TRUMAN LETTER TO HAP ARNOLD REGARDING CALIFORNIA'S 'BEAR FLAG REPUBLIC' CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. ...

TRUMAN LETTER TO HAP ARNOLD REGARDING CALIFORNIA'S 'BEAR FLAG REPUBLIC' CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. TRUMAN, HARRY S. 1884-1972. Typed Letter Signed ('Harry S. Truman'), to General H.H. 'Hap' Arnold politely declining to attend the Bear Flag Republic Centennial, 1 p, 4to, Washington, DC, June 5, 1946, on mint green White House stationery, light creasing, otherwise fine, with original transmittal envelope. Provenance: estate of General H.H. 'Hap' Arnold; sold Bonhams & Butterfield, Fine Books & Manuscripts, March 23, 2004, lot 8151. Truman sends this uncharacteristically flowery letter declining Arnold's invitation to participate in the Centennial. In part: 'I wish it were possible for me to accept your kind invitation to attend the one hundredth anniversary of the raising of the Bear Flag and the establishment of the California Bear Flag Republic on Sonoma Plaza June 14, 1846. / As you can readily understand, the unremitting pressure of official duties holds me pretty close to Washington these days. But I shall always treasure the invitation as a souvenir of the 'Valley of Many Moons' and the happiness and enchantment that linger perpetually in such a favored domain.' The California Republic or 'Bear Flag Republic' was an unrecognized breakaway state from Mexico established for 25 days in 1846 when American settlers took over a Mexican garrison north of San Francisco. The Bear Flag Republic ceased to exist when U.S. troops arrived and raised the U.S. flag over the garrison on July 9. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing