Lot 73
Kennedy, John F. -- Unsigned Notes to Pierre Salinger on the "Catholic Issue" (1917-1963) 35th President of the United States (1961-Nov. 22, 1963, when he was assassinated). Autograph notes to Pierre Salinger (1925-2004), who would serve as JFK's Press Secretary, totalling more than 120 words, on two sheets of 11 x 8½" paper, written in May 1960 during the presidential campaign. No Catholic had ever been elected President, so Kennedy's religion was a major issue. A few notes by Salinger are written in blue ink in the margins.
Notes include: "You will recall the Lawrence & DiSalle opposition in 1956 to a V.P." [JFK was almost nominated vice-president in 1956, losing narrowly to Estes Kefauver]. "It is just like the McKinney quote this morning - In 1956 they were saying it about the V.P….In Burns' book it quotes a conversation Adlai had with Sarge Shriver. Get the Burns book…Unfortunately - Look has an article on the Protestant view of a Catholic Pres. this week which is not very helpful ['A Protestant View of a Catholic for President' by Eugene Carson Blake and G. Bromley, published in Look Magazine May 10, 1960]…In addition Reston etc. [etc. is crossed out] [?] - etc. say is all my fault because of the 1956 memorandum [by Theodore Sorensen regarding JFK's chances in 1960]. They forget that in 1956 - every one including Adlai - raised objections & questions about a R][oman] C[atholic] V.P. - the memorandum…was in response to them." Fine condition.
Accompaning these notes is a note written by Pierre Salinger to Earl Mazo in October 1965 on a Continental Airlines memo engraved with Salinger's name (he was V.P. of Continental). The note says: "Cousin Earl -- I found them! See you in Washington in Dec. Pierre." Transmittal envelope, postmarked from Los Angeles, Oct. 20, '65, is present. Estimate $2,500 - 3,500
Ex The Wolfe Family Trust Collection.
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