ASSOCIATE JUSTICE FELIX FRANKFURTER - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 01/21/1930 - HFSID 88905

FELIX FRANKFURTER
The law professor and future U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice writes to noted American historian and author Evarts B. Greene regarding "'a definite plan of action' as a result of our conference in New York."
Typed Letter Signed: "Felix Frankfurter", 1p, 8x10½. Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1930 January 21. On letterhead of Law School of Harvard University to Professor Evarts B. Greene, Fayerweather Hall, Columbia University. In full: "You are kind enough indeed to ask me to serve on the committee 'to formulate a definite plan of action' as a result of our conference in New York. Since it is your judgment that I can be of use in the initiatory stages of the enterprise you have in hand, I, of course, consent. However, in view of my prior obligations, which are particularly heavy this year, I can undertake to serve only in view of your kind assurance that the procedure which you have in mind will not exact much time. May I say that the almost intangible assertion of your own wise support made possible the general precipitation of you which finally seemed to prevail. Very sincerely yours". Typed postscript: "P.S. I deem it, of course, highly appropriate that Dr. Morris should act as secretary." American historian and author EVARTS BOUTELL GREEN, who joined the faculty of Columbia University in 1923, was named the first De Witt Clinton Professor of History at the institution, where he served as department chairman from 1926 until his retirement in 1939 (the year that Frankfurter was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court). The author of a number of historical works, in 1929, the year before this letter, Greene had published, with RICHARD M. MORRIS, A Guide to the Principal Sources for Early American History (1600-1800) in the City of New York. Greene was the great-great-grandson of U.S. "Founding Father" Roger Sherman. FELIX FRANKFURTER (1882-1965), who would serve as an Associate Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1939-1962, was a member of the Harvard Law School faculty from 1914-1939. His liberal reputation was derived from his many involvements: Frankfurter helped found the American Civil Liberties Union in 1920, and he actively supported the Zionist movement and labor unions. Frankfurter also served as advisor to President Woodrow Wilson at the Paris Peace Conference (1919) and advised Franklin D. Roosevelt during both his governorship and presidency. FDR appointed Frankfurter to the Supreme Court in 1939. While on the Court, Frankfurter emphasized the Court's function to base all opinions on constitutional law rather than personal opinion. Lightly creased with folds, not at signature. Two paper clip rust stains at blank left margin. Lightly shaded at blank left edge. Fine condition.