Benjamin Strong Jr. to Russell Cornell Leffingwell
Title
Benjamin Strong Jr. to Russell Cornell Leffingwell
Creator
Strong, Benjamin, 1872-1928
Identifier
WWP18654
Date
1919 May 26
Description
Benjamin Strong Jr. writes Russell C. Leffingwell regarding the close of the fifth Liberty Loan campaign.
Source
Benjamin Strong Jr. Papers, New York Federal Reserve Bank
Language
English
Text
Dear Russell:
This letter is not intended to be answered while you are at Lake George, but I am using that address so that it may be kept out of your office files in Washington and torn up after reading, if that is the proper disposition to make of it.
There is no doubt that the conclusion of the Fifth Loan is accompanied by the complete disintegration of the Liberty Loan Organization in this district. The only way in which that organization has been possible of creation and operation is by having men of the highest order in charge of the various divisions, to whom a great deal of responsibility could be delegated. Those men have finished their work and will return to their respective offices, practically all of them having been volunteers.
Considering the program of the future in the light of this fact, I have it strongly in mind that what we need more than anything else is the right man to take charge of the business from now on as a paid employe, and I am considering who the man should be. I was told a while ago that Lewis Franklin would not return to the Guaranty Trust Company, and that he contemplated winding up his office in the Treasury pretty soon. Might it not be possible for him to transfer to this bank, in some responsible position, in charge of this whole operation.
That is one suggestion I have had in mind in regard to the future - another relates to Mr. Hornor of Wm. A. Read & Company, who had charge of our Metropolitan Canvass Organization in the Fifth Loan. He impressed me most favorably, and while he could not be secured permanently, he might be a very valuable man for you in case Franklin did leave. I had it in mind to suggest for him a limited period service in some capacity in the Treasury. He is essentially a bond salesman, but a very good organizer, and is a partner in the firm mentioned.
Won’t you turn these things over in your mind and let me know the result of your cogitations?
Faithfully yours,
Honorable RC Leffingwell
"Cluneden",
Lake George, NY
This letter is not intended to be answered while you are at Lake George, but I am using that address so that it may be kept out of your office files in Washington and torn up after reading, if that is the proper disposition to make of it.
There is no doubt that the conclusion of the Fifth Loan is accompanied by the complete disintegration of the Liberty Loan Organization in this district. The only way in which that organization has been possible of creation and operation is by having men of the highest order in charge of the various divisions, to whom a great deal of responsibility could be delegated. Those men have finished their work and will return to their respective offices, practically all of them having been volunteers.
Considering the program of the future in the light of this fact, I have it strongly in mind that what we need more than anything else is the right man to take charge of the business from now on as a paid employe, and I am considering who the man should be. I was told a while ago that Lewis Franklin would not return to the Guaranty Trust Company, and that he contemplated winding up his office in the Treasury pretty soon. Might it not be possible for him to transfer to this bank, in some responsible position, in charge of this whole operation.
That is one suggestion I have had in mind in regard to the future - another relates to Mr. Hornor of Wm. A. Read & Company, who had charge of our Metropolitan Canvass Organization in the Fifth Loan. He impressed me most favorably, and while he could not be secured permanently, he might be a very valuable man for you in case Franklin did leave. I had it in mind to suggest for him a limited period service in some capacity in the Treasury. He is essentially a bond salesman, but a very good organizer, and is a partner in the firm mentioned.
Won’t you turn these things over in your mind and let me know the result of your cogitations?
Faithfully yours,
Honorable RC Leffingwell
"Cluneden",
Lake George, NY
Original Format
Letter
To
Leffingwell, R. C. (Russell Cornell), 1878-1960
Files
Collection
Citation
Strong, Benjamin, 1872-1928, “Benjamin Strong Jr. to Russell Cornell Leffingwell,” 1919 May 26, WWP18654, Benjamin Strong Jr. Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.