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Harry S. Truman Autograph Letter Signed...
Description
"I'm Having a Hell of a Time" - Truman Writes Candidly to Dean Acheson in Retirement
Harry S. Truman Autograph Letter Signed ("Harry S.
Truman"). Four pages on four leaves with Truman's personal
letterhead, 5 3/8 x 8 3/8 inches; [Independence, Missouri]; June 1,
1957.A highly personal and entertaining letter from Harry S. Truman to his dear friend and former Secretary of State, Dean Acheson. Writing from his home in Independence, Missouri, the former President describes his post-presidential activities with characteristic humor and candor, revealing a lively and unguarded side of his personality. He writes, in part:
"I've been doing more things I shouldn't than ever before. A local keynote speech for local Democrats, a series of invitations to public officials...an agreement to address the Police Chiefs of Missouri on the Bill of Rights, appearances here and there for no reason whatever but some friend and former supporter in hard times past asked me...
Anyway I'm having a hell of a time and a lot of fun. I expect to be knee deep in 'Big Shots' July 6th and I want you and Alice to be here to help me out of what Hughie [sic] Long would call a deep 'More Ass'...Be sure and come. I may tell some Ambassador or Senator 'to go to hell' and you'll have to keep him from going...
Sincerely,
Harry S. Truman."
Dean Acheson, one of Truman's closest advisers, played a central role in shaping American foreign policy in the early Cold War. Serving first as Under Secretary of State and then as Secretary of State from 1949 to 1953, Acheson was instrumental in the development of the Truman Doctrine and remained a trusted confidant long after Truman left office. Notably, he later advised President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Here, Truman writes to Acheson with complete familiarity, joking about his own overcommitment and his eagerness to see his friends. His July 6 invitation is to the opening of the Truman Presidential Library in Independence, which was attended by Acheson as well as Herbert Hoover, Earl Warren, and Eleanor Roosevelt.
A humorous and revealing letter, rich in personality, that offers a rare glimpse of Truman's private voice in the years following his presidency.
Condition: Fine. Expected mailing folds; several staple holes at upper left corner; minor loss at top right of second leaf, not affecting text.
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(Lots 42001-42298) - 11:00 AM Central Time, Friday, June 19, 2026.
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