Rare ALS, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, dated November 25, 1978 in another hand. A warm holiday letter addressed at the top by Reagan in red felt tip, “Merry Christmas—Miss Sam, Miss Bertha & Buzzy.” In full: “Nancy & I wish you all, the happiest of holiday seasons. We’re sure you will be happy too, now that the events of the past few months have turned out so well. Our very best to you all.” At the bottom, Reagan sketches an excellent, humorous portrait of himself as Santa Claus. In fine condition. Reagan carried on an extensive correspondence with the Sisco sisters—Bertha and Samueline—and their mentally handicapped brother Joseph, nicknamed ‘Buzzy,’ sending them nearly one hundred letters, sketches, and photos between 1972 and 1987; Reagan was introduced to the family when he purchased goods from their leather shop in northern California. Reagan was known for his doodles and is said to have once considered a career as a cartoonist—and his artistic skill is certainly evident here. He was even caught doodling during meetings at the Ottawa Summit—attended by leaders of the world's seven richest countries—in July 1981, and Margaret Thatcher kept a page of his drawings. Generally Reagan’s doodled portraits show that he favored more realistic circular eyes, while the angular construction seen here is characteristic of his other known self-portraits.
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