Autograph Letter Signed / Print Signed

This Virginia artist is often remembered for his naval and battle scenes, and in 1957 designed the U.S. Post Office's "International Naval Review" three-cent stamp. ALS, 1p, 8½" X 11", Arlington, VA, 18 May 1970. Addressed to "Mr. J." Near fine. Gracious and handsomely penned note to an admirer transmitting "The blue sheet [which] is a copy of my original art which was used for P.O. dept approvals and as a guide for the stamp engraver. About 50 of these were printed, of which I have about 7 left...." Boldly written in blue ballpoint and signed at the close. The aforementioned "blue sheet" -- a proof copy -- is present, 10½" X 6½", n.p., n.y. Near fine. Printed entirely in blue on fine stock, it is an enlarged view of the "International Naval Review" stamp (Scott #1091 for you philatelists), which is an aerial view of an aircraft carrier at right and at left a small map of Hampton Roads with a circular "Jamestown Festival / 1607-1957" logo above it. On the blank lower margin, Genders signs boldly in blue ballpoint, adding "Designer." A great content letter discussing the artist's only USPS work and scarce 1957 proof copy of this same stamp -- incredibly unusual.