Eight typed letters signed by Gerald Ford, six of which are to Maggie Hunter of the New York Times, and two are to his House colleague Jack McDonald. All are signed “Jerry.” Hunter was mentioned in Ford’s book, A Time to Heal. In one of Ford’s letters to McDonald, he thanks his colleague (on Vice Presidential stationery) for executing the reception for Ford on December 6, 1973 (“I’m sure you realize how much all of the activities associated with December 6 meant to me. Needless to say, that was one of the most important and also one of the most exciting days of my entire life.”). That day, of course, was the day Ford was confirmed as Vice President in the House by a vote of 387-35, following confirmation in the Senate. The other six letters are to New York Times journalist Marjorie (“Maggie”) Hunter who was close to several presidents. One of these letters is on his Vice Presidential stationery and he adds the holographic note: “P.S. How are we doing on our ‘w/m’s project?” The letters are largely of the chatty variety, thanking her for her attendance at various luncheons and one wishes her well on her retirement. (Ford writes in his book, A Time To Heal, “Normally, only a handful of Secret Service agents accompanied my on my trips away from Washington. There were thirteen of those aboard the plane that day. The same was true of the press. I was used to being covered by the regulars: Maggie Hunter of the New York Times, David Kennerly of Time Magazine, Tom Joyce of Newsweek, Ron Nessen of NBC and Phil Jones of CBS.” One of the letters is accompanied by its original mailing envelope. In overall fine condition, with usual letter folds and edge toning to a couple of the letters, a rusted paper clip impression to the top border of one. R&R COA.
