TR Thanks Artist Henry Reuterdahl For His Services to the Nation

Henry Reuterdahl was an artist choosen by President Roosevelt to accompany the Great White Fleet in 1907 and document the voyage on canvas.  His work was widely published in many books and magazines, and his ability to capture everyday events quickly and effectively made him ideal for this mission. Reuterdahl enlisted as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy during World War I, but remains best known for his paintings for recruiting posters and Navy warships.

Typed Letter Signed on his Metropolitan Magazine letterhead, New York, July 23, 1917, to Reuterdahl, praising Americanism in general and the artist’s contributions in particular. “I am really interested in those letters of Little’s – which I received as written by you, “without prejudice,” as our legal friends say. If you write to Mr. Little tell him for me that he is the kind of an American in whom I believe. I am mighty pleased that you are a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve. No man has done better work for the American Navy, my dear fellow, than you have done during the last few years. As your fellow American, I thank you.” The Little mentioned here was Arthur W. Little, publisher of Pearson’s Magazine