Charles A. Lindbergh Letter Confirming Design Responsibility for Spirit of St. Louis (1933)

Typed letter signed by Charles A. Lindbergh to Donald A. Hall Sr. confirming Hall as sole designer of the Spirit of St. Louis. — Charles A. Lindbergh Letter Confirming Design Responsibility for Spirit of St. Louis (1933) · Donald A. Hall Estate Collection

One of the most consequential primary historical documents in American aviation history, this typed letter was written and hand-signed by Charles A. Lindbergh to Donald A. Hall Sr. on July 6, 1933. Addressing Hall at Lindbergh Field in San Diego, Lindbergh delivers an unequivocal declaration regarding the Ryan NYP: "In regard to your designing ability; there is no question in my mind about that nor has there been since you designed the 'Spirit of Saint Louis'. I have never heard any question about your being responsible for the design of the Spirit of Saint Louis and I believe I made that clear in 'We'." Lindbergh offers to serve as a personal reference to anyone questioning Hall's authorship, discusses submitting Hall's aircraft designs to Pan American Airways, mentions Major Reuben Fleet, and urges Hall to maintain close collaboration with Donald Douglas.