Description:

John F. Kennedy 25-Word ANS on Senate Letterhead Regretfully Declining Catholic Event

A 1p typed letter signed by John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), then junior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts and future 35th U.S. President, as "John Kennedy" above his typed signature as "John F. Kennedy" near bottom right. Kennedy has also added a 25-word autograph manuscript note underneath his signature, as: "I have already agreed to speak in Cambridge several times this fall, and hope you understand why it is impossible to be there - Many thanks." July 12, 1957. [Washington, D.C.] On a leaf of "United States Senate / Washington, D.C." letterhead. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds and a few extra wrinkles. Isolated discoloration and minor surface abrasions affecting the centers of the top and bottom edges, with scattered light stains throughout. Else near fine. Sight size: 7.625" x 10.125." Matted and framed behind glass. Not examined out of the frame. The frame measures 10.125" x 12.75" x .875."

Senator Kennedy wrote this letter to Miss Florence M. Murphy of Cambridge, Massachusetts, regretfully declining an invitation to attend an upcoming event hosted by the local chapter of the St. Mary's Sodality Club on October 6th. Kennedy's regret seems especially sincere, perhaps because he would have liked to show support for fellow Catholics. Murphy belonged to the local chapter of the St. Mary's Sodality Club, a confraternity of Catholic girls, adolescents, and women dedicated to emulating the Virgin Mary as "the highest ideal [of] discipleship."

John F. Kennedy was not exaggerating the fullness of his event schedule. The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum provides a timeline of Kennedy's speaking engagements from 1942-1963. Examining Kennedy's itinerary for the week following October 6, 1957 shows that he spoke at seven separate events in three states (Massachusetts, Maryland, Illinois) and in New Brunswick, Canada. He spoke to a variety of interest groups on numerous topics including healthcare, agriculture and the economy, local politics, and education.

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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January 10, 2024 10:30 AM EST
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