Description:

Dwight Eisenhower
[Algiers, French Algeria], March 6, [1943]
Dwight Eisenhower War-Dated ALS: "He should get a real chance here to strut his stuff … I'm darn glad he wants to get close to this war"
ALS

A 2pp autograph letter signed by future 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969), then in 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 of the second page. March 6, [1943]. [Headquarters in Algiers, French Algeria.] Inscribed with over 315 words in his hand on two sheets of blue-lined paper. With some textual embellishments in his hand including several emphatic underlines. Flattened transmittal folds and a few extra wrinkles, else near fine. 8" x 10.375."

Eisenhower wrote this letter to his beloved wife Mamie Eisenhower (1896-1979), who was back home in the United States. 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.

Evidently, Eisenhower was taking advantage of the location of his military assignment by scouting out North African rug markets. He reports excitedly to Mamie that he has purchased a rug which cost $221 - well over $4,000 in 2026 currency. While Ike's letter goes through the motions of informing his wife about his recent news and recent acquisitions, he also spends a few moments indulging in the luxury of self-reflection: admitting his anxiety when he doesn't hear from her, and expressing his longing for her. Eisenhower's letter is profuse in its sweetness and affection.

Eisenhower wrote in part, with unchanged spelling and punctuation:

"My darling:

I suppose I'd better send this letter in care of Mike, because, according to your teletype you are leaving Washington tomorrow. However, in a recent letter you said you thought you'd stay with Ann and P.A. So I don't know exactly what to do.

Today I sent you a long message about rugs. I've written you also - but you've probably not yet received the letters. It is a long story - the way some of the confusion came about, but I'm so sure you'll like the one I really want you to have - that I asked you to send your present one on to Mrs. Marshall. They are about the same size but the one you now have cost 71 bucks + the one I'm sending cost 220. So I'm sure that the quality, at least, is for better. Gosh, I hope it all turns out the way you'd like it - because I've planned so much on it.

Well, I'll stop talking about that!

I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay in S.A. but am sorry the Florida junket fell through. I'd have liked for you to have had such a visit.

Dont worry about Gordon. He should get a real chance here to strut his stuff + will be working under the general supervision of Everett Hughes, who will keep an eye upon him. I'm darn glad he wants to get close to this war.

Well my sweet - dont forget I love your letters! Whenever too long goes by without a message I get all upset, and you know you dont want that. But don't worry, sweet thing, I know how difficult it often is to find time + energy to write - so I'll be patient.

Lots of love - always - + still some more. -

Ike

P.S. You are a grand person - did I ever tell you?"

In the letter, Eisenhower mentions someone named Gordon whom Ike notes appreciatively "want[ed] to get close to this war." Gordon will be assigned under the "general supervision of Everett Hughes." This referred to Everett Hughes (1885-1957), a career soldier and fellow West Point graduate. Hughes was a close friend and adviser of both Eisenhower and George S. Patton, Jr. In February 1943, Hughes was serving as Deputy Theater Commander of the North African Theater of Operations, and also undertook the duties of commander of the Communications Zone. In just a few short weeks, Hughes would be promoted to the rank of Major General.

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: 8" x 10.375"
  • Medium: ALS

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