Woodrow Wilson 1917 Typed Letter Signed as President - The Creation of the Port Authority in New York

28th President. Two-page typed letter signed “Woodrow Wilson” AS PRESIDENT, October 11, 1917, The White House Washington stationery, to Edward Hurley as Chairman of the United States Shipping Board, in full:

I recently had an occasion to discuss with the New York, New Jersey Port and Harbor Development Commission the important purposes for which they were constituted a joint commission, and I suggested to them that it would be very beneficial if they could be guided in their study of projects and development by the best opinion of the departments of the Federal Government chiefly concerned. I, therefore, suggested to them that I arrange, if it was agreeable to you, a conference between their board and the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Navy, and the Chairman of the Shipping Board.

I would be very much obliged if you would let me know whether it would be agreeable and convenient for you to be present at and take part in such a conference, because I know how much pressed you are by duties of all sorts, and I would also like a suggestion from you as to what would be the most convenient time in the early future.

In 1917, the legislatures and governors of New York and New Jersey formed the New York-New Jersey Port and Harbor Development Commission with the aim of coordinating responses to the various problems concerning the Port of New York. The result of the Commission's work was the creation of the Port Compact, an agreement between New York and New Jersey to create the Port Authority, signed by representatives of both States on May 1, 1921.

File holes at top of both sheets, mailing fold, handling wear.