“Your little son’s reactions to his return to the States were most amusing and so characteristic of childhood.”

Mayling Soong Chiang, also known as Madame Chiang Kai-shek, 1898–2003.  First Lady of the Republic of China,  1943–1975.  Typed letter signed, Mayling Soong Chiang, with autograph emendations, one page, 7” x 10½”, on engraved, blind-embossed stationery of the Office of the President, Republic of China, Taipei, Taiwan, November 6, 1961.

Madame Chiang thanks Maj. and Mrs. Lin Arison for sending birthday wishes and candy to Nationalist Chinese President Chiang Kai-shek and expresses her delight that the Arisons were back on Taiwan.  She writes, in full:  “Thank you for the good wishes which you sent the President on his birthday.  It was thoughtful of you to send a remembrance of candy.  /  I am glad that you are back with us, and hope that you will be staying for a long time.  Your little son’s reactions to his return to the States were most amusing and so characteristic of childhood.  /  With all good wishes, and hoping to see you soon . . .”  By hand, in addition to the salutation, she adds, “Yours cordially.”

U.S. Army Maj. Harold Lindsey “Lin” Arison, Jr. (1919–1998) and his wife, Mary Jane (1923–2004), were close to the Chiangs.  Lin Arison was an American Army bandmaster who served as Chiang Kai-shek’s Military Music Advisor.  The U.S. Army loaned him to the government of the Republic of China in Taipei in 1954.  He organized and directed a school for music teachers, bandmasters, and instrumentalists, and he composed and arranged state ceremonial music for the government.  He rearranged and harmonized the national anthem of the Republic of China, and his version remains unchanged. 

This letter is in very fine condition.  Madame Chiang has written the salutation and closing and has signed in blue fountain pen.  Only the two normal mailing folds keep us from grading the letter extra fine.   

Unframed.