409501
Gerald R. Ford
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Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr., 1913-2006. 38th President of the United States, 1974-1977. Typed Letter Signed, Jerry Ford, on engraved personal stationery of the Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C., May 11, 1971. With original envelope.
In this touching personal letter—sent special delivery—Ford exhibits both the decency and the Republican party loyalty that made him Vice President and, ultimately, President. He writes to express condolences and to thank a man's widow and son for understanding why a pending close vote kept their friend, Congressman Gene Snyder, from attending the funeral. In full: “I wish to express my sympathy to you in this time of sorrow. I know much of the fine qualities of Mr. Cornett because Gene Snyder told me of his closeness to him and to Bob, Jr. in his discussions with me yesterday. Gene told me how Mr. Cornett helped with his first house and that Bob, Jr. was best man at his wedding. / More especially I want to let you know how much I appreciate your understanding of the importance of Gene's presence in the House of Representatives today. He urgently wanted to be with you at the funeral. It is unfortunate that a matter of extreme importance to the Administration and, I believe, to the country was programmed for consideration today. The vote is expected to be very close and we urgently needed Gene's presence and vote. Gene told me that he felt you understood—and I want to thank you for your understanding.”
Ford was the only person to become President who was not elected as either President or Vice President. In 1973, President Richard M. Nixon chose Ford, the House Minority Leader and a 24-year veteran of Congress, to succeed Vice President Spiro Agnew, who resigned in scandal. The first Vice President appointed under the provisions of the 25th Amendment to the Constitution, Ford was confirmed by both houses of Congress and took office December 6, 1973. Just over eight months later, on August 9, 1974, Ford succeeded to the presidency after Nixon, too, resigned in scandal.
Ford's subsequent pardon of Nixon before any charges were filed against him—an attempt to heal the nation by putting Watergate behind and avoiding an extended trial—crippled Ford's bid for election in his own right. He lost to Jimmy Carter after fending off a strong primary challenge from Ronald Reagan in 1976. Ford nevertheless maintained that he had done the right thing by pardoning Nixon. Recognizing Ford’s settling influence on a nation torn by Watergate, President Carter began his inaugural address thus: ”For myself and for our Nation, I want to thank my predecessor for all he has done to heal our land.”
Ford was the last surviving member of the Warren Commission, which investigated the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Despite numerous conspiracy theories through the years, Ford steadfastly continued to endorse the Warren Commission's conclusion that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.
Ford has signed this letter boldly in blue. The letter is very fine, with one normal mailing folds not affecting the signature. The slight soiling that appears at the bottom of the letter in the scan below is not nearly as pronounced on the actual document. The envelope has postal markings on the front and back and is slightly toned but is also in fine condition.
Unframed. Please ask us about custom framing this piece.
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