Interesting TLS signed “John Kennedy,” one page, 8 x 10.25, personal House of Representatives letterhead, August 22, 1952. Kennedy writes to Luke Ryan. In part: “I am extremely sorry but I don’t think I can be of any assistance to you. While I am well acquainted with your fine record, I have had to hold fast to a policy of not getting involved in primary fights. My own fight is difficult enough and as it is, I can’t win without united Democratic support. That support would not be forthcoming if I became involved in Democratic primary issues. I am sorry, Luke, that I cannot help. I only hope you understand.” Ryan was a Massachusetts lawyer who was active in local political affairs. At the time of writing, then-Congressman Kennedy was in the midst of his first campaign for a seat in the U.S. Senate. He won the election handily, was re-elected in 1958, and served until the month after his election as President in 1960. The typewritten “”JFK/jk” notation at lower left would seem to indicate that Kennedy typed the letter himself. Accompanied by an unsigned original carbon of Ryan’s letter to Kennedy. In good to very good condition, with uneven toning (including area behind signature) and dampstaining to blank lower portion (both affecting appearance), and unusual “ghostly” mirroring of writing in an unknown hand. JFK’s signature is otherwise bold, dark, and, for Kennedy, unusually legible. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
