GERALD FORD
Souvenir typescript of Ford's inauguration speech signed by Ford in 1985
Typescript signed: "Gerald R. Ford/3/12/85", 1 page, 5x6½. In full: "'I am acutely aware that you have not elected me as your President by your ballots, and so I ask you to confirm me as your President with your prayers. And I hope that such prayers will also be the first of many. It you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises. I have not campaigned either for the Presidency of for the Vice Presidency. I have not subscribed to any partisan platform. I am indebted to no man, and only to one woman - my dear wife - as I begin this very difficult job.'" These words are from Ford's inauguration address, which he gave in the White House's East Room less than an hour after Secretary of State Henry Kissinger delivered Richard Nixon's resignation letter and only a few minutes after Ford was sworn in as president. His words were delivered live to the nation on TV and radio. On August 9, 1974, Ford (1913-2006) 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. Fine condition.