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Lot #25
John F. Kennedy Telegrams

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Estimate: $1000+
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Description

Five telegrams associated with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, including:

A series of three telegrams sent to Texas Congressman Lindley Beckworth between November 15 and November 25, 1963. The first invites him to a "reception in honor of the President of the United States and Mrs. Kennedy…at the Commodore Perry Hotel in Austin, Texas, at four o'clock on Friday, November 22." The second, sent on November 24th by Speaker John McCormack, notes that "House Members will assemble in House Chamber Sunday, November 24, at 115 PM and will march in a group to the rotunda at the time President Kennedy's body is placed there." The last, also sent by McCormack, designates Beckworth "to be a member of the official delegation to represent the House of Representatives at the funeral of President John F. Kennedy."

An original carbon copy of a telegram sent to Malcolm Kilduff on November 24, 1963, in part: "We will never understand why our great president who worked so dedicatedly for peace in the world should be taken away so abruptly."

Telegram sent to a Dallas employee on November 24, 1963, in part: "Due to tragic circumstances involving death of our beloved President John F. Kennedy all Dallas plants of Fleming and Sons will be shut down Monday November 25th…Report your regular shift November 26th."

In overall very good to fine condition, with paper loss to one telegram. A fascinating archive showing the wide-ranging impact of President Kennedy's death, and how it effected the lives of everyone from congressmen to factory workers.

From the collection of Ronald E.F. Hoskins.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #595 - Ended November 11, 2020