Description:

Dwight Eisnehower
[Algiers, French Algeria], [June 14, 1943]
Dwight Eisenhower War-Dated ALS From Algiers: "Last night I had a hunch we'd get a good bombing" With Beautiful Censorship Signature
ALS

A 1p autograph letter signed by future 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969), during his World War II role as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force of the North Africa Theater of Operations, signed by him as "Ike" at the bottom. June 14, 1943]. [Headquarters in Algiers, French Algeria.] Inscribed with nearly 150 words in his hand, including several cross-outs, on a single sheet of blue-lined paper. Flattened transmittal folds, and with isolated annotations in another hand, else near fine. 7.875" x 10.375." Accompanied by its original "Supreme Headquarters" transmittal envelope with Eisenhower's signature as "Dwight D. Eisenhower" across the hand-stamped censor's examiner seal at lower left. The envelope is typed "Dwight D. Eisenhower" in the return address section, and typed/addressed to "Mrs. Dwight D. Eisenhower" at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. Neatly letter-opened at top, 8.25" x 3.75."

Eisenhower wrote this letter to his beloved wife Mamie Eisenhower (1896-1979), then residing at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. The couple did not see each other for three years but frequently corresponded. This time, Eisenhower was writing Mamie from Algiers, French Algeria. Eisenhower had been dispatched there to assist in Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa. Later, as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in North Africa, Eisenhower would oversee cease fire agreements with Vichy France, and advance planning of Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily. Eisenhower's headquarters between November 1942 until December 1943 were located on the second floor of the Hôtel Saint-George (now Hôtel El-Djazaïr) in Algiers. An important military, economic, and social hub, Algiers endured frequent German and Italian bombing raids, so Eisenhower's prediction about nighttime bombing was not an unreasonable one.

While Ike's letter goes through the motions of informing his wife about his whereabouts, he also spends a few moments indulging in the luxury of self-reflection: admitting the scope of his wartime anxieties, and expressing his longing for her.

Eisenhower wrote in full, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"Darling:

A new trip tomorrow, for 3 days -

Fat Styes dropped in today, saying he'd seen you about 2 weeks ago, or talked to you on phone. I was delighted to have a visit with him.

These days are so crowded I meet myself at the corners - but it's the best way in times of emergency. One shouldn't have too much opportunity to think about the trajection. My const one - so far - is separation from you. That's something I never accept gracefully in my mind. If you could be here - or wherever I'm serving this whole thing would be so much easier for me.

Last night I had a hunch we'd get a good bombing - but nothing happened at all. A very powerful night I got a real sleep.

- I've got to run. Loads of love -
Always yours only Ike."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: letter measures 7.875" x 10.375"
  • Medium: ALS

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