WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY, JR.
Buckley signed this typed letter on National Review letterhead to Benjamin Mandel, researcher for the House Un-American Activities Committee, in 1967. In it, he says the magazine can't help Kennedy-era whistleblower Otto Otepka because the magazine barely has enough money for its own operations.
Typed letter signed: "Bill", 1 page, 8½x11. On letterhead of National Review. New York, N.Y., Nov. 8, 1967. Addressed to Benjamin Mandel, Washington, D.C. In full: "It is all we can do, unfortunately, to raise enough money to keep National Review afloat. Perhaps Mr. Otepka could get Senatur [sic] Thurmond to help him. I seem to be the last person to have learned of your retirement. What a job you have done! Will make mention of it in the next issue of NR. We mustn't lose touch. Best, as always, to you and Maggie. Cordially,". Otto Otepka was a State Department whistle-blower who revived McCarthy era charges of communist influence in the Department during the Kennedy administration. Congressional staffer Benjamin Mandel assisted the House Un-American Activities Committee and then the Senate Internal Security Subcommittee. Strom Thurmond, the States Rights candidate for President in 1948, was a U.S. Senator from South Carolina for half a century until shortly before his death in 2003. He turned 100 while still in office, the oldest ever serving Senator. Buckley (1925-2008, born in New York City) was a conservative political pundit and authority on language style, founded National Review magazine (1955). He was the long-time host of the TV interview program Firing Line (1966-1999). Buckley is also the author of a series of novels starring C.I.A. agent Blackford Oakes. Lightly tanned at upper edge. Nicks from binder holes at right edge. Otherwise in fine condition.