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Jacqueline Kennedy Autograph Letter Signed to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. ...
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Sold on Nov 13, 2023 for:
$875.00
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Description
Jacqueline Kennedy Autograph Letter Signed to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. One page on White House letterhead with original transmittal cover, 6" x 9.25", Washington; February 13, 1962. Kennedy writes jokingly to McNamara, "If Senator Thurmond ever asks for these pictures do you think Executive Privilege should be invoked?" Signed, "Until the PT-109 sails again / Jackie." The envelope is addressed in her hand to "The Honorable Robert S. McNamara / Secretary of Defense" and signed "Mrs. Kennedy" on the flap.This endearing letter references McNamara's recent conflict with Senator Strom Thurmond over a redacted briefing sent by the Pentagon to a House committee. Two weeks prior to Kennedy's letter, Thurmond had demanded that William D. Lawrence, assistant director for policy and procedure in the Defense Department, reveal the name of the person who had deleted portions of the briefing. Lawrence declined to give up the identity of the individual in question and insisted that the redactions had been done at McNamara's order. On February 9, four days before Kennedy sent this letter, Thurmond hauled McNamara and Lawrence into a committee hearing to explain his reasoning. To Thurmond's chagrin, McNamara presented a letter from President Kennedy invoking the doctrine of Executive Privilege and allowing the Pentagon censor to remain anonymous. In the letter offered here, Mrs. Kennedy makes light of the conflict, alluding that her photos were just as sensitive as the identity of the Pentagon employee.
Kennedy offers a rare sign-off not often seen in letters from the First Lady. PT-109 refers to the torpedo boat manned by President Kennedy during World War II. In August 1943, a Japanese destroyer rammed and sunk the ship. Kennedy's efforts to save his crew made him a decorated war hero and inspired a 1963 film by the same name.
Condition: The letter is creased along the center fold. Lightly toned along margins. The envelope has heavier toning along the edges with minor scuffing to the recto and verso.
Auction Info
2023 November 13 - 14 Americana & Political Signature Auction Signature® Auction #6276 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
November, 2023
13th-14th
Monday-Tuesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 3
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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