ANN C. WHITMAN - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 11/03/1954 - HFSID 280763

ANN C. WHITMAN
Typed letter on White House stationery, signed as Ike's Personal Secretary (1954), replying to a citizen who wished to give the President a copy of the Declaration of Independence.
Typed Letter signed: "Ann Whitman" as Personal Secretary to the President, 1 page, 6¼x9¼. Washington, D.C., 1954 November 3. On White House letterhead to Mr. G. Latshaw, Cleveland, Ohio. In full: "I must apologize for the delay in sending you further instructions regarding your copy of the Declaration of Independence which you wish the President to have. Your kindness is, of course, deeply appreciated, and if you will address the parcel to my attention at the White House, I will see that it reaches the President promptly. Ann Cook Whitman (1908-1991) was recruited for the Eisenhower Presidential campaign staff in 1952. Upon Ike's election, she became his personal White House secretary, holding that position for all of his 8 years in the office. Mack Teasley of the Eisenhower Library describes Whitman as "the ultimate professional woman." She typically worked 7-day weeks, as illustrated by this letter, typed on a Saturday. At the President's request, she kept a 15,000 word White House diary. Later Whitman performed similar duties for New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, becoming his executive assistant and then - upon Rockefeller's elevation to Vice President - his chief of staff. Whitman sent this letter three days before the Congressional elections, in which Democrats regained control of both Houses of Congress despite the President's continuing popularity. Fold creases, not near signature. Fine condition.