TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, Vice President letterhead, May 28, 1981. Letter to F. Don O’Connor, Reunion Chairman. In full: 'Congratulations on the 10th anniversary as Reunion Chairman of the Princeton Class of 1946. What perseverance! What dedication! What a lack of anyone else willing to take on that thankless job! I really can’t speak for the quality of your performance in chasing across the country to corral every member of that illustrious class, although I am told it has been extraordinary. However, after flying fighter planes in the war, I do remember how safe I felt coming back to Yale to something as tame as playing baseball. I felt safe, that is, until the first time I faced your famous Gopher Ball. Then I tried to escape to West Texas; surely, I thought, this will be far enough to settle down to a normal life. And what did I find? The mighty Oke out there in Midland, drilling dry holes with the best of them! And now, I hear you are following my footsteps once again by running for President. I understand if that doesn’t work out, you will automatically become Vice President. Now there’s a piece of luck--getting it the easy way. Foolishness aside, I am pleased to join your many friends tonight in wishing you well and in sending best regards to the entire class of 1946 for a successful and happy reunion.' In fine condition, with a few light wrinkles and a mild shade of overall toning.
Exhibiting a camaraderie that only decades of friendship could bring, this letter details Bush’s early years. After joining the US Navy following the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor, Bush enrolled in Yale University following his discharge and served as captain of the Yale baseball team, a 'tame' sport until he faced Mr. O’Connor’s 'famous Gopher Ball.' As he recounts in this letter, he moved to Texas upon graduation where his path again crossed with the 'mighty Oke out there in Midland, drilling dry holes with the best of them!' Delightful first-person content clearly demonstrating the future president’s well-documented sense of humor. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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