Mar 31, 2001, The B. H. Manuscript/Collectible/Philatelic Sale, Sale 9
Lot 573
Garfield, James A.
Autograph Letter Signed (" JA Garfield"). On a single, octavo
sheet, Mentor, Ohio, September 6, 1880. In black ink. To Mr. J H Manson of
Bingham, New York. Two horizontal folds, two pinholes at upper center edge,
mat burns, and light-staining at left edge. Overall, in good to very good
condition.
While remaining at his home in Mentor, Ohio to campaign
for his recent Presidential nomination, Garfield responds to an inquiry:
"I regret that I have not a copy of the Poland Report referred ... in
your letter of Sept 4th. It is out of print and can only be procured at
second hand book stores. I have addressed a letter to the Sec'y of State in
regard to the 'Fisberry' matter."
Estimated Value $500-600.
Lot 574
[Garfield, James A.].
Printed Speech & Program - Hiram College. Twenty-two pages, octavo,
Cleveland, published by Fairbanks, Benedict and Co., June 14, 1867. Printed
transcript outlining Garfield's views on education. Garfield attended Hiram
College (then known as the Western Reserve Eclectic Institute), graduated
from Williams College, then returned to the academy at Hiram as a teacher
and later as its President. Enlightened writing, interesting reading. In
very good condition.
In part: "... In brief, the student should
study himself, his relations to society, to nature, and to art - and above
all, in all through all these, he should study the relations of himself,
society, nature and art, to God, the Author of them all... And finally
Young Gentlemen, learn to cultivate a wise self-reliance, based not on what
you hope, but on what you perform..."
Estimated Value $125-200.
Lot 575
[Garfield, James A.].
Printed Offset of Speech. Eight pages, octavo, Washington DC, January
28, 1864. Being one of Garfield's earliest speeches, delivered as a Member
of Congress, on the floor of the House of Representatives. Yellowing due to
age, with some foxing and small tears along edges. In very good condition
overall.
Here, Garfield argues for confiscation of the property of
rebels. Appealing to British Common Law, as well as precedents set by the
American government during and since the Revolutionary War, he argues that
the rebels have forfeited certain property rights.
Documents of
this type were rarely published in large numbers, as the cost in time and
overhead to manually copy the tracts was prohibitive. Even today, in the
age of word processors and photocopiers, Members of Congress rarely produce
speech transcripts for public consumption - rather they are made available
primarily to key constituents as proof of their activity and productivity.
Estimated Value $125-200.
Lot 576
Grant, Ulysses S.
18th President of the United States, 1869-1877.
Autograph
Letter Signed ("US Grant"). As President. Two pages with integral
blank, octavo, Long Branch, New Jersey, July 24, 1873. On Grant's blind
embossed stationery. To Secretary of the Treasury George S. Boutwell. In
black ink. With two horizontal folds, light soiling along fold. In fine
condition.
As his administration was continually plagued with
controversy, Grant it appears, makes an effort at reform, imploring his
Secretary of Treasury to comply with a New York commissioner in the midst
of the scandal involving the Union Pacific Railroad that had been linked to
a company of his Congressmen:"Enclosed I send you memorandum left by
Col. Davenport, United States Commissioner for New York City, of a detail
which he requests made and which I told him he should have ... You are no
doubt aware of the eminent services of Col. Davenport in the work of reform
in New York City. He is still continuing in that labor and I hope it may be
practical to gratify him in this request..."
Estimated Value
$1,500-2,000.
Lot 577
Harding, Florence
(1860-1924). Wife of Warren G. Harding, 29th President, she dedicated
all her energy to her husband's political career and upon his election, she
threw herself into the job of First Lady, maintaining a full social
calender and opening the White House to the public.
Autograph
Letter Signed ("Florence Kling Harding"). Three pages, octavo,
Marion, Ohio, October 13, 1923. On black bordered mourning stationery. To
Major Baldinger, Washington D.C. With mourning envelope in her hand,
bearing a 2 cent President Harding stamp. Mailing folds with nominal edge
separation at center. Otherwise in fine to very fine
condition.
Written just two months after President Harding's death,
this letter finds Mrs. Harding trying to clear up loose ends, with the help
of an aide in Washington: "...I suggest you hold all of my files until I
come to Washington which will be very soon now. AS soon as I have decided
where I am going to stay I will have them all sent there to go through
them. Did Miss Harlan give you that telegraph bill? I am very sure I am not
doing any telegraphing...at the present time...See if you can sell my Loco,
for really I ought to have a closed car...Please thank Mr. Rockwell for
sending me the stamps - tell him I have used them long ago and a number of
hundred since then...I am In haste, Florence Kling Harding...Tell me whats
going on."
Estimated Value $500-700.
Lot 578
Harrison, Mary Lord
(1858-1948). Second wife of Benjamin Harrison, 23rd President, she
maintained a lifelong interest in politics and was active in the Republican
Party for many years.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Mary Lord
Harrison"). Four pages, octavo, New York, March 26, 1938. On
personalized stationery. To George Luter. One horizontal mailing fold,
otherwise fine condition.
At almost 80, Mrs. Harrison kept up a busy
schedule of political meetings, social events and charitable causes. Our
letter finds her replying to an autograph request and reminiscing about a
reception at Benjamin Harrison School. She notes that her home has been
restored and issues an invitation: "...I hope to see you the next time I
go out to Indianapolis, so if you hear I am there, come and see me..."
A very gracious letter from a grand dame of American politics.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 579
Harrison, William
Henry. 9th President of the United States, 1841.
Autograph
Letter Signed ("W H. Harrison"). One page, quarto, Cincinnati, 16
July, 1833. Letter bears moderate age-toning throughout, with two tiny
areas of paper loss at left edge and one at right center, and occasional
stains on its margins. Boldly penned and signed. Good
condition.
Written while Harrison was devoting most of his energies
to running his farm in North Bend and attempting to repair his financial
position, damaged by his assuming responsibility for the unpaid debts of
his sons William and Symmes and of Cincinnati friends, this letter offers a
look at the concerns of an industrious farmer. Harrison had returned three
years earlier from Bogota, Columbia, where he had served as Minister
Plenipotentiary, an appointment he had sought largely for financial
reasons. Soon after arriving, however, President Jackson had him recalled.
This letter was written in the quiet turmoil before the Presidential storm
that would catapult him into office three years later, during Harrison's
brief return to private life, and is concerned with agricultural and
financial matters. Addressed, "My dear sir," the letter reads, in
part:
"I delayed sending my wool to you to forward to
Phil[adelphia] in consequence of my meeting with Mr. Walker (of the house
of Clifton & Walker) who told me that he was authorized to purchase the
article for a friend & that he would pay the cash for it. I sent up the
sample & it is only a few days ago that he informed me that his friend
would take the two [ ? ] parcels only for himself but would send on the [?]
he sold on my a/c in Philadelphia. This I of course declined. I missed
sending it up in a keel boat last week & will certainly send it to you in
all this week..."
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.
Lot 580
Hayes, Rutherford B.
19th President of the United States, 1877-1881.
Document Signed
("RB Hayes"). As President. Partially printed, accomplished in
manuscript. One page, quarto, Washington, May 1, 1880. Two horizontal
folds. Docketed verso. Signature slightly smudged, some toning. Condition
is very good to fine.
As Hayes was working to wind up his
administration (having already effectively ended Reconstruction, signed a
bill allowing female lawyers to argue before the Supreme Court and
instituted major civil service reform) he signed this printed copy of a
pardon: "I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to cause the
Seal of the United States to be affixed to" [in manuscript --not Hayes'
hand] "a warrant for the pardon of John J. Martin." Our preliminary
sleuthing has not resulted in any information on Mr. Martin, however this
would be a nice piece to research.
Estimated Value $500-750.
Lot 581
Hoover, Herbert C.
31st President of the United States, 1929-1933.
Typed Letter
Signed ("Herbert Hoover"). One page, quarto, New York, June 25,
1920. On "American Relief Administration" letterhead. In black ink. To Mr.
Kent Perkins, Director of Publicity for Massachusetts. Two horizontal
folds. Otherwise, in fine to very fine condition.
Following World
War One, Hoover sprang into action as a public servant responsible for
relief and reconstruction in the war-ravaged areas of Europe. Gaining a
reputation as "the great humanitarian", in 1920 both Democrats and
Republicans began to consider Hoover as a likely candidate for President.
In the midst of the ensuing debate from which Hoover remained aloof, he
wrote the following letter, stating: "It has indeed been a great honor
to have you feel that I am fitted for the great office of President. The
question as to who wins in these contests is to me of less importance than
that we keep faith in the great issues before us. We shall have years of
great trial in the solution of most difficult questions and, although we
have not had our own way as to the tools for their solution, we have no
less obligation to stand vigorously for the right handling of these
issues."
Estimated Value $850-1,000.
Lot 582
Hoover, Herbert C.
Signed Photo ("Herbert Hoover"). Black and white, 8 x 10", n.p.,
n.d. Inscribed in green ink, "The good wishes of ". Attractively
matted and framed with an identifying plaque for an overall size of 20 x
28". Ink is slightly smeared in the second letter of "Hoover",
otherwise the photo is in very good condition.
With sincere good
wishes, Hoover had promised the American people a "chicken in every pot and
a car in every garage". Unfortunately, seven months after he took office,
the stock market crashed. Regardless, here he inscribes this photo with
genuine regards.
Estimated Value $250-350.
Lot 583
Hoover, Herbert C.
Typed Letter Signed ("Herbert Hoover"). One page, octavo, on
imprinted personal letterhead, n.p., December 10, 1920. To the Reverend
Newell Dwight Hillis. In fine condition overall.
Because the war
had left millions of children undernourished and diseased, Hoover
established the American Relief Administration, a special organization
using $100 million appropriated by Congress for the feeding of children.
Here, he writes: "Dear Dr. Hillis: You probably have already received
request from the Federal Council of Churches and from the New York
Federation of Churches for a special 'Children's Relief Sunday' on December
19th. May I personally urge that you do thus present our appeal to your
people. The need is overwhelming. One dollar actually means food and life
for some child for one month. Faithfully yours, Herbert Hoover."
Estimated Value $150-250.
Lot 584
Jackson, Andrew.
1767-1845, 7th president of the U.S. (1829-37). Jackson helped to draft
the Tennessee constitution and was elected (1796) to the U.S. Congress. He
was the greatest hero of his time and became associated with increased
popular participation in government. This so-called Jacksonian democracy
almost won him the presidency in 1824, but the election ended in the House
of Representatives, with a victory for John Quincy Adams. Jackson was
elected president in 1828 and brought a strong element of personalism to
Washington. His Kitchen Cabinet was powerful, and the Spoils System
developed. Jackson's fight against the Bank of the United States was an
important issue in the election of 1832, in which he defeated Henry Clay.
Autograph Letter Signed ("Andrew Jackson"). As President.
One and a quarter pages, quarto, Washington, November 3, 1832. In black
ink. With three horizontal and two vertical folds, a few splits and
subsequent repairs along folds, light wrinkling. In very good condition
overall.
Though Jackson and his wife Rachel never had children of
their own, in 1809 the couple adopted one of Rachel's relatives. Here,
though obviously busy campaigning for re-election, Jackson extends his
generosity to another relative of his wife, making arrangements for an
associate to look after a visiting nephew: "This will be handed to you
by my young friend & nephew Samuel Donelson, brother of my adopted son,
with whom I wish to make you acquainted, & to ask for him you kind
attention. Mr. Donelson goes to your city to attend the medical lectures,
and whilst there, should he want any funds, please advance them & draw upon
me for the amount. You will find him modest, diffident & retiring, his
morals pure, & habits good..."
Estimated Value $2,500-2,900.
Lot 585
Jackson, Andrew.
Autograph Letter. As President. One page with integral blanks, directed
on the address leaf, octavo, n.p., February 28, 1837. In black ink. To the
Secretary of War Benjamin F. Butler. With two horizontal folds, reinforcing
tape along edge, ink has smeared on three words at right edge, and a
1½" vertical tear to address leaf which does not affect Jackson's
writing. In very good condition overall.
In the early 1800s, Andrew
Jackson appointed Colonel Robert Butler (1786-1860) to be Florida's first
Surveyor General. Here, Jackson requests that the Senate promptly address a
matter pertaining to the Army Colonel, writing in the third person: "The
President with his respects to the Secretary of War brings to his
recollection the case of Col. Robert Butler of Florida if it is proper to
send his name to the Senate, it ought to go up tomorrow, or perhaps today
-- this being the last day of February -- February 28th 1837." Butler,
it seems felt a strong bond with the President, as an archive of his poetry
revealed a eulogy of "Old Hickory" written at the time of his death.
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 586
Jackson, Andrew.
Document Signed ("Andrew Jackson"). As President. Partially
printed, accomplished in manuscript. One page, folio, Washington, D.C.,
November 16, 1830. Being a land grant. On parchment. In black ink. With
original wafer seal affixed at lower left. Framed to an overall size of 26
x 30". Several areas of paper loss around edges, notably just below
Jackson's signature. Likely treated to remove foxing. Still, in good
condition.
In the dawn of his Presidency, Jackson grants a parcel of
land in the city of Cahaba, a town which was once the capital of Alabama
(1820-1826). Unfortunately for Mr. Thomas Mason, the named purchaser,
Cahaba became a ghost town shortly after the Civil War, and is now an
archeological park.
Estimated Value $850-1,250.
Lot 587
Johnson, Andrew.
Manuscript Endorsement Signed ("Andrew Johnson"). As President.
One page, 7 x 7½", Executive Office, June 18, 1865. In black ink.
Stamp affixed to lower right documents that the endorsement was received by
the President on June 17, 1865. Paper has been re-enforced with two
horizontal folds remaining, with toning along folds, adhesive affixed along
folds verso, irregular abrasions that affect the word "with", a few stains,
and general toning. In fair to good condition overall.
In 1865
Johnson become President upon Lincoln's assassination just two months
prior. At this point, though he was in the midst of following Lincoln's
wishes by delicately handling reconstruction, Johnson kept up with military
concerns, signing his name to this endorsement: "Respectfully returned.
Let the muster-out be made with as indicated with the exception of Brig.
Genl. Joseph A. Cooper. Bvt. Maj. Genl. who is on his way to report to Maj.
Genl. Thomas U.S.A." Later, the said Brigadier General Cooper rose to
prominence resulting from his reputation earned during the Civil War.
Estimated Value $1,250-1,500.
Lot 588
Johnson, Lyndon B.
36th President of the United States, 1963-1969.
Typed Letter
Signed ("Lyndon B. Johnson"). One page, large octavo, Washington
D.C., November 4, 1966. One pale green White House stationery. To Honorable
Albert H. Quie. Stapled to a report on the Manila Conference. In fine to
very fine condition.
In an effort to strengthen its military and
non-military programs in Vietnam, the Johnson Administration organized the
Manila Conference October 24 and 25, 1966, to reaffirm the support of South
Vietnam's allies and to push South Vietnam to adopt reform measures
recommended at the Honolulu Conference held earlier that year. Leaders from
Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, South Korea and South
Vietnam were in attendance and the meeting was generally held to have been
a success, with the final communiqué stressing unity of purpose, a
commitment to reform in South Vietnam and the pledge that American combat
forces would be withdrawn six months after North Vietnam ceased
hostilities. Johnson's note to Quie and the accompanying report supply a
Presidential point of view of an ultimately futile effort to end the war in
Vietnam. "...The Manila Conference, I am firmly convinced, was a great
success."
Estimated Value $1,000-1,500.
Lot 589
Johnson, Lyndon B.
Typed Letter Signed ("Lyndon B Johnson"). As President. One
page, octavo, Washington D.C., January 8, 1969. On pale green White House
stationery. To Arthur J. Goldberg. One paperclip stain at top left, faint
horizontal mailing fold. Transmittal envelope included. In very good
condition.
Here we offer a letter of great content, as Johnson
prepares to leave office. Written just a couple of weeks before Nixon's
inauguration, Johnson's letter to Arthur Goldberg reiterates his commitment
to peace: "I was delighted to receive your letter of January 6 with its
strong support for the Non-Proliferation Treaty. It is good to know that
you remain active in foreign policy and fighting for the things in which we
belive. I do not have to tell you how much I would have preferred to see
the Senate act promptly on the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Lady Bird and I
send our very best to you and Dorothy."
Estimated Value $900-1,100.
Lot 590
Johnson, Lyndon B.
Typed Letter Signed ("Lyndon B. Johnson"). One page, octavo,
Washington, D.C., August 9, 1955. On United States Senate stationery. In
black ink. To Hy Gardner of the New York Herald Tribune. One horizontal
fold. In very fine condition overall.
With kind words about Bernard
M. Baruch, Johnson accepts an invitation to a party in Baruch's honor:
"I certainly do want to join in the Herald Tribune's birthday salute to
Bernard M. Baruch. I know of no one more deserving of such tribute and I
certainly hope the occasion is a tremendous success from every standpoint.
For myself I merely wish to say that Mr. Baruch is the man who has done
more than anyone else to point the way to fulfillment of the rich promise
of the twentieth century."
Estimated Value $300-400.
Lot 591
Johnson, Lyndon B.
Typed Letter Signed ("Lyndon B Johnson"). As Vice President. One
page, 9 x 7", Washington D.C., March 7, 1961. On Office of the Vice
President letterhead. To Harold Moskovit. One horizontal and one vertical
slit, both neatly repaired. Letter "J" slightly smudged and there is
a small stain to right of text. Overall in very good condition.
Early in his Vice Presidency, Johnson responds to a recommendation
from a young constituent, New York State President of the Affiliated Young
Democrats, Inc.: "I want to thank you for your good letter and its
recommendation of Congressman Victor L. Anfuso of Brooklyn for appointment
as Ambassador to Israel...I do want President Kennedy and his people to
have your recommendation. Thus, I am telling them of your suggestion. We
are going to need all the talent and experience that can be made available
to the country in the years to come..." Mr. Moskovit's candidate was
not selected -- Walworth Barbour served as Ambassador to Israel from
1961-1973.
Estimated Value $150-200.
Lot 592
Kennedy, Jacqueline.
Typed Letter Signed ("Jacqueline Kennedy"). As First Lady. One
page, 6 x 9", Washington D.C., November 6, 1962. On "The White House"
letterhead. To Chester Kerr of Yale University Press. Two horizontal
mailing folds and one faint crease across top right corner. Otherwise
condition is very good to fine.
Thanking Mr. Kerr for sending Yale
University Press' book about architect Eero Saarinen, Jackie writes:
"The President and I are delighted to have such a distinguished record of
Mr. Saarinen's work for our Library. I congratulate you on the quality of
the book, and please accept my very best wishes, Sincerely, Jacqueline
Kennedy."
Estimated Value $750-950.
Lot 593
Kennedy, Jacqueline
(1929-1994). First Lady and wife of John F. Kennedy. A young debutante,
Jacqueline finished her schooling at Vassar and began working as a
photographer for a newspaper. It was then that she had the opportunity to
meet John Kennedy, considered the most eligible bachelor of the time. The
couple married in 1953. Upon her husband's Presidency, Jackie captivated
the nation and the world with her elegance, intelligence, and impeccable
style, championing the restoration of the White House. After Kennedy's
assassination, she married Aristotle Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate and
multi-millionaire. Following his death seven years later, Jackie worked as
an editor for Doubleday. Already an American icon, upon her death, Jackie's
estate was sold in an impressive four-day auction, realizing over $34
million.
Autograph Note Signed ("Jacqueline Kennedy"). One
page, 5¼ x 3¾", n.p., n.d. Being mourning stationery, embossed
with a family crest. In black ink. To Miss Maude Shaw, the Kennedy family
nanny. Accompanied by the original addressed envelope. Also accompanied by
a copy of the book Mirror, Mirror on the Wall by Geyelord Hauser.
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy's nameplate appears tipped into the front-free
endpaper of the book, with brief, handwritten paginated notations. Note is
slightly bent. Otherwise, in very fine condition overall.
In her
genuine and poised manner, the sorrowful widow pens these words of
appreciation to her children's revered governess: "For Miss Shaw / with
love and devotion from / all of us". Clearly an important member of the
Kennedy household, Miss Shaw had been given the responsibility of informing
the Kennedy children about their father's tragic assassination.
Estimated Value $500-700.
Lot 594
Kennedy, John F
(1917-1963) 35th President of the United States, 1961-1963. Born into a
tight-knit, highly competitive family, Kennedy planned to pursue an
academic or journalistic career until his older brother Joe was killed in
World War II. Accepting family expectations that he would step into Joe's
shoes, Kennedy changed course and entered politics and was elected to the
House of Representatives at the age of 29 (still recuperating from war
wounds). With a rising political profile, Kennedy continued to serve
Massachusetts in the House and Senate while building a national reputation.
The charisma and personal charm Kennedy exuded, particularly in a series of
televised debates, helped him to a narrow victory over Richard Nixon in the
1960 Presidential Election. An immensely popular president at home and
abroad, Kennedy dedicated his administration to civil rights and other
legislative reforms. While campaining in Dallas in November 1963, Kennedy
was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald and the nation plunged into mourning.
Kennedy's mystique has grown to almost mythic proportions in the forty
years since he was killed, bringing the world's attention to his family and
legacy even to the present day.
Typed Letter Signed ("John
Kennedy"). As President. One page, quarto, Washington, April 28, 1962.
On pale green White House stationery, with a very strong signature. To
Norman Thomas. Framed and matted with a portrait to an overall size of 30 x
17". In very fine condition.
Norman Thomas, social reformer and
ardent pacifist, wrote to President Kennedy in the spring of 1962,
presumably distressed over the United States' resumption of atmospheric
nuclear testing. The testing, a response to increased Soviet nuclear
capability, put the brakes on negotiations for a nuclear test ban treaty.
President Kennedy's measured response shows respect for Thomas' views and a
firm grasp of the issues before him: "I have your thoughtful letter
about the testing program. We have had a careful look at the neutral
proposals in Geneva, and I am sorry to say that we do not see much
immediate hope in them. I agree that they deserve careful study, but we do
not see how we can join in a further moratorium while such study proceeds.
We have had a very painful experience of the meaning of an unpoliced
moratorium, in terms of Soviet ability to pick and choose a time for
testing. So we are now going ahead with this series of tests, but I want
you to know that I have already directed a careful re-examination of the
whole question to see whether we may not find ourselves in a position to
make new efforts for progress after this series and the probable Soviet
series that will come with it are concluded. I am grateful for your
comments about the steel problem and the disarmament plan, and I know that
if you have criticisms of the latter, the responsible officers of the
Disarmament Agency will be much interested in knowing of them."
Progress towards a test ban treaty accelerated when the Cuban Missile
Crisis in October of 1962 vividly illustrated the reality of nuclear
confrontations. The United States, the U.S.S.R and Great Britain spent a
mere 10 days in July and August of 1963 pounding out the details of the
Nuclear Test Ban treaty, which was eventually ratified by over 100
countries. Kennedy signed on behalf of the United States in October 1963,
saying, "Today the fear is a little less and the hope a little greater."
Estimated Value $9,500-13,500.
Lot 595
Kennedy, John F.
Signed Photo ("John Kennedy"). Black and white, 9 x 7",
Washington D.C., May 5, 1961. Inscribed in black ink, "For James
Roosevelt -- labor made this important advance possible -- with esteem and
regards, John F. Kennedy." Mounted in clear lucite frame with "The
President -- The White House" signing pen and typed letter from the
President's Special Assistant. Framed to 20 x 9½". The letter shows
toning and there are some small creases and toning in the photograph.
Overall, condition is very good to fine.
Pictured signing the
Minimum Wage Bill (as indicated in the accompanying letter), Kennedy sits
at his desk surrounded by Senator Pat McNamara, Congressmen Adam Clayton
Powell, John McCormack, Alvin E. O'Konski, James Roosevelt, George Meany
and Secretary Arthur Goldberg. The accompanying letter reads: "I am very
happy to be able to send you herewith one of the pens used by the President
this morning when he approved H.R. 3935, the Minimum Wage Bill. With best
wishes and kind regards, I am Sincerely, Lawrence F. O'Brien Special
Assistant to the President." The 1961 bill increased the minimum for
previously covered workers to $1.15 an hour effective September 1961 and to
$1.25 an hour in September 1963. Coverage was extended in the retail
industry from 250,000 workers to 2.2 million. Kennedy and the Democrats
fought hard to raise the minimum wage and James Roosevelt, in a key
position in the Congress, played a major part -- this is not only a memento
from one of our great Presidents, it is also a nice link between the two
great political families of the 20th century.
Estimated Value
$7,000-7,500.
Lot 596
Kennedy, John F.
Autograph Draft of a Letter In Extensive Note Form. As Congressman. Six
pages, folio, on lined yellow paper, n.p., n.d. [1960]. There is an
additional sheet with notes and telephone numbers written entirely in
pencil; the five page draft is in blue ink. Cup stains on the first page,
and a tiny area of paper loss at bottom right corner, otherwise in Fine
Condition. An extremely desirable manuscript.
The election of 1960
was one of the closest in history, and during the campaign, the polls
seesawed back and forth. Therefore, Kennedy was ever conscious of his
actions and of the actions of others as they might impact on the upcoming
election. These handwritten notes were Kennedy's rough draft for a letter
to Senator Lister Hill, a Democrat from Alabama and Chairman of the Senate
Labor and Public Welfare Committee. Kennedy was a member of that Committee,
along with Senator Barry Goldwater, a conservative Republican from Arizona
and a supporter of Nixon in the campaign. Kennedy had returned to
Washington from campaigning, in order to attend a scheduled meeting of the
Committee, only to learn that the meeting had been cancelled at the request
of Senator Goldwater. Kennedy writes:
"I was extremely
disappointed on arrival in Washington ...to learn that it had been canceled
at the request of Sen. Goldwater ...Our agreement two weeks ago was that we
would meet every day this week on the Newberger Bill ...Sen. Goldwater
states that 'someone' in my office told him that there would be no meeting
until Friday. I have personally checked ...& no one has any recollection of
the conversation ...This is the 3rd time that a previously agreed on
meeting has been canceled at Sen. Goldwater's request. This would be
understandable if we were not both aware that Sen. Goldwater is taking
every step that he can take to prevent majority action on the Bill ...An
effort is being made to delay this Bill & then to place responsibility on
my campaign for preventing its passage ...I therefore, respectfully request
that the Committee plan to meet Mon., Tues. & Wed. Weekends if this week's
meetings do not finish the job ...until a majority has expressed their
view. I further request that notices be sent to all members informing them
of this schedule."
This important manuscript reveals Kennedy's
cagey ability to circumvent political adversaries. It is interesting to
remember that he did win the support of Labor in the 1960 election.
Estimated Value $3,500-UP.
Lot 597
Kennedy, John F. &
Jacqueline. 1. Kennedy, John F. Signature ("John F.
Kennedy"). On a single, duodecimo sheet, n.p., n.d. In blue ink. Paper
is toned, else in very fine condition. 2. Kennedy, Jacqueline
Bouvier. Signature ("Jacqueline Kennedy"). On a single,
duodecimo sheet, n.p., n.d. In black ink. Paper is toned, with inherent
surface imperfections. Still, in fine condition.
Coupled together,
we offer the signatures of "American Royalty" John and Jacqueline Kennedy.
Estimated Value $500-750.