ASSOCIATE JUSTICE WILLIAM O. DOUGLAS - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/22/1947 - HFSID 79591

WILLIAM O. DOUGLAS
The Supreme Court justice sends a typed letter of regret that he needs to change his plans, but appreciates the hotel reservations nonetheless
Typed Letter signed: "W O Douglas" in black ink as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, 1p, 8x10½. Washington, D. C., 1947 February 22. Addressed to Mr. Robert Pentland, Jr., Pentland, Purvis, Keller & Millen, Miami, Florida. Written to "Dear Mr. Pentland". In full: "My brother, Arthur, has telephoned me telling me of your kindness in arranging a reservation for me at Miami Beach at the Hollywood Beach Hotel, February 24th and 25th. I appreciate your kindness more than I can say. When I talked with Art about my Florida trip a couple of weeks ago, I thought I would have the time to take an extra few days and visit in Miami. But the schedule of work here has made it necessary for me to cut short my trip, so I am going down to Orlando and back without any opportunity to get down to Miami. I am very sorry indeed as I had looked forward with pleasure to spending some time with you. I have often heard my brother speak of you. You were very kind to make the reservation for me. I hope I have not put you to any trouble or inconvenience./ Please extend also to Mr. Wright my keen regrets at not being able to have dinner with him and you and your wife on the night of the 25th. Yours faithfully," William Orville Douglas (1898-1980) served as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1937 to 1939, during which time President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed him Associate Justice of the Supreme Court to succeed Louis D. Brandeis. Justice Douglas's service on the Court totaled 36 years and seven months, longer than any other justice up until that point. He retired in November 1975 and died five years later at the age of 81. He was strongly libertarian in his opinions, distrustful of establishments of all types, and considered himself a voice for the voiceless and powerless. Horizontal fold runs through entire length of signature. Lightly soiled.Otherwise, fine condition.