TLS as president, one page, 7 x 9, White House letterhead, June 19, 1953. Brief letter of thanks regarding a speech Eisenhower gave at Dartmouth University. In full: “Thank you very much for your warm telegram regarding the Dartmouth speech. I appreciate your interest.” In fine condition, with a few scattered light creases.
Amidst the ‘Red Scare’ of the 1950s, Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy tried to ban books from governmental libraries which he claimed were written by Communists or Communist sympathizers. President Eisenhower, who despised McCarthyism but refused to publicly criticize his fellow Republican, chose Dartmouth's 1953 commencement ceremony to let his personal feelings be known. In his famous ‘Book Burners’ speech, Ike endorsed freedom of speech rather than censorship of Communist books and ideas on campus. ‘Don’t join the book burners,’ Eisenhower said. ‘Don’t be afraid to go into your library and read every book.’ Supporters, such as the one to whom this letter was sent, lauded the president for his stance. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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