TLS, two pages, 6.25 x 8, Senate letterhead, October 9, 1964. Letter to Joseph Kingsbury Smith at the New York Journal American. In part: “I am writing to ask your help in putting together a short book of recollections about my father. The book is intended to be a collection of essays by persons like yourself who knew Dad intimately and whose memories would help others to know him the same way. It would be principally for Dad’s close friends, his family, and, most importantly, his grandchildren, so that these memories could be shared and maintained. It is my hope that you would like to put down your thoughts about significant events involving my father, especially anecdotal accounts that would contribute to a profile of a man who has great warmth and affection and, at the same time, commends strong loyalties from those who know and have worked with him...My progress at the hospital has been fine and my doctors tell me I will be home for Christmas. I enjoyed this chance to say hello and send you my warmest regards.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine condition, with pencil notation to top of first page, and mild toning to top edge of second page.
Several months earlier, in June 1964, Senator Kennedy was badly injured in a plane flight that killed two and also injured Senator and Mrs. Birch Bayh. While recuperating, he worked on a collection of essays profiling his late father, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. Publisher Joseph Kingsbury Smith probably knew Joe Sr. from his days as a reporter during World War II. It is not known whether this book was ever published, though it most likely would have been printed privately by the family, as was a later collection about Joe Kennedy Jr. An especially poignant reminder of the private side of the recently-deceased long-serving senator. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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