Description:

Eisenhower Dwight

In January 1965, to his former Chief of Staff and World War II colleague, Major General Wilton B. Persons, Eisenhower recalls the anniversary of his first inauguration: "Twelve years ago we were embarking on eight years of arduous but stimulating work. This month always brings back those days quite vividly … Sherm Adams, Dick Nixon, John McCone…"

Typed letter digned "Ike E." 1p, 7" x 10.25". Palm Desert, California, January 26, 1965. To Major General Wilton B. Persons, his World War II comrade and last White House Chief of Staff. On Ike's "DDE" gilt engraved stationery. Fine condition.

In part, "Twelve years ago we were embarking on eight years of arduous but stimulating work. This month always brings back those days quite vividly. Such fine associates and friends as Sherm Adams, Dick Nixon, John McCone, Lewis Strauss, Ev Dirksen -- and yourself -- have birthdays in this 31-day period. Perhaps there is something to astrology after all because that list of names is exceptional to say the least!..."

The letter can be read in its entirety in the image above.

Provenance:

Major General Wilton Burton "Jerry" Persons (1896-1977) served as the White House Chief of Staff to President Dwight D. Eisenhower from October 7, 1958 until January 20, 1961 and was Eisenhower's representative in the transition of government between the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations.

He was a career United States Army officer who had entered the U.S. Army Coast Artillery in 1917 and advanced through the ranks to Major General in 1944. He had served in both the American Expeditionary Force in World War I and in Europe in World War II. He headed the office of legislative liaison for the Department of Defense between 1948 and his retirement in 1949.

Major General Persons was called back to active duty as a special assistant to General Dwight D. Eisenhower at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe from 1951-1952 and was active on behalf of Eisenhower's presidential campaign in 1952. He became a Deputy Assistant to the President in 1953 and replaced Sherman Adams as Eisenhower's Chief of Staff in 1958.

Following the 1960 presidential election, Major General Persons was President Eisenhower's representative in the transition of government between the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations working out the details for a smooth transfer of government.

From the Estate of Major General Wilton B. Persons.

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