This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/17/2022
[KENNEDY, John Fitzgerald (1917–1963)]. Archive of materials addressed to Robert Troutman, Jr. relating to preparations for John F. Kennedy’s 1960 presidential campaign. Circa 1958/60. A large group of letters and memoranda, including 3 typed letters signed with autopen from John F. Kennedy on United States Senate stationery, 2 typed letters signed from Robert F. Kennedy on personal stationery (one signed by secretary, one hand-signed by RFK), and 3 typed letters hand-signed by JFK’s assistant Ted Sorenson. Enclosures include copies of memos, polls, and reports, as well as a preliminary blueprint of persons to be tasked with handling press and public relations duties, with Robert Troutman’s name appearing under “Arrangements and General Operations.” Key talking points from these letters include birth control (of which RFK writes, “...we don’t consider [the issue] more than of passing interest…”), labor, and national defense. File holes at top margins of each letter, oxidation marks visible on some letters around staples, handwritten notations. Includes a letter of authentication re: the 2 December 1959 letter written by Robert F. Kennedy to Robert Troutman from the Abraham Lincoln Bookshop of Chicago. Overall condition good. A fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of President Kennedy’s ultimately victorious 1960 presidential campaign during its very earliest stages. Previously sold by Remember When Auctions, 15-16 March 1997.