LOT #47073 |
Sold on Dec 1, 2022 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
John F. Kennedy Autograph Letter Draft Signed to Former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. ...
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
President Kennedy Drafts A Message to Former President Eisenhower, Expressing Gratitude for Assistance During the Cuban Missile Crisis
John F. Kennedy Autograph Letter Draft Signed to Former
President Dwight D. Eisenhower. One page, 8 x 5 inches (200 x
127 mm), [Washington D.C.], cream White House stationery; no date
[October 28, 1962]. President Kennedy writes a brief draft of a
letter to former President Eisenhower, expressing his gratitude for
Eisenhower's support and advice during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Together with a typed transcription on White House stationery,
presumably by Evelyn Lincoln, personal secretary to President
Kennedy; the transcription reads, "I am grateful for your warm
and generous words. Your genuine support providing experience plus
our daily conversations have been of inestimable value in these
past days - my thanks. John Kennedy."The Cuban Missile Crisis, though only weeks in the span of human history, is undoubtable one of the most defining moments in the history of U.S. national security. Following the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961 and considering the presence of American Jupiter ballistic missiles in Italy and Turkey, Soviet First Secretary Nikita Khruschev authorized the placement of nuclear missiles in Cuba, a capable threat to the majority of eastern American territory. The ensuing global tension is a well-known moment in history, characterized by carefully chosen words and deliberate action. It would later come to light that no small part in resolving the crisis was due to President Kennedy's initiative in opening a channel of direct correspondence with Khruschev. As described in Evelyn Lincoln's included letter below, Kennedy penned the draft of this grateful note to President Eisenhower, shortly after receiving notice of Khruschev's imminent acceptance of their discussed terms in ending the crisis.
[Together with:] A Letter of Authenticity Signed by Evelyn Lincoln, Personal Secretary to President Kennedy. Issued on White House Stationery, 9.25 x 6.25 inches (234 x 159 mm) and undated. Mrs. Lincoln's letter explains the circumstances of Kennedy's draft, in part: "A 9:00 am Sunday morning October 28, 1962 President Kennedy received a message that a letter from Khrushchev accepting Kennedy's terms in the withdrawl [sic] of missiles from Cuba was on its way... Upon his return he received a telephone call from former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He immediately wrote the draft of a letter to President Eisenhower, which you now have in your possession. He folded the draft, stuffed it in his pocket..."
Condition: Lightly creased. Small punctures across the top margin from removed staples. Very light scattered soiling.
References: Sandler, M., The Letters of John F. Kennedy, pages 287-289.
Auction Info
2022 December 1 Historical Platinum Session Signature® Auction #6267 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2022
1st
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 19
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 544
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $300,000 (minimum $49), plus 20% of any amount between $300,000 and $3,000,000, plus 15% of any amount over $3,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms