May 23, 1945
Dear Claude:
With great personal regret I am accepting your resignation as Secretary of Agriculture to
take effect on the appointment and qualification of your successor.
You have served more than four years in that office. During that time the agricultural output of the
United States reached unprecedented levels. Under your administration the farmers of the nation
have performed miracles of production of foods and fibres which did so much to win the war in
Europe and to place us on the road to victory in the Pacific.
It is a record from which, I am sure, you must derive much satisfaction and pride.
On behalf of our Government, I desire to thank you for your patriotic and devoted service.
I also wish to thank you for consenting to remain in government as the Administrator of the Rural
Electrification Administration. The work of this agency means much for the comfort and efficiency
of our rural dwellers. I am delighted that it will be in the hands of one who has so competently and
tirelessly worked for their welfare.
As problems arise in the field of agriculture, I expect to call upon you for advice and assistance.
Very sincerely yours,
HARRY S. TRUMAN
NOTE: Secretary Wickard served from September 5, 1940, through June 29, 1945. His letter of
resignation, dated April 17, 1945, was released with the President's reply.
Dear Claude:
With great personal regret I am accepting your resignation as Secretary of Agriculture to
take effect on the appointment and qualification of your successor.
You have served more than four years in that office. During that time the agricultural output of the
United States reached unprecedented levels. Under your administration the farmers of the nation
have performed miracles of production of foods and fibres which did so much to win the war in
Europe and to place us on the road to victory in the Pacific.
It is a record from which, I am sure, you must derive much satisfaction and pride.
On behalf of our Government, I desire to thank you for your patriotic and devoted service.
I also wish to thank you for consenting to remain in government as the Administrator of the Rural
Electrification Administration. The work of this agency means much for the comfort and efficiency
of our rural dwellers. I am delighted that it will be in the hands of one who has so competently and
tirelessly worked for their welfare.
As problems arise in the field of agriculture, I expect to call upon you for advice and assistance.
Very sincerely yours,
HARRY S. TRUMAN
NOTE: Secretary Wickard served from September 5, 1940, through June 29, 1945. His letter of
resignation, dated April 17, 1945, was released with the President's reply.