TLS, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, March 15, 1968. Letter to Mrs. and Mrs. Arthur Smith in Telford, Pennsylvania, in full: "Your letter was so sympathetic at a time when we are facing a most serious family problem. It is of great comfort to know that people care and we are grateful to you. We know the only real solution is the love and understanding we as a family give our son, and it is our intention to give everything we have to pull him through this critical condition. I have faith that our family ties are strong and that with God's help we will come through this crisis. Again our thanks. You will never know how much your interest means to our family." In fine condition.
Robinson's eldest son, Jackie Robinson, Jr., had served in the Vietnam War and was wounded in action on November 19, 1965. He struggled with addiction following his discharge from the Army, and on March 4, 1968, was arrested on a heroin possession charge in Stamford, Connecticut. The Robinsons received strong support from their closest friends, as evidenced by this heartfelt letter written by the elder Robinson nine days after his son's arrest. The family did indeed come through the crisis—Jackie, Jr. managed to turn his life around, going on to become assistant regional director of Daytop, Inc., an addicts' rehabilitation center in Seymour, Connecticut, before being killed in a tragic automobile accident in 1971. A wonderful letter that embodies the strength of character and sense of faith that made it possible for Jackie Robinson to break baseball's color barrier in 1947.
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