Typed Letter Signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt as Acting Secretary of the Navy, Amidst the Demobilization That Followed World War I, Recalls a Naval Officer to Temporary Active Duty

Roosevelt served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy from March 17, 1913 – August 26, 1920 throughout World War I. He directed much of military operations. If the Navy Secretary, Jospehus Daniels, was away from Washington Roosevelt would become Acting Secretary. He and Daniels supervised the demobilization of naval troops after the war as shown here, and later then President Roosevelt appointed Daniels Ambassador to Mexico.

Typed Letter Signed, letterhead of the Navy Department, Washington, May 14, 1919, to Lt. Commander Richard S. Russell of Boston ,recalling him to active duty. “1. You are hereby recalled to active duty; will report to the Commandant of the First Naval District; for special active duty. 2. Upon the completion of this temporary duty you will regard yourself detached; will proceed to your home and regard yourself relieved from all active duty. 3. Advise the Bureau of Navigation immediately upon your arrival home, giving the date thereof, and also your full address.” With a stamped receipt from the Commandant dated May 19 and signed by an aide. On the verso is a note signed by the Commandant, G.G. Mitchell forwarding the letter.