John Kennedy Typed Letter Signed as Senator with Holograph Inscription. One page, 6" x 8" (sight), on United States Senate l...

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John Kennedy Typed Letter Signed as Senator with Holograph Inscription. One page, 6" x 8" (sight), on United States Senate letterhead, Washington, D.C., January 7, 1955. Following his second back surgery, Senator Kennedy sent this friendly letter to Homer Facto, who served as machinist on his second boat, PT-59, which JFK took command of shortly after the loss of PT-109.

In the Autumn of 1954, Evelyn Lincoln (JFK's secretary) reminisced that "The last day of the [Congressional] session he was in tremendous pain. As soon as the Senate adjourned, he went to the airport, where a private plane was waiting to take him to Hyannis to his family's house. He hoped the rest there would cure him." Of course, it did not, and after several weeks in agonizing pain, Kennedy finally agreed to a second surgery, telling friends he'd gladly take the chance of dying - he just couldn't stand any more pain.

Kennedy's letter reads: "Dear Homer: Many, many thanks for your kind message to me when I was in the hospital in New York. Hospitals are gloomy places, I am afraid; and it makes a tremendous difference when friends remember you as you did. I am feeling much better and am looking forward to getting back to Washington around the first of March. Perhaps then I will have a chance to thank you again in person. Until then, Jackie and I want to wish you and your family a very happy and successful New Year. Sincerely, John Kennedy." The Senator then adds a personal handwritten note: "I was very glad to hear from you Homer. Hope all goes well."

Kennedy's second surgery was a limited success; his pain was greatly reduced, although he still walked with a slight limp. Letter is pristine, and has been professionally matted and framed, together with a steel engraving of Kennedy, to an overall size of 21" x 17". Very fine condition.