Lot 130
Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States. Typed Letter Signed "Jerry Ford" as President, one page, 6¾" x 8¾", Washington D.C., May 21, 1975 on pale green White House stationery with the blind embossed presidential seal at top center to Republican Congressman CW. Bill Young of Florida, reading in full, "I have received your telegram of May 16 and have also noted your remarks in the Congressional Record for May 15 expressing congratulations for my decision to retake the SS MAYAGUEZ and to rescue its crew. As you know, we did pursue a diplomatic solution, but after 48 hours of not receiving any response from the Cambodian Government, I concluded that Congress and the American people would back my action to recover the ship and its crew by military action. Your support is deeply appreciated…", Very Fine.Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
SIX DAYS AFTER THE USS MAYAGUEZ, SEIZED BY CAMBODIA, WAS RETAKEN BY U.S. TROOPS, PRESIDENT FORD WRITES THAT BE BAD "CONCLUDED THAT CONGRESS AND THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WOULD BACK MY ACTION TO RECOVER THE SHIP AND ITS CREW BY MILITARY ACTION…".
On May 15, 1975, at 12:27 A.M., in The Briefing Room at The White House, President Ford announced: "At my direction, the United States forces tonight boarded the American merchant ship SS MAYAGUEZ and landed at the Island of Koh Tang for the purpose of rescuing the crew and the ship, which had been illegally seized by Cambodian forces. They also conducted supporting strikes against nearby military installations. I have now received information that the vessel has been recovered intact and the entire crew has been rescued. The forces that have successfully accomplished this mission are still under hostile fire, but are preparing to disengage. 1 wish to express my deep appreciation and that of the entire Nation to the units and the men who participate in these operations for their valor and for their sacrifice.
Lot 131
Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States. Free Frank "Gerald R. Ford" in black marker on "The White House, Official Business" envelope, postmarked "Washington, D.C., Aug 9 1974" machine cancel, Very Fine.Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
EXCEEDINGLY RARE GERALD FORD FREE-FRANKED WHITE HOUSE ENVELOPE, POSTMARKED THE DAY OF NIXON'S RESIGNATION, AND THE FIRST DAY OF FORD'S PRESIDENCY.
This envelope is signed August 9, 1974, the day Ford assumed the Presidency after Richard Nixon resigned amid the Watergate scandal. Ford had served as Nixon's Vice President, having been appointed to that office after Spiro Agnew resigned amid a tax scandal. Ford holds the distinction of being the only man to serve as President and Vice President, without having been elected to either office.
Lot 132
Gerald R. Ford, Typed Republican National Convention Acceptance Speech Transcript Signed "Gerald R. Ford" as President, delivered August 19th. 1976, Kansas City, Missouri, 5 pages 8½" x 11"; stapled at top left, Very Fine.Estimate $750 - 1,000.
Lot 133
Gerald R. Ford, Autograph Letter Signed "Jerry Ford" as ex-President, one page 7¼" x 10¼", July 17, 1998 on Gerald R. Ford stationery with gold presidential emblem to Albert B. Hermann, the outgoing head of the Republican National Committee, reading in part: "Dear A.B., The Republican National Committee will never be the same without you and that will be a great loss to present and future Chairmen, to members of the National Committee, to State Chairmen, to Members of Congress… Our friendship and working relationship goes back many years as I know first hand what an outstanding person you are in every respect…You have been wise, loyal, descent, hardworking, dedicated and fun…", unfolded and perfect for framing, pristine and Extremely Fine.Estimate $600 - 800.
A FABULOUS CONTENT FORD ALS THANKING THE HEAD OF THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR HIS SERVICES AND RECOUNTING THEIR YEARS TOGETHER.
Realized: $375
Lot 134
Gerald R. Ford, Pardon Typescript Signed, "Gerald R. Ford" as ex-President, Washington D.C., September 8, 1974, one-page 5¾" x 6", conclusion of pardon only reading "I, Gerald R. Ford, President of the United States, pursuant to the pardon power conferred upon me by Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, have granted and by these presents do grant a full, free, and absolute pardon unto Richard Nixon for all offenses against the United States which he, Richard Nixon, has committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 20, 1969 through August 9, 1974….", Ford has signed and dated this November 5, 1979, Very Fine.Estimate $500 - 750.
Lot 135
Gerald R. Ford, Autograph Letter Signed with full signature "Gerald R. Ford" as ex-President on Gerald R. Ford stationery with gold embossed Presidential eagle letterhead, one page 6¼" x 8½", sends thanks for birthday wishes, adds nice political thought reading in part, "…George Bush can, must and should win in 1988 if we all do our best to help…", Very Fine.Estimate $500 - 750.
Realized: $375
Lot 136
Gerald R. Ford, Pardon Typescript Signed "G. Ford", titled "Granting Pardon to Richard Nixon by the President of the United States, A Proclamation" including the reasoning behind the pardon and the concluding pardon, one-page 8.5" x 11", Very Fine.Estimate $500 - 750.
Lot 137
Gerald R. Ford, Typed Quote Signed "Gerald R. Ford" as ex-President, being a typescript of the Oath of Office as President of the United States on one-page 8½" x 4½". The White House, Washington D.C., August 9, 1974; light fold through signature doesn't affect; accompanied by letter on Gerald R. Ford official stationery to Koschal dated May 18, 1985 stating "Several years ago I made a firm decision never to write up any more signed statements or signed the duplicate of an official document. Therefore, I cannot write out the oath of office and sign it as you requested. I have, however, signed the typed copy of the oath. This is the best I can do under my policy and it is an exception…" signed by autopen, Fine.Estimate $400 - 600.
Lot 138
Gerald R. Ford, Autograph Letter Signed "Jerry Ford" on Gerald R. Ford stationery with gold embossed Presidential eagle letterhead, one page 6¼" x 8½", Ford writes to legendary jazz singer and black entertainer Pearl Bailey, content includes ".I was so proud to see your achievements recognized. Your article 'The Learning Train' was magnificent. My knee surgery was very successful. Painful for a couple of days but all's well now. I'm just impatient with the recovery time…"; one file fold, Very Fine and scarce ALS.Estimate $400 - 600.
Realized: $260
Lot 139
Gerald R. Ford, Photocopy of State of Union Speech Transcript Signed "Gerald R. Ford" as President, delivered January 15, 1975 at the House Chamber, Washington D.C., 15 pages 8½" x 11"; stapled at top left, Very Fine.Estimate $300 - 400.