LAURENCE (LAWRENCE) RICHEY - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 10/04/1929 - HFSID 79257

LAURENCE RICHEY
As Secretary to President Hoover, he acknowledges receipt of a letter and drawing
Typed Letter signed: "Laurence Richey" as Secretary to the President , 1 page, 6¼x9¼. The White House, Washington, 1929 October 4. On White House letterhead to Stephen Biggs, New York City, in full: "This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of October 2nd to the President and to thank you for your courtesy in sending him the accompanying drawing. Sincerely yours". Laurence Ritchey (1885-1959), a journalist and Secret Service Agent, was a longtime associate and confidante of Herbert Hoover, dating from Hoover's food relief work for in Europe (1917-1919) to the Hoover Commission on economy in government (1953-1955). He was assistant curator of the Hoover Library at Stanford (1933-1941). During Hoover's Presidency, Richey was one of three private secretaries to President Hoover, and the one with greatest influence. He clashed with George Akerson, another private secretary charged with what today would be called the duties of the Press Secretary, with Akerson wanting Hoover to make more public appearances and be more available. Reportedly, Richey sought to shield the President from unwelcome intrusions. Richey died on a plane returning to Washington from New York City (December 27, 1959), having spent Christmas with the former President, as was his custom. He has signed "Laurence" here and elsewhere, yet the typed text (and many print references) spell his name "Lawrence". Normal mailing folds. Creased and toned. Edges and corners lightly worn and soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.