Second page of a TLS, 8 x 10.5, January 30, 1954. As US senator, Kennedy writes Joseph A. Murray regarding employment cuts at the Springfield Armory in Massachusetts. In full: “While reasonable cuts can be expected because of the cessation of the Korean war as well as the reduced Army budget proposed by the Administration I can assure you that I will continue to exert every effort in order to insure the fact that Springfield Armory will not suffer discriminatory or disproportionate cuts in their civilian employee rolls.
Thank you again for writing to me about this matter which is of vital importance to us all and you may be sure that I will continue my efforts in behalf of the Springfield Armory.” In fine condition, with mailing folds, creasing along right edge, a slight crease at the lower right corner, and faint edge toning.
Established by General George Washington early in the Revolutionary War, Springfield Armory began making muskets in 1794 and soon perfected manufacturing methods that became critical to the industrialization of the United States. As JFK notes here, the cease-fire in Korea six months earlier reduced the heavy need for military weaponry and threatened employment at the facility. Interesting, although the newly married Massachusetts senator emphatically touted the economic interests of the Bay State, at the same time he was faced with providing for the national good via proposed construction of the St. Lawrence Seway—a measure that negatively impacted New England harbor traffic. Eventually voting in favor of the seaway, Kennedy was ultimately unsuccessful in keeping the armory from suffering the aftereffects of the war. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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