Unusual collection of Bouvier family material, originating from the estate of family friend Elisa Sullivan, who served as the caregiver for Jacqueline Kennedy's mother, Janet Lee Auchincloss (previously Bouvier), during the 1980s. In addition to the correspondence, a highlight of the lot is a Catholic medal of Our Lady of Loreto, Patroness of Aviators and Air Travelers, that belonged to Janet Lee Auchincloss—a poignant connection to the 'Kennedy curse,' as Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy, and John F. Kennedy, Jr., all died in air accidents. The correspondence includes an ALS by Janet Lee Bouvier, an ALS by John Vernou 'Black Jack' Bouvier III, an ALS by Caroline Kennedy, and two ALSs to Janet Lee Bouvier in an unknown hand. Letters include:
ALS by Jacqueline Kennedy's mother, Janet Lee Bouvier, signed "Janet," six pages on two sets of adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 6.5, to her mother, "Mrs. James T. Lee," in part: "I feel as if I hadn't written for years, and I got your adorable letter last Saturday. It was so sweet, and it brought on another spell of homesickness. I can't seem to get over the awful hollow feeling…Please hope for me, Mudsie, that I'm not stupid again. My last exam is on Friday, the 29th, and we can get away then…I thought I might write Daddy and ask him to come to Washington & stay that weekend." Includes the original mailing envelope, addressed in Janet's hand.
ALS by Jacqueline Kennedy's father, John V. Bouvier III, signed "Jack," one page, 5.75 x 7.25, postmarked 1927, to Janet Lee during their courtship, in part: "War-Dance has asked me to send you the enclosed as a token of his esteem for your very clever horsemanship, and with the remark that while he hopes you would use it on him, thinks you might wear it the next time you take him out." Includes the original mailing envelope, addressed in Bouvier's hand.
ALS by Jacqueline Kennedy's daughter, Caroline Kennedy, signed "Caroline," one page, 7 x 5, to Elisa Sullivan, in part: "Many thanks for the adorable musical pillow you sent Baby Jack and the girls loved their Beatrix Potter animals. They are lucky to have so many friends around them, especially in Rhode Island."
Additionally includes two letters in an unknown hand, but evidently a close relative to Janet Lee Bouvier, both addressed to her as "Mrs. John V. Bouvier 3rd." These letters discuss various personal and family matters, making reference to "Peggy," Win," "Jacqueline," "John," and many others. In overall fine condition.
