Auction Date:2011 Jun 15 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
TLS as president, one page, 6.75 x 9, White House letterhead, January 15, 1968. Letter to Joseph Kingsbury-Smith. In full: “Dick Berlin has sent me some of your recent dispatches on our efforts to strengthen the dollar and win peace in Asia. Your insights and confidence are a great encouragement and all here who share the burden of America’s large responsibilities are grateful for the strength of your partnership.” In fine condition, with a uniform shade of toning to the once pale green paper.
Kingsbury-Smith (1908–1999) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, editor, and chief foreign writer for Hearst Newspapers. At the time, the Hearst newspaper organization was headed by Richard Berlin, who is also referenced here. LBJ was a man who understood the importance of shaping public opinion through a powerful organization like Hearst, and to that end supported a stance taken by the publication regarding the burden—economically and militarily—carried by the US as a world leader.
To be sure, the escalation of the Vietnam War in early 1968 brought increased pressure on the dollar, with America creating massive indebtedness with the rest of the world. At this time, gold was taking center stage, with the long-standing gold exchange system unraveling quickly and heading for a meltdown. Those financial worries were further complicated by events that would thwart Johnson’s hope for the “peace in Asia” he references. A few days after writing this letter, on January 21, the Battle of Khe Sanh, one of the most publicized and controversial fights of the war, began, and the start of the Tet Offensive on January 30 marked a turning point against US forces. Optimistic words from LBJ in the midst of rapidly changing world events.
Auction Location:
5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
Previewing Details:
Visit www.RRAuction.com
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
20% |
Additional Fees:
Shipping Details:
Up to $100 $10.00
$101-$500 $15.00
$501-$1,000 $20.00
$1,001-$3,000 $35.00
$3,000-$10,000 $45.00
Over $10,000 $100.00
Payment Details:
Paypal address: mandy@rrauction.com
Accepted Payment Methods:
- VISA
- Master Card
- Discover
- Money Order/Bank Draft
- Check/Cheque
- PayPal
Buyer's Premium
A 20% buyer's premium will be added to each winning bid, with a 2% discount for those paying by check, cash, or money order.
Your bid is a contract
Placing a bid online means you agree to abide by the terms and conditions listed by RRAuction.
Payment methods accepted
Money Order, Cashier's Check, Personal Check, or Wire Transfer.
Payment for items won in auction 353 is due by Monday, June 27, unless prior arrangements have been made. Late payment may result in suspension of your bidding privileges.
Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, or Discover are only accepted up to $5,000 without prior arrangement: please contact Mandy Eaton-Casey.
Further descriptions
You can call us or email us if you'd like us to answer questions about these items.