Washington, D.C., December 23, 1903. Single sheet, 9 x 7 1/4 in. (229 x 184 mm). Typed letter on White House stationery, signed by President Theodore Roosevelt to Illinois senator William E. Mason: "Dear Senator: I thank you heartily for your letter. I was much interested in it. Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year, I am, Sincerely yours, Theodore Roosevelt". Creased along center from when folded; signature faded; scattered soiling. Unexamined out of frame, 18 x 10 in. (457 x 254 mm).

William E. Mason (1850-1921) was a New York-born Illinois politician, who served as a Republican in Congress from 1887-91 and again from 1917-21, as well as in the United States Senate from 1897-1903. At the time of this letter he had just left office and was practicing law in Chicago. During Roosevelt's presidency, he and Mason often aligned on policy matters.