Ever a man of the people, Senator John F. Kennedy demonstrates in this letter exactly that measure of civility that vaunts his political legacy among the most memorable. Typed on “United States Senate” letterhead and dated February 25, 1957, this message responds to a concern expressed by one John Potts regarding wages paid to members of the armed forces. In part, Kennedy explains: “This will acknowledge receipt of your recent letter concerning the wages for employees at Otis Air Force Base. Several other people have written to me regarding this matter. I contacted Major General Joe Kelly, Air Force Liaison ... he in turn has informed me that the Department of the Navy, has inaugurated … a wage survey of the Narragansett Bay and when the results of the survey have been reported, the Board will review them and will revise as warranted the wage schedules….” The future 35th Commander-in-Chief signed the letter in black ink with portions of his emphatic, “John Kennedy” scripting lightly touching upon his thoughtful valediction, “Very sincerely yours.” The one-page, 8 x 10.5 document bears a pair of negligible, horizontal mailing folds (one of which barely passes through the Senator’s signature), and modest creasing is confined to the top of the delicate page; fine overall condition. This item is accompanied by its original mailing envelope. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
