TLS signed “Ike E,” one page, 7 x 10, personal letterhead, June 1, 1948. Letter to Mary Naiden. In full: “I read your letter with great interest, and, as you requested, I am returning the clipping you enclosed. My present situation becomes daily more involved–I am finding it more and more necessary to avoid additional responsibility wherever added demands upon my time are indicated. Consequently, whatever I am able to do personally is bound to be more ‘moral support’ than active participation. However, I shall have the talk with Mr. Watson that you suggest, and I shall leave no doubt in his mind as to the interest I take in citizenship training and education. I hope that Mamie and I get to see you before you leave for Japan, but should we fail to do so, both of us will be hoping that you have a pleasant and profitable tour of service in that region.” Matted and framed with a January 1, 1945, Time magazine cover honoring Eisenhower as Man of the Year to an overall size of 24 x 18.5. In fine condition, with scattered creases (and the letter and cover apparently removably shrink-wrapped prior to framing).
This intriguing letter hints at the earliest presidential aspirations of Eisenhower. “Mr. Watson” was Thomas John Watson, Sr., president of IBM who oversaw the company’s growth for decades. It’s interesting to note that Watson, the computer of recent Jeopardy fame, was named after him. With a reputation as an extraordinary salesman, it was Watson who ‘sold’ Ike as president of Columbia University, a post he assumed in October 1948. Before long, many journalists speculated that Watson was preparing Eisenhower to run for president—and that the Columbia position was a ruse to give Eisenhower breathing room before the campaign began—despite his proclamation here that “I am finding it more and more necessary to avoid additional responsibility wherever added demands upon my time are indicated.” Despite many politic activists begging Watson to woo Eisenhower into the race, the general stayed out of the political process during the 1948 campaign, but roared back in 1952. A great letter written during that brief span between the end of World War II and the start of Ike’s presidency. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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