Impressive archive of correspondence from George and Barbara Bush to noted Arkansas philanthropist Jennings Osborne, dating from 1996 to 2001, including fourteen TLSs (many with handwritten postscripts), three ALSs, and an ANS from George Bush, a Christmas card with a note in George Bush’s hand, and eighteen TLSs and nine ALSs by Barbara Bush. Most intriguing is a TLS by George from November 6, 2000, the day prior to the 2000 presidential election, in full: “The Dom Perignon is here and is going to Austin with Barbara and me tomorrow. Win or lose, we will celebrate, for we are truly blessed with the most wonderful family and friends in the whole world. Thanks so much for always remembering the Bushes. This comes with warmest regards from the proudest, most nervous dad in America,” adding a handwritten postscript signed “George,” in full: ‘You are the kindest guy in the world.” In a TLS from the next year, December 20, 2001, George again offers thanks for a bottle of Dom Perignon, and adds a handwritten postscript at the bottom, initialed “GB,” in full: “We are very proud parents as you can imagine. Here is a souvenir photo of 2 Presidents.” At the end of a TLS from Christmas Eve, 1997, George pens: “Your lights shown on national TV were terrific,” referring to the renowned ‘Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights,’ a yearly Christmas light display at Disney World financed by Osborne. The majority of the other letters by both Bushes offer thanks for various other gifts and cards,and extend holiday greetings. Also present are various letters from Bush secretaries and offices about various invitations and events. The entire collection is well-presented in an attractive custom binder. In overall fine condition. A wonderful archive with diverse content, highlighted by the elder Bush’s letter anticipating his son’s hotly contested election against Al Gore in 2000.
