ALS, one page both sides, 6.25 x 9.25, black-bordered Kennedy letterhead, dated October 27, 1963 [the year is erroneous as the postmark reads October 28, 1964]. Maybe her inadvertent penning of the fateful year “1963” was purely an oversight. Or perhaps, the unfortunate date was on her mind as the anniversary of her husband’s death approached. Whatever the reason for the slip, it was “1963” that Jackie Kennedy wrote on this letter to Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and publisher Joseph Kingsbury-Smith. In full, Kennedy expressed: “Thank you for such a nice letter. I loved talking to you and I so appreciate your saying that I might call you if problems with the press ever arise for me in New York – I don’t think I have to worry about privacy anymore – all the papers have been nice about that – but there are many other things which will eventually need a decision – It is comforting to know that there is someone of your judgment and kindness who will help me – I hope I see you and your wife again soon – and if Diana would ever like to come with me some afternoon with the children – I would always love that – We could do something that would be a change from the park. Thank you again for your letter.” Mrs. Kennedy closed the second page with a full name example of her signature. The interesting token is accompanied by its original mailing envelope, which was addressed in Kennedy’s hand. In clean, fine condition.
Mrs. Kennedy soon found that not all New Yorkers respected her privacy the way she had hoped following her move to the “Big Apple” in 1964. In fact the more private the former First Lady became, the more curious the public seemed about her conduct. Among those who focused the intense media spotlight on her was photographer Ron Galella, who seemed to be everywhere she went and took thousands of photographs of her. A 1972 lawsuit led to an injunction against Galella, with a judge restricting him from coming within 25 yards of Kennedy. This letter serves as a heart-breaking reminder of the optimistic nature of Jacqueline Kennedy as she prepared to end her mourning and begin a new life. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$75.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
