Typed Note Signed / Unsigned Photograph

Secretary of War Harry H. Woodring's Assistant Secretary of War (1937-40) felt betrayed when President Roosevelt didn't appoint him to the cabinet after Woodring's resignation in 1940 -- but when President Truman's first Secretary of Defense (James V. Forrestal) resigned in 1948 he became this country's second Secretary of Defense in 1949, only serving until 1950, when he resigned and paved the way for the illustrious George C. Marshall. TNS, 1p, 7" X 9", Washington, DC, 1938 March 29. Addressed to Arnold F. Gates (1914-93), noted Lincoln and Civil War scholar. Very good. On "The Assistant Secretary of War" letterhead, Johnson transmits to an admirer "a copy of my Armistice Day speech at Arlington...." Boldly signed in blue ink. Accompanied by a superb glossy 9" X 7" black and white news agency photograph depicting President Truman seated at a large table with four others and five standing behind. Original mimeographed paper label neatly affixed to verso, dated 12 February 1950, titles this scene "President Hears Report from Joint Chiefs" and describes it: "The Joint Chiefs of Staff, who returned Friday night from an inspection of the Far East... are shown as they reported to President Truman and defense department heads at the White House yesterday...." Johnson is seated next to a smiling Truman. A fine pair.