REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BYRD - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 12/05/1947 - HFSID 33560

REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD E. BYRD
The famed polar explorer signs a letter to a friend, updating him on his life, and saying how he thinks of him often. He also apologizes if there was ever any hard feelings between the two, saying "it was through a misunderstanding"
Typed letter signed: "Richard Evelyn Byrd", in black ink, 1 page, 8½x11. December 5, 1947. New York City, New York. In full: "Dear Bim:- I often think of you and wonder how you are getting along. I have practically finished lecturing. I have been desperately in need of a let-up for some years and now I hope to get one. You will be glad to hear my lectures went off O.K. and I had very big crowds. I came out of the affair liking a certain gentleman better than another. You can guess who. I sincerely hope that all is well with you. With affectionate regards, Your old friend". Post script: "If I did you a scurvy trick once I want you to understand one thing; it was through a misunderstanding. No one ever did the job for me you did and no one ever will". On May 9, 1926, Richard Evelyn Byrd (1888-1957) and Floyd Bennett became the first to fly over the North Pole. Both were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Scholars have raised questions about whether or not Byrd actually reached the North Pole but all have agreed Byrd thought he had reached the North Pole. In 1929, Byrd established the "Little America" Antarctica base and flew (indisputably) over the South Pole. He was promoted to Rear Admiral upon his return in 1930. On his Antarctic expeditions in the 1930s, Byrd discovered Marie Byrd Land and the Edsel Ford Mountains. Still exploring in his late 60s, he commanded the Operation High Jump (1946-1947) and Operation Deep Freeze (1955-1956) operations. JAMES B. POND ("Bim"), who had become the nation's premier lecture agent, had established his agency in New York in 1879. In addition to Byrd, his notable clients included Mark Twain, P.T. Barnum, Thomas Nast, James Whitcomb Riley, Henry Stanley and Booker T. Washington. Light surface creases. Normal mailing folds. Paper clip crease on top left margin. Otherwise, fine condition.