Franklin D. Roosevelt typed letter signed as President, dated 13 February 1937 on White House stationery. Roosevelt writes to Tennessee jurist and Chancellor Robert Boyte Crawford Howell, in part, ''I have read with a great deal of interest your letter of February eight. It is indeed most pleasing to have your word of approval...[signed] Franklin D. Roosevelt''. Signed by FDR in black fountain pen.

Roosevelt introduced the Judicial Procedures Reform Bill of 1937 (aka the ''court-packing plan'') on 5 February, three days before Howell's letter. It sought to expand the number of Supreme Court justices in order to obtain favorable rulings for his New Deal legislation, much of which had been stymied by the Court during his first term. The bill ultimately failed although FDR eventually appointed eight new justices more inclined to his political views. Letter on bifolium stationery measures 7'' x 8.875''. Single fold, paperclip impression to top left and light toning. Overall in very good to near fine condition.