Lot 114

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Description:

Wilson letter as President WWI "German Ships which we took over"

1p typed, measuring 7" x 8.875", Washington, D.C., dated January 26, 1918. Signed "Woodrow Wilson" and addressed to Hon. Edward N. Hurley on the U.S. Shipping Board. Wilson writes about captured German ships. On White House stationery, marked "Confidential", and with notations in pencil, possibly in Hurley's hand. With flattened mail folds and small punch holes at the top edge. Light uneven toning and soiling. Bold signature.

In part:

"…The electrical welding accomplished such wonders in the rapid repair of the extensive injuries done to the German ships which we took over that I can easily see its use might be almost indefinitely extended."

The repair of sabotaged German ships in New York Harbor highlighted the first use of welding on ships the Germans tried to destroy by tampering with the ship boilers. A team of engineers from a railroad company was tasked with the repair of over 100 ships which would lead to these repaired ships being used to deliver some 500,000 troops to the European War in France. The success of the weld repairs catapulted welding to the war effort for manufacturing and repair, and President Woodrow Wilson would establish The United States Wartime Welding Committee of the Emergency Fleet Corporation in 1919.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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May 31, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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