TLS signed “John Kennedy,” one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, October 18, 1962. Kennedy writes to William J. Keller in Hillsborough, California. In full: “I am happy to express my personal support of your candidacy, and I urge the voters of San Mateo County to call you to speak for them in the House of Representatives. At stake in the November election is continued progress in our country—and it is essential to send to the Congress Democrats who will give us their help. I appreciate your pledge of support for our program of health care for our elderly citizens and other measures to serve the needs of our people and keep America moving forward. I look forward to working with you next year for the security, the well-being, and the opportunities of the citizens of your District and State….” Two faint corner bends and a very subtle hint of marginal soiling, otherwise fine, bright condition. The letter was written on the third day of the Cuban Missile Crisis, which gripped the world for nearly two agonizing weeks from October 16 to October 29, 1962. Among the events that unfolded on October 18, JFK met with Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko, who claimed that there were no offensive weapons in Cuba and that the USSR’s interest there was limited to land reform and defense. After tense secret negotiations and a blockade of Cuba, the Soviet Union ultimately agreed to remove the missiles, whose existence had been proven by satellite reconnaissance, defusing one of the most potentially explosive confrontations in the history of the two superpowers. Accompanied by copy photos of JFK’s meeting with Gromyko and Theodore Sorenson’s strategy choice memo, dated October 18, outlining possible American responses. An outstanding relic from a period of pivotal importance in JFK’s presidency! JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
