GERALD R. FORD
President Gerald R. Ford wrote this letter, on his personalized stationery with the Great Seal of the United States, to thank the recipient for a gift of sweaters. Autograph letters signed by 20th century U.S. Presidents, especially recent Chief Executives, are extremely rare!
Autograph letter Signed: "Jerry Ford". 1 page, 6¼x8½, on Ford's personal stationery with gilt-embossed Great Seal of the United States. Dated "Sept. 20th". to In full: "Dear Cy: On our return to Rancho Mirage, Betty & I found the two beautiful Lyle & Scott sweaters. We love them. Thanks so much for your thoughtfulness. Our warmest regard to Audrey & you." "Cy" is probably Republican contributor Cy Laughter. On Aug. 9, 1974, Ford (1913-2006, born Leslie Lynch King, Jr. in Omaha, Nebraska) was sworn in as the nation's 38th President (1974-1977) following the resignation of Richard Nixon. Ford had previously served as Nixon's Vice President (1973-1974) following the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew, becoming the only man to have held both of the nation's highest offices without being elected to either. Ford, who was previously a U.S. Congressman from Michigan (1949-1973; Minority Leader, 1965-1973), lost his bid for election to a full four-year term partially as a result of his controversial pardon of his predecessor. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999. Ford was the nation's longest-lived former President, passing Ronald Reagan, who also died at the age of 93. Autograph letters signed by 20th century U.S. Presidents, especially recent Chief Executives, are rare. Fine condition.