Description:

Ronald Reagan ALS Draft To Frank Sinatra After Failed Assassination Attempt: "Life here is going on at a somewhat reduced pace…I'm a lucky fellow"

A 1p draft comprised of two autograph letters signed by sitting 40th U.S. President Ronald Reagan (1911-2004), the first time, in a letter to singer Frank Sinatra, as "Ron"; and the second time, in a letter to financier Felix Rohatyn, as "RR." The two drafts date from ca. April 1981, in the weeks of convalescence following Reagan's March 30, 1981 assassination attempt. N.p. but presumably Washington, D.C. Annotated and dated at upper right. On yellow blue-lined paper with a clean perforation along the top edge. Expected light wear, else near fine. 8.5" x 11." Impeccable provenance as this item comes from the files of Helene von Damm (b. 1938) Reagan's longtime personal secretary and later Ambassador to Austria, gifted to our consignor her White House assistant.

70-year-old Ronald Reagan had been shot in an assassination attempt on March 30, 1981 outside of a Washington, D.C. hotel by John Hinckley, Jr. (born 1955).
Hinckley's sixth shot had ricocheted off the presidential limousine, grazing a rib and penetrating Reagan's left lung, causing it to partially collapse, and stopping less than 1" from Reagan's heart. Three others were seriously wounded in the shooting. Although initially Reagan was thought to be uninjured, his condition soon worsened and he was rushed to the emergency room. After undergoing exploratory surgery, Reagan's recovery was rapid. He was released from the hospital on April 11, 1981.

The autograph letters feature a total of 190 words in Reagan's hand, and include, from top to bottom:

- An autograph letter comprised of 131 words signed by Reagan as "Ron" is addressed to his close personal friend Frank Sinatra (1915-1998).

Reagan wrote in part:

"…Dear Francis Albert

Thank you for that very handsome engraved silver box. Nancy & I are still 'oohing & ahhing' over it and even wear gloves when we touch it. We both thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Life here is going on at a somewhat reduced pace - as you can imagine - and yet I'm amazed at how good I feel. They tell me the soreness I feel in my lung will linger for a while but all in all I'm back to exercising, eat well and sleep well. I'm a lucky fellow & I've got the best nurse in the world.

Nancy sends her love and please give Barbara our love. And again thank you for that most beautiful gift.

Sincerely,
Ron."

Ronald Reagan had met Frank Sinatra in Hollywood when the former was enjoying his career as a movie and television actor, and "Ol' Blue Eyes" was transitioning from crooning to the Rat Pack. Sinatra supported Reagan's second term as California governor and became a major financial contributor to Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign. In addition to organizing Reagan's first inaugural gala and fundraising for Reagan's reelection in 1984, Sinatra frequently attended White House parties and events.

- An autograph letter comprised of 59 words signed by Reagan as "RR" is addressed to investment banker Felix G. Rohatyn (1928-2019), who had been an instrumental adviser during several 1970s New York City financial crises. Reagan's letter contains a wry reference to Rohatyn's disapproval of supply-side economics, whose policies of lowering taxes, supporting free trade, and deregulating were more in Reagan's wheelhouse.

Reagan wrote in part:

"…Our mutual friend George Will ["Washington Post" columnist George Will (born 1941)] kindly conveyed your message to me and I'm more grateful than I can say. Thank you for your very generous words and for your good wishes.

I don't even mind your lack of enthusiasm for supply side economics. I'm just very proud & grateful.

Sincerely,
RR."

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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