Sample Letters
March 13, 1933
The President of the greatest Nation on earth honored every home with a
personal visit last night. He came into our living-room in a kindly neighborly
way and in simple words explained the great things he had done so that all of
us unfamiliar with the technicalities might understand. When his voice died
away we realized our "friend" had gone home again but left us his courage,
his faith and absolute confidence.
As long as you talk to your people there is not one thing you cannot
accomplish. From the lips of neighbors, acquaintances and strangers we
hear this sentiment. Congress and other law-makers will find themselves
puny interference when you have but to turn to the Radio and enter our home
a welcome and revered guest. If you could only hear our response-but, I'm
sure you sense the great hope and reliance of your people, We believe in you!
Of all precedents you have shattered is the theory that a man must come
from the lowly to understand the needs of the common people. We love you
for that perception that could only come from a great unselfish heart.
We are just a modest middle-class people having lost what little we had, but,
since March 4th, . . . we knew we were not fighting alone. We have a
LEADER at last.
If this should ever reach your eyes-don't take anyone's valuable time for
acknowledgement when there is so much to be done. I hope that when the
major things have been disposed of you will not forget a national old-age bill
such as you fostered in New York. It will alleviate so much suffering and
humiliation.
Since you addressed us as "friends" we have written our letter in this spirit
and to express our faith.
Respectfully,
F. B. Graham
Mrs. F. B. Graham
Dubuque, Iowa
March 13, 1933
Sir,
. . . Last evening I and my small family eagerly awaited your radio message
and were thrilled by the feeling that, whilst you have been elevated to the
highest and most honorable office in the world, you are still patient with us
who are not as well acquainted with the world situation as you are. Let me
assure you that I and my friends will be patient with you in your problems,
and will be intensely loyal to you. I feel assured of the safety of America in
your capable hands, and it is a bit easier for me to "keep my chin up" than it
was two weeks ago.
Because of the friendly words with which you couched your address of last
evening, I am daring to presume upon you and to state that one day, after
your term of office is passed, I should welcome meeting you and verbally
expressing what is in my mind.
Most loyally,
A. W. Thomas M.D.
Youngstown, Ohio
P.S. This is not written with the expectation of an answer nor a signature of
our President. A. W. T.
March 13, 1933
Dear Mr. President:
Your talk, last night, over the air, on our Banking Problems, was most
inspiring. . . .
Most people, have very little money, and saving, a little for that "Rainy Day,"
is continual pinching, planning, scraping, and self-denial. And then it does
not amount to very much. But at least, one has the feeling that in case of
sickness, or unemployment, there is something in the Bank, to help out
during a bad time. Then, out of a clear sky, one awakes to find oneself, out of
work, and the bank holding the small savings, closed. And though worry does
not help at all, one cannot do anything else but worry.
But you, Mr. President have instilled a new Courage, into the hearts of the
American People. Even though, I have not worked for almost a year, and my
savings are tied up, in a closed bank, I, and millions of others like me, feel,
that at last, we can hope for the lifting of that terrible depression, that had
almost broken the spirit of a good many of us.
To tell you that we are thankful to you, for the new lease on life that you have
given us, would not describe how we feel. So instead we'll pray that God
speed you in your good work.
With all Good Wishes for your success, I am,
Gratefully yours
Jane Covant
Fair Haven, N.J.
March 13, 1933.
Dear Mr. Roosevelt:-
The loop is packed with people, business is being transacted and their is a
happy and cheerful feeling.
The high spot in your radio talk was its directness and also the 100%
American language you used. Please keep it up.
I think our country is again united-all except a few people who would still ride
in horse cars.
I talked to lawyers, brokers elevator men doctors janitors and the comment is
the same in all quarters concerning your talk on the banks. All say-fine, just
fine.
One old janitor said "I know everything he talks about, even my boy could
understand, no foolish words but all good plain talk, and our president is
already helping the people."
We are all catching the spirit of your courage and optomism-as we cannot
have one quality without the other.
Very truly yours
Chester E. Bruns--One of the average citizens,
Chicago, IL
March 15, 1933
Dear President Roosevelt:
. . . In your ten minute radio talk Sunday Night you said more than Mr.
Hoover did in four years, and although you have culture, aristocratic breeding
and wealth you have one priceless gift, that of reaching out to the "common
people" with a deep sympathy and understanding, that goes into their hearts
and you can talk their language and when you talked banking you talked
banking so all could understand.
Even hide bound Republicans are saying "Roosevelt will be one of the
greatest presidents this nation has ever known". So you will be if you do not
over work. We framed your picture that was used for the cover of a recent
Literary Digest. It hangs on the wall in our very humble home and we are very
proud of it. . . .
Some fault finders say "America has a King". Well if America has a King we
must have needed one, and thank heaven we have a good one in our Franklin
Roosevelt. You are too burdened with duties, do not think I expect you to
answer this. I only wished to write you some things that are over flowing the
heart and mind of one of the common people.
With sincere wishes for your success in your wonderful plans for the good of
this whole nation and hoping you will keep quite well and fit for all the
strenous duties you are facing I am
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Paul H. Russell
Haskell, Okla.
March 13, 1933
My dear Mr. Roosevelt:
The fact that I voted for the Socialist candidate in the last election should
make this note all the more of a tribute. Your speech on the radio, Sunday
night, March 12 made me feel, first, that the main reason you wanted the job
of our chief executive in this most trying period of the world's history was
because you wished the opportunity to help; second, that one should be
thankful to be an American; third, that at the end of four years, in the same
breath with the name of Abraham Lincoln, we shall mention that of Franklin
D. Roosevelt.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Harrow
New York, N. Y.