TLS signed “Lyndon,” one page, 8 x 10.5, House of Representatives letterhead, December 17, 1948. Merely a month and fifteen days after his controversial election to the United States Senate in 1948, Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973) signed this personal correspondence. Mailed to John Fischer at the prominent New York City publishing company of Harper & Brothers-Fischer served as editor of the famed Harper Magazine from 1953-1967-the future president acknowledges the interesting circumstances surrounding his election, and praises the work of writer Fred Gipson (best known as author of the American classic, Old Yeller). The typed letter reads in full: “I enjoyed hearing from you today, and since I have known Fred Gipson for a long, long time I especially appreciated the advance copy of his new book. – Fred, I believe, is on the road toward making a real name for himself in the writing world. I am anxious to see his new volume. – As you guessed, Fred was active in my campaign this year and I have received some letters from him which were real gems. Right now we are reaping the fruits of that victory-namely, the confusion of moving across the Hill. When we get settled after Jan. 3, I hope you will drop by to visit if you are in Washington. – With my best personal regards, Sincerely, (signed) Lyndon.” The document itself bears a crease at lower right, and a negligible horizontal mailing fold touches the top of a couple of letters in Johnson’s signature, otherwise fine condition. Of course, those of us who favor all things historical appreciate the future president’s statement, “the confusion of moving across the Hill,” especially given the much-publicized allegations that Johnson won his Senate seat in 1948 by “fixing” the process. Adding to this impressive memento is the potency of LBJ’s desirable penmanship, which was scripted by Johnson in black fountain pen. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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