy, for a $1 rental fee. Although Mr. Powell's telescope was not used, over 50,000 glasses of various types were donated by everyday Americans for the war effort.