Description:

Dwight Eisenhower
[London, England], October 21, [1942]
Eisenhower Up Late with Churchill "I was at PMs for dinner. I got home earlier than usual - 1245." Undoubtedly Planning Operation Torch, Oct. 1942
ALS

A 3pp autograph letter signed by future 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969), then in his World War II role as Commanding General of European Theater of Operations, signed by him as "Ike" at the bottom of the third page. October 21, [1942]. [Headquarters in London, England.] Inscribed with 350+ words in his hand on three sheets of watermarked paper. Flattened transmittal folds and an extra wrinkle affecting the bottom edge of each page, else near fine. 6" x 9." Accompanied by its original "Headquarters European Theater" transmittal envelope free franked in Eisenhower's hand as "Free." The envelope is typed "Lt. General 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. Hand-stamped by the censor's examiner at lower right. Neatly letter-opened at top, 6.5" x 4.25."

Eisenhower wrote this letter to his beloved wife Mamie Eisenhower (1896-1979), who resided at the Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. during World War II. The couple did not see each other for three years but frequently corresponded. Ike's letter is full of news about mutual acquaintances and Eisenhower's staff. Most importantly he was constantly occupied ("If it isn't one thing it is two others to keep a fellow busy"), conducting inspection tours, ensuring efficient administration and smooth logistics, checking in with subordinates, and even dining late with Prime Minister Winston Churchill ("while I was at PMs for dinner.") This dinner was on the eve of Operation Torch and had to be the subject of much of what was discussed. Operation Torch (8–16 November 1942) was an Allied invasion of French North Africa during World War II. Torch was a compromise operation that met the British objective of securing victory in North Africa while allowing American armed forces the opportunity to begin their fight against Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy on a limited scale.

The letter also mentions a birthday gift presented to Eisenhower on his 52nd birthday, a week before, on October 14, 1942: a 4-month-old shaggy black Scotty dog soon to be called Telek. The puppy was from the Duke Street Kennels, not fully house-broken, and still receiving his first booster shots.

Eisenhower's characterization of Telek to Mamie in the letter is significant, as many have speculated that the dog was really intended as a pet for Eisenhower's reputed driver/mistress Kay Summersby. But in Eisenhower's words, Telek represented a collective gift from his "gang." Eisenhower worried that Telek would become attached to "Mickey or some one of the others that are about" - not to Kay Summersby, who eventually cared for Telek after the end of the war and until his death at the age of 17.

Eisenhower had assumed the duties of Commanding General overseeing the European Theater of Operations (ETOUSA) in late June 1942; he was also promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General that summer (July 1942). Although Eisenhower's tenure at ETOUSA lasted less than six months - from June until November 1942 - his oversight proved invaluable in terms of day-to-day Allied operations and military strategic planning.

In full, with original usage:

"Oct. 21.

My Darling:

A pouch closes in thirty minutes. All morning long I've been looking for a break so as to write a note. At last I just kicked everybody out & said I was 'busy.'

Did I tell you about the little dog my gang gave me as an anniversary present? He is a young Scotty - and I like him a lot. I'm afraid I'll see so little of him, however, that he'll become attached to Mickey or some one of the others that are about. He is 4 months old & is getting a 'distemper shot' today.

I find that I failed to send on to you a letter I had from Johnny, dated Sep. 26. I'll try to put it in with this.

I just returned from a hard inspection trip. If it isn't one thing it is two others to keep a fellow busy. I'd like to take about 3 days leave in Miami, Fla, this minute! Or some where else where it is warm & sunny, and you could go along. I can get all excited just thinking about it.

Mickey & Ernest seem to be well contented and in good health. Butch made a broadcast to WJSV last wk while I was at PMs for dinner. I got home earlier than usual - 1245. Butch told me he tried to fix it so that you'd get (you & Ruth) a bunch of telephone calls! He will now hold his breath until he hears from home as to whether or not he was successful.

T.J. is fine - and a most efficient person. I like him - but entirely aside from friendship he is a tower of strength. I could use many more like him. Saw Frank Coffey for a short visit in my office. Missed him on my inspection trip, although I saw part of his regiment. Oak Abbott is doing a good job - as of course he would. Most of the others are like wise hitting the ball - the occasional one that fails cause a heap of disappointment.

Loads of love, and dont forget me. Always your

DDE."

Eisenhower's letter is peppered with references to his family members and wartime staff, including:

- "Johnny," likely a reference to Dwight and Mamie's only surviving son, John Eisenhower (1922-2013), then attending West Point

- "Butch," referring to Harry C. Butcher (1901-1985), Eisenhower's personal assistant and naval aide; as well as to his wife Ruth Butcher

- "Mickey," referring to Michael McKeough (ca. 1917-1993), Eisenhower's orderly

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 6" x 9"
  • Medium: ALS

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