Calvin Coolidge writing to his father from the White House: December 20, 1923.

Coolidge encloses two letters, but only the one about John survives. The enclosed letter is from John’s English teacher at Mercersburg Academy, Archibald Rutledge. Rutledge was born in South Carolina. He refers to himself as “the worst sort of a Democrat—a Southern one” and will go on to serve as the poet laureate of South Carolina. Rutledge comments on John’s high marks in English and intimates that he intends to vote for Coolidge in 1924.

Coolidge indicated that he did indeed read the letter, writing, “Thanks / C” in pencil. Coolidge’s signature is cut from the letter and may have been given away as a souvenir after his death. A Coolidge letter from 1930 is also missing its signature with John Coolidge writing in pencil, “Gave Father’s signature to Kenneth R. Cole, 4-7-36.”