Description:

Dwight D. Eisenhower
Washington, DC, October 22, 1954
Eisenhower ALS as President, to Influential Religious Leader, Exceedingly Rare
ALS
An exceptionally rare autograph letter signed by Eisenhower as President, one page, 7 x 10.5 in., Washington, October 22, 1954. On his gilt-embossed White House letterhead with initials to Bishop Fulton J. Sheen. Two tape remains to verso, likely easily removed. A small area of toning at top, well clear of text, and insignificant toning at extreme bottom margin, clear of writing.

In part:
"…Last evening, at the Alfred Smith Dinner, I was told that while I was passing through the streets of New York yesterday, you stopped at a street corner to greet me. I regret I failed to see you, but I do assure you that I am more than complimented by your friendly thoughtfulness. I would have valued the opportunity to have stopped my car, however briefly, to chat for a moment. With personal regards Sincerely Dwight D. Eisenhower".

Eisenhower was a deeply religious leader who placed faith at the center of his presidency. Although born into a Mennonite family, was baptized into and welcomed by the National Presbyterian Church just ten days into his Presidency. He remains as the only president baptized while in office.

Eisenhower worked to link faith and American identity, and his term was marked by several significant religious initiatives including the establishment of the National Prayer Breakfast, opening cabinet meetings with prayer, and the appointment of evangelist Billy Graham as a spiritual advisor. He was also instrumental in the inclusion of "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and the adoption of "In God We Trust" as the national motto.

Eisenhower believed that religion provided the crucial distinction between American democracy and Soviet communism. In fact, he saw spiritual devotion as essential to winning the Cold War, a sentiment he echoed in a speech given the night before writing this letter on October 21, 1954, stating: "The American dream is a goal that can be achieved only in work and wise thought, in unity among men and faith in God."

Bishop Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979) was one of the most influential American religious figures of his time. Known for his charismatic preaching, Sheen reached millions through his radio and television programs, including "The Catholic Hour" (1930-50), "Life is Worth Living" (1952-57), and "The Fulton Sheen Program" (1961-68). As the first televangelist, Sheen's "Life is Worth Living" was groundbreaking, earning him an Emmy and drawing up to 30 million viewers at its peak. At the time of this letter, Sheen was serving as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of New York, a role he held until 1966 when he was appointed bishop of Rochester, New York.

Eisenhower autograph letters as President signed are some of the rarest to obtain: recent auction records reveal that a letter on personal letterhead sold for over $41,000 in 2022; while a letter on White House letterhead but without significant content sold for $21,500…in 2002!

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: 7 x 10.5 in.
  • Medium: ALS

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September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000