Description:

Gerald Ford
Washington, D.C., September 19, 1974
Gerald Ford TLS on Pardoning Nixon, Superb Content!
TLS
A typed letter signed by President Gerald Ford on why he pardoned President Nixon. 1p, measuring 7" x 10.5", Washington, D.C., dated September 19, 1974. On White House stationery, signed "Gerry Ford" and addressed to Albert H. Quie. Ford explains why he pardoned Nixon, who had resigned a little over a month before. Accompanied by a photocopy of Quie's letter to Ford. The letter has flattened folds and a few small holes at the top left corner where staples were removed. Light signature.

Reading in full:
"I sincerely appreciated the forthrightness and candor of your September 12 letter. I would have been disappointed if I had received less from a valued friend. My granting of a pardon to our former President was a difficult decision which only I could make alone. I felt it was essential to the well-being of our beloved country. I am confident that this action will eventually fall under proper perspective. Also, I do want to assure you that my pardon of the former President, under the unique circumstances stated by me in granting it, does not relate to any other case. Any requests for Executive clemency are handled though established channels. These are studied and recommendations are submitted to me for the final decision."

As a result of the Watergate affair, an extensive investigation was launched by the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives, culminating in Nixon's resignation on August 9, 1974. He still faced indictment on a variety of charges. In his proclamation of pardon, Ford cautioned that a long trial would merely threaten the "tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks. The prospects of such trial will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office." Prior to the pardon, Ford wrote of the Nixons: "Theirs is an American tragedy in which we have all played a part. It could go on and on and on, or someone must write the end to it. I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must."

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"
  • Medium: TLS

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