When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Edwin Denby - Teapot Dome figure - Historic Letter Signed as Navy Sec\'y
Edwin Denby (1870-1929) served as Secretary of the Navy in the administrations of Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge from 1921-1924.
Previously a Congressional representative from Michigan, Denby was appointed Secretary of the Navy in 1921.
Interior Secretary Albert Fall later persuaded Denby to transfer oil leases controlled by the Navy to the Department of the Interior.
Fall later sold the leases to his friends, resulting in the Teapot Dome scandal. Denby resigned his cabinet position in disgrace in 1924.
In this historic letter, Denby writes to a supporter: \"It is gratifying indeed to know that you believe in me, and I greatly appreciate your expressions of confidence. I have resigned and the President has accepted my resignation, but I shall fight on for the real objective - the protection of the Government\'s interest and my own.\"
The letter is on Secretary of the Navy letterhead, with an embossed Naval flag Denby served as Secretary of the Navy until March 10, 1924.
Although this letter is dated February 25, 1924 the envelope -- also included -- is postmarked March 10. Denby must have been planning his resignation, but held off mailing this letter until the deed was father was a bibliophile who collected rare books, letters, and ephemera for more than 60 years.
For now and into the foreseeable future, we will be listing rare paper items from his estate.
Take a look at all our items for sale. We combine shipping.
