ALS signed “Jackie XXXXXX,” two pages both sides, 5.25 x 6.75, Miss Porter’s School, Farmington, Connecticut letterhead, no date [circa 1944–1947]. Jackie writes to her friend Woodley. In part: “I will try to make this [letter] much longer than my last one—though I have to go to church in 1 min. & I won’t feel in a bit of a holy mood! Have you heard from Ken yet—If you haven’t I hope he falls down Purgatory at St. George’s. How cruel! I mean I hope he falls gently & breaks one bone & the shock of the fall makes him realize that he lovest thee the best. You know, I think you are silly to let the fact that you haven’t met Jack socially worry you…. I think it’s exciting about him getting to like you…. Everyone seems to REALLY LIKE YOU A LOT or else not at all…. I know you won’t pay any attention to this & you’ll probably think it’s silly—but I think you should get over just wanting everyone for a friend. If boys know you are like that—automatically they will shy away from you…. You think you just want them for a friend but it’s really that you don’t like them enough to have them for anything else. Don’t tell them you want them just as a friend. Say you don’t like them as much as they like you. It’s much better that way Woodley & it’s much truer—because you can’t fall in love with everyone. I think it’s sad the way you break up flirtations which would end anyway if you showed less & less interest—by saying that you want to be friends…. I know I wouldn’t like it if a boy said ‘just friends’ to me…. I bet you’re bored to tears & I think I’ve been sort of rude. Gosh I’m sorry…. I want so badly for us to be friends for years & years because it’s wonderful to have someone like you to talk to & think with & write to. I miss you loads…. I’ll tell you all the dirt … in my next letter….” The vast majority of letters from this early period of Jackie’s life are in institutional collections (most notably that of the JFK Library), and very few examples remain in private hands. A hint of subtle soiling, otherwise fine condition, with several corrections and an additon added by Jackie in pencil. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
