BOSTON, MASS.- A rare, early presidential letter signed in full by Dwight D. Eisenhower, addressed to the graduating class of the United States Military Academy, sold for $41,250 according to Boston-based RR Auction.

President Eisenhower's exceedingly rare signed in full, sent to the 1953 graduating class of the United States Military Academy at West Point, penned neatly on his personal stationery and dated to January 25, 1953, just five days into his new role as the nation's chief executive. Included with the handwritten letter is a transmittal from Eisenhower dated three days prior on January 22nd, forwarding his dedication to Cadet James G. Donahue, then editor of the USMA yearbook, the Howitzer.

Eisenhower's handwritten dedication letter, in full: "To the Class of 1953: As one who has proudly worn the cadet gray and had the privilege, which is now yours, of pinning on the insignia of a 2nd Lieutenant, I am deeply appreciative of the honor you have paid me in the dedication of this edition of the Howitzer. I am sure that among all those distinguished Americans who have served in the Presidency, few could have felt the same intensity of personal satisfaction that I shall experience in commissioning in the service of the United States a graduating class of the Military Academy. Few of them could have had an inkling of your thoughts and emotions at the last parade on the Plain; few could feel with the heart-stirring climax of four long and arduous years. On the other hand, I am doubly sure that few would have expected from you as much as I do-for I know your mettle, I know what you can do. God speed and good wishes to each of you."

Written less than a week into his presidency, this letter carves out a singularly unique place in the history of Dwight D. Eisenhower, forming a bridge between his formative early days as a West Point cadet and his ascendancy to the nation's highest office.

“Because modern Presidents rarely sat down to write out letters by hand, they are highly desirable to collectors,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive VP at RR Auction. “This is only the fourth Eisenhower written as President that we know to exist.”

Additional highlights from the sale include, but are not limited by:

 James A. Garfield signed letter as President on Executive Mansion letterhead sold for $25,770.

• Thomas Jefferson Revolutionary War-dated signed letter sold for $24,956.

• John F. Kennedy 10K Gold Benrus Watch gifted to a member of his presidential campaign staff sold for $20,896.

• Franklin D. Roosevelt signed letter as President settling 'the shortest coal strike on record' sold for $20,619.

• Andrew Jackson six-page signed letter—his opening salvo in the prelude to a duel sold for $18,716.

• Lyndon B. Johnson signed check as President sold for $16,217.

• James A. Garfield signed handwritten telegram as President sold for $13,753.

The U.S. President's auction from RR Auction began on January 13 and concluded on February 17.