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105

Lyndon B. Johnson

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Lyndon B. Johnson

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Auction Date:2010 Aug 11 @ 22:00 (UTC-5 : 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, 7 x 10.25, White House letterhead, February 27, 1968. Writing from his ranch in Johnson City, LBJ sends condolences to Connie McWright of Dallas on the loss of two sons in Vietnam. In full: “I return in a few hours to Washington. With me I will carry part of your heartache and, I am thankful to say, some of the great courage you have shown in face of tragedy.

The loss of two good and brave sons on the battlefield of freedom is the cruellest [sic] affliction. I wanted you to know that Mrs. Johnson and I have offered prayers for you here at the Ranch. We feel very close to you—not only as nearness is measured by miles, but in that special kinship we find in admiring the teachings by which you raised your sons.

Your lessons have not been lost. They live in the gallant example of Eddie and Dale. Boys they were; but by their convictions they have taught countless Americans to stand like men when freedom is threatened and peace imperiled by aggression.

In achieving that, they have also given the inspiration of your instruction to the world, promising all men a better chance to ‘stand tall and walk straight.’

God bless you for that selfless gift. I pray that you will find comfort in His mercy now. This nation will always offer you the strength of its deep gratitude and pride.”

In fine condition, with a few spots of faint toning near the top of the page. Matted with the original mailing envelope postmarked February 28, 1968, a color photo of the president walking a military line of US soldiers, and a photo of a distraught LBJ with his head on a conference table, and framed to an overall size of 26 x 26.75.

This emotional display pays homage not only to the McWright family but to all the families who lost a loved one in Vietnam. Ed McWright died from wounds he sustained in battle on November 15, 1966. Upon his demise, his brother Dale wrote and recorded his only composition, ‘My Brother,’ which lamented that loss but praised the freedom for which he had been fighting. Sadly, Dale McWright was killed on February 17, 1968 during the Battle for Hue—ten days before Johnson wrote this letter—and his actions on the battlefield earned McWright a recommendation for a Bronze Star. Ironically, the Battle for Hue, a long and bloody conflict that was technically an Allied victory, also served as one of the turning points when it came to public support of the war, which steadily declined from this point forward. It was under those circumstances that LBJ sent this letter to Connie McWright, trying to offer comfort while faced with the knowledge that support for the war, as well as another term in office, were waning.
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