Handwritten notes, one page, 6.25 x 9.25, White House letterhead, November 8, 1963. Lengthy handwritten notes on a typed memo written to her by White House Social Secretary Nancy Tuckerman. Tuckerman’s message to the first lady, in full: “Is it all right with you if we invite Sol Hurok to the Black Watch? He is their agent in this country, and the British Embassy just called.” Jackie’s note to Nancy, in full: “Ask JFK—Sol Hurok has been a pain—as you know—Also the Black Watch informed JFK that they would rather arrange the W. H. thing without him—I would say no—he will be pushing in every picture & giving statements. But if the British want it—ok.” She pens another cramped note at the top to the president, “Jack—Have talked to Nancy. Apparently Sol Keeps calling Mr. Robertson at British Embassy—is very hurt that he hasn’t been asked—He is calling back this afternoon to see if they can get him invited. So you decide if we want to insult Sol or just smooth things over. We really don’t need him now—as we can get performers without him—& it seems commercial to have him—but if we don’t—we might start a feud—Whatever you decide is perfect.” Also includes an unsigned glossy 10 x 8 press photo of the first family observing the festivities, stamp-dated November 13, 1963; and a carbon typescript of the president’s itinerary for the day. In fine condition.
These notes concern the performance of the Black Watch of the Royal Highlanders Regiment, the Scottish regimental marching band, at the White House on November 13, 1963. As a part of her effort to revitalize the White House, Jackie began using the expanse of the great South Lawn to host various events and receptions. In this case, the White House invited several hundred students and teachers from the area to attend a performance by the accomplished pipe and drum band. John F. Kennedy, Jackie, Caroline, and John, Jr., happily observed from the South Portico in what would sadly become the last public appearance of the whole family. Tragedy struck just nine days later when the president was assassinated in Dallas. Still in the Washington area due to their performance schedule, the Black Watch granted another request by the first lady and provided solemn bagpipe music along the route from the White House to St. Matthew’s Cathedral for the president’s funeral. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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