Description:

Gerald Ford
Washington DC, November 2, 1967
G. Ford on JFK Assassination "Raised Questions... In My Judgment, the Conclusions Were Sound" Discusses Jim Garrison.
TLS

Typed Letter Signed by Gerald R. Ford, dated November 2, 1967, and addressed to Mr. Michael R. Patterson of the U.S. Army at Fort Hamilton, New York. In the letter, Ford addresses ongoing "questions about the [Warren] report," and responds to allegations raised by Jim Garrison, the New Orleans District Attorney who emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the Warren Commission. The letter exhibits typical toning and minor edge wear with three ring binder holes, but remains in excellent condition with clear, bold type and a full vintage Gerald R. Ford signature in black ink at the close. Accompanied by a full LOA from JSA. The letter measures 8.5" x 11".

In 1967, the same year this letter was written, Garrison launched the only criminal prosecution connected to conspiracy theories surrounding President Kennedy's assassination. Ford responds to the questions stating "The report of the Commission was based on all the evidence available to the Commission and in my judgment the conclusions were sound." reaffirming the Commission's conclusions as sound and evidence-based. Ford also cites recent CBS reports that defended the Commission's integrity and conclusions, calling them effective responses to public skepticism.

Few letters offer a direct parallel to this example; however, in 2021, RR Auction sold a Gerald R. Ford signed letter discussing the CIA's role in "political assassination activities" for $8,125. Notably, that letter made no reference to the Warren Commission or the conspiracy theories surrounding President Kennedy's assassination, making this present piece even more uniquely tied to that historic narrative.

In full:

"Dear Mr. Patterson:

I have your letter of October 21 and am pleased to know of your continued interest in the work of the Warren Commission. The report of the Commission was based on all the evidence available to the Commission and in my judgment the conclusions were sound.

A number of authors have raised questions about the report and, as you indicated, Mr. Garrison has made certain allegations. We have suggested if Mr. Garrison has any facts which were not known to the Commission that he should promptly make these available to proper officials for further evaluation. To date Mr. Garrison has not done this.

You also know that CBS made four reports on the work of the Commission earlier this year. I think these were very well done and answered many questions which were being raised by the critics of the Warren Commission. These reports by CBS combined with other reports which have appeared in various newspapers and magazines generally support the work and conclusions of the Warren Commission.

Kindest regards.

Sincerely,

Gerald R. Ford, M.C."

Gerald R. Ford, then a congressman from Michigan and later the 38th President of the United States, served on the Warren Commission, formally known as the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy. Appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson after President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, Texas on November 22, 1963, the Commission was tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing. Its final report, issued in 1964, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination.

The report quickly became the subject of intense public scrutiny, spawning numerous conspiracy theories. Among its most vocal critics was Jim Garrison, the New Orleans District Attorney who, in 1967, the year this letter was written, brought the only prosecution related to the assassination, accusing businessman Clay Shaw of being part of a conspiracy to kill Kennedy. Garrison's investigation was highly publicized and controversial, ultimately ending in Shaw's acquittal.

Ford remained a staunch defender of the Commission's findings throughout his life. His role on the Commission and later presidential leadership made him a central figure in maintaining the official narrative of the Kennedy assassination during a period of growing distrust in government. This letter is a direct and candid expression of his continued belief in the Commission's conclusions and his willingness to engage with citizens on the matter.

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: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: TLS

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