PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/17 - HFSID 253232

GERALD FORD
He sends his condolences to a former House colleague.
Autograph Letter signed: "Jerry Ford", 1p, 6¼x8½. No place, no year, November 17. On his personal letterhead with Presidential seal to "Dear Sam". In full: "Betty and I were deeply saddened to learn of Betty's passing. I write to express our condolences in this time of sorrow. Both of us have wonderful memories of Betty and her great success as a wife and mother. We know how helpful she was in your career in the House of Representatives. You and the family should be very proud of a 'super Lady.' We extend our sympathy and warmest best wishes." A former All-American football player at the University of Michigan and a Navy veteran of World War II, Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) represented Michigan in the U.S. Congress (1949-1973), serving as Minority Leader (1965-1973). Following the resignation of Vice President Spiro T. Agnew in 1973, Ford became the first person nominated by the President and confirmed by vote of both Houses of Congress as Vice President under the 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Following President Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974, Vice President Ford became 38th President of the United States. Nominated by the Republican Party for a full term in 1976, Ford was narrowly defeated by Democrat Jimmy Carter. This letter was probably written to former US Representative Samuel L. Devine, Republican of Ohio, a longtime US Representative (1959-1981). Devine's wife was Betty Devine. Fine condition.