1901 Edward H. Strobel ALS to Harvard Historian Albert B. Hart Foreign Policy For Sale

Original handwritten 1901 autograph letter signed by Edward Henry Strobel (1855–1908), American diplomat, international-law scholar, and Harvard professor, written to noted Harvard historian Albert Bushnell Hart (1854–1943).

Dated November 12, 1901 from 41 Irving Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts, the note thanks Professor Hart for sending Strobel a copy of Hart’s newly published book, The Foundations of American Foreign Policy, and states that he intends to read it “with very great interest.”

This is an especially appealing Harvard association piece, linking two prominent members of Harvard’s intellectual community whose careers centered on diplomacy, international law, American history, and foreign affairs.

41 Irving St.
Cambridge, Nov. 12, 1901

Dear Professor Hart:

I thank you for your kindness in sending me a copy of your book, “Foundations of American Foreign Policy,” and I shall read it with very great interest.

Sincerely yours,
Edward H. Strobel

Prof. A. B. Hart

Edward Henry Strobel (1855–1908) was an American diplomat, lawyer, international-law scholar, and Harvard professor.

A Harvard graduate, Strobel went on to serve in several important diplomatic and governmental roles, including Third Assistant Secretary of State and U.S. diplomatic posts in Ecuador and Chile. He later returned to Harvard, where he became Bemis Professor of International Law.

Strobel’s career ultimately took on an international dimension far beyond the United States. He became closely involved in the foreign affairs of Siam, modern-day Thailand, serving as an adviser to the Siamese government during a period when the kingdom was negotiating its position among competing European colonial powers.

His academic and diplomatic background makes this letter particularly appropriate in subject matter, as he is acknowledging Hart’s newly published work on American foreign policy.

Albert Bushnell Hart (1854–1943) was one of the most prominent American historians of his generation and a major figure in the development of professional historical scholarship at Harvard.

Hart spent much of his career at Harvard University, where he taught American history and government and became especially known for his work on U.S. political institutions, diplomacy, and constitutional development.

He authored and edited numerous important historical works and later served as president of both the American Historical Association and the American Political Science Association.

His The Foundations of American Foreign Policy, published in 1901, examined the historical development of American diplomacy, expansion, territorial policy, and the Monroe Doctrine. This letter was written in the same year the book appeared and appears to acknowledge a presentation or complimentary copy sent directly by Hart to Strobel.

What makes this letter especially desirable is the strong relationship between sender, recipient, institution, and subject:

• Strobel was a Harvard professor of international law and former U.S. diplomat.
• Hart was a leading Harvard historian of American government and diplomacy.
• The letter specifically concerns Hart’s newly published book on American foreign policy.
• Both men were deeply connected to Harvard’s turn-of-the-century study of government, law, diplomacy, and international affairs.

It is therefore more than a simple autograph—it is a compact piece of Harvard, diplomatic, and intellectual history from two notable scholars working in closely related fields.

Original period handwritten letter on plain paper. Shows expected age toning and light handling wear consistent with a document more than 120 years old. Please review the photographs carefully for exact condition, handwriting, edges, and any minor marks or imperfections.

A strong addition to a collection of Harvard University history, American diplomacy, international law, presidential-era foreign policy, Siam/Thailand history, or important American scholars and diplomats.