Lot #128

Richard Nixon Typed Letter Signed as President

Description

President Nixon letter on his “appointment of Bill Ruckelshaus as Acting Director of the FBI,” a notable resignee of the ‘Saturday Night Massacre’

TLS as president signed “RN,” one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, May 8, 1973. Letter to Cy Laughter, in full: “Many thanks for taking the time to write as you did on April 30 regarding my recent appointment of Bill Ruckelshaus as Acting Director of the FBI. It is encouraging to know that you share my high regard for Bill's splendid capabilities.” In fine condition, with some faint toning. Businessman Cy Laughter was known for his part in founding Dayton’s popular annual Bogie Busters Golf Tournament, which ran for 30 years and brought in big name politicians, entertainment celebrities, famous athletes, and business leaders to raise money for charities.

William Ruckelshaus was an American attorney and government official (1932–2019) who served in the Indiana House of Representatives and was the United States Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. President nominated him as the first Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 1970 to 1973, when Nixon tapped him as the acting FBI Director.

While serving as U.S. Deputy Attorney General in October 1973, in what became known as the ‘Saturday Night Massacre,’ Ruckelshaus and U.S. Attorney General Elliot Richardson resigned from their positions rather than obey the order of President Nixon to fire the independent special prosecutor, Archibald Cox, who was tasked with investigating Nixon's role in the Watergate scandal.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, and Civil War
• Dates: June 21, 2024 - July 10, 2024

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