TLS as president signed “John Kennedy,” one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, September 25, 1962. Letter to Press Secretary Pierre Salinger about his friend Grant Stockdale, ambassador to Ireland, in full: "Through you I would like to extend my greetings to those attending the dinner tonight honoring my old and valued friend—Grant Stockdale. I am very proud of the way in which Ambassador Stockdale carried out his duties during his service in Ireland. He is a credit to his country and community and I know that he will continue to serve his fellow citizens in any way in which he is called upon." In fine condition, with some faint soiling along the right edge.
Stockdale, a Florida businessman and politician, had been a close friend of Kennedy's since 1949. At the start of the Kennedy administration, Newsweek magazine described him as 'an ardent New Frontiersman and sometime participant in Kennedy touch-football games.' JFK nominated him to serve as the United States Ambassador to Ireland in February 1961, a post he would hold until July 7, 1962. He maintained his friendship with Kennedy, sitting with him at the 1963 Orange Bowl football game and participating in the Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery later that year. Ten days after Kennedy's assassination, the disconsolate Stockdale died in a fall from his office building—presumed to be a suicide.
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