TLS as president, one page, 6.75 x 9, White House letterhead, August 14, 1963. Letter to Lawrence Spivak (creator and moderator of Meet the Press). In full: “You were very kind to think of us at this difficult time. Your message was a comfort to me and my family and we are very grateful to you.” In fine condition, with a couple trivial creases and spots. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
A decade after their initial meeting and subsequent marriage, John and Jacqueline Kennedy were faced with the nightmare all parents fear—the loss of a child. The first pregnant first lady since Frances Cleveland, Jackie’s world was shattered when she collapsed during a walk on the beach, and was forced to prematurely deliver a son, Patrick, on August 7, 1963. He died less than 40 hours later.
The loss is said to have strengthened the bond between Jack and Jackie, while at the same time devastating the president. Words of hope and encouragement flooded the White House, including a message from Spivak, who had considered Kennedy to be the greatest guest to have appeared on Meet the Press. “Honesty and brevity are prime requisites of a good guest,” Spivak once said, and Kennedy bore those qualities. Despite JFK’s brief and honest message that words of condolence were “a comfort to me and my family,” those close to the family said that they were, not surprisingly, inconsolable. Sadly, the First Family would face greater heartache three months later when JFK was felled by an assassin’s bullet. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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