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Unsigned handwritten manuscript in pencil by Howard Hughes, five pages, 8.5 x 11, headed at the top in another hand: "Howard Hughes—Trout—7:45—Aug. 11, 1947." Hughes writes out some notes for his interview on Robert Trout's radio show, regarding the defense of his 'Spruce Goose' airplane project before a Congressional committee. Hughes writes, in part (additions and strike-throughs represented in brackets): "It's a strange thing—I arrived here in Washington less than a week ago with bitterness and resentment in my heart. I was bitter toward a man who was attempting to abuse me. And I was bitter toward our political system which permitted this abuse. Which [permitted a] man to misuse his high political office and permitted him to crucify me for the purpose of trying to drive a business deal. Yes: I was bitter toward our whole system of politics [and its imperfections]. But I have learned a great deal during my brief stay in Washington.
I have learned that our system [which has survived for a good many years] may [is still] have a few defects [but it is pretty sound and foolproof in the first analysis but it] that is true, but so has everything else, whether it be something tangible, like an icebox, or something intangible like a poem.
Yes everything has a few defects and our system of government is no exception. But it is still the best system of government in the world. And as long as we have [a free press] the fair minded American public and a free press watching over us, I guess we are all right.
There was only one reason why Senator Brewster [took a] hit the road for the back woods of Maine. There was only one reason why his little investigation folded up and died a natural death to-day. Just one reason—public opinion was against him."
The statement is continued in another hand in blue ballpoint and type: "From the moment when I walked into that hearing room it was obvious that every man & woman in the audience & every representative of the press there was behind me…I only wish all of the millions of men & woman everywhere who have pulled me thru this fight could be at the airport at noon.
[During the ensuing weeks I will do my level best to make up for the time I have lost in appearing and preparing for this hearing. I will be testing the world's largest airplane. This is the Flying Boat which I have built for the Government and into which I have put $7,200,000 of my own money. I believe that what will be learned from this airplane will be worth many times what has been put into it. From it the nation will gain tremendous knowledge and experience for the general advancement of American Aviation.
I will also continue the testing program on the XF-11, which I believe will turn out to be the most efficient photo-reconnassance [sic] airplane ever built.]
I only wish all of the millions of men and women everywhere who have pulled me through this fight could be at the airport tomorrow at noon to shake my hand or let me shake theirs, for me to thank them personally before I leave. Thank you, Bob Trout." In fine condition.
The Hughes Aircraft Company famously developed the Spruce Goose, a massive wooden flying boat designed during World War II but completed too late for the war effort. The plane's only flight, piloted by Hughes himself in November 1947, showcased the billionaire aviator's determination to prove its viability despite widespread skepticism. That same year, Hughes faced intense scrutiny during the 'Brewster Hearings,' where he defended his wartime contracts and ambitions under questioning by the U.S. Senate.
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