Description:

Bush George W. 1946 -

Incredible George W. Bush historic draft of a letter, among his last as President, to his successor Barack Obama: "As you lead, you will be tested. You will be criticized. You will be second guessed".

George W. Bush hand-written draft of a letter to incoming President Barack Obama, purposely torn into four pieces and tossed into the garbage but later retrieved by his valet with Bush's full knowledge. On "The White House, Washington" letter head, 5" x 8", boldly written in black ink. Unsigned and undated, but probably composed around January 19, 2009. An incredibly unique and very personal note from one outgoing President to an incoming one taking up the presidential mantle. Accompanied by impeccable provenance, a signed certification by Samuel Sutton, the personal valet of 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush (born 1946) and 44th U.S. President Barack Obama (born 1961).

The letter is shown in full below:

"Dear Barack,

You are now the President. Congratulations on arriving at this moment. You're a fantastic chapter in your life has just begun. You will be tested like never before. As you lead, you will be tested. You will be criticized. You will be second guessed.

But I have found You are never alone. The burdens are overstated because you have an Almighty who comforts you, a family which loves you, and a nation which is pulling for you."

A highly emotional and very personal letter, as only one president can privately prepare the next president for his years ahead. Perhaps Bush ripped up the draft because he felt he was too mushy, too forthright, or too preachy. But then again, perhaps he simply ripped up the note because he felt that the next President should find out things for himself.

Only recently, until the 2017 inauguration of President Donald J. Trump (born 1946), did the final version of the 2009 "For Your Eyes Only" private letter between President George W. Bush and incoming President Barack Obama become public. The final version is similar to this draft, and virtually identical in context with only slight deviations in word choice. The final version of Bush's letter to Obama, (which was intimately signed as "GW") is shown below:

"Jan 20, 2009

Dear Barack,

Congratulations on becoming our President. You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life.

Very few have had the honor of knowing the responsibility you now feel. Very few know the excitement of the moment and the challenges you will face.

There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. Your "friends" will disappoint you. But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me. No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead.

God bless you.

Sincerely / GW"

This intimate autographed letter is extremely scarce, a "draft" in the touching American presidential tradition of offering the incoming president advice. An example like this has never become available at auction. President Bush's letter to Obama was widely applauded by the press when it was made public.

Ex-Samuel Sutton, who served at the White House as a personal valet under both the Obama and the George Bush administrations. A letter of authenticity signed by Sutton will accompany the piece.

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