US Stamps
Letter from the White House explained the Nixon pardon
U.S. Stamp Notes by John M. Hotchner
History lurks inside many envelopes that have been saved by stamp and cover collectors. Over many years of looking, I’ve found that covers with “The White House” in the upper left corner and a Washington, D.C., cancellation tend to be retained by the addressees, and they sometimes find their way to collectors — with or without the original contents.
Shown here is a nice example with the letter enclosed that was recently found in a dealer’s stock; it was priced at $10.
The Oct. 10, 1974, cover franked with a 1973 10¢ 50-Star and 13-Star Flags stamp is nothing special, but the letter enclosed is a significant bit of history.
On Sept. 8, 1974, when President Gerald Ford pardoned Richard Nixon, it was as if someone had swatted a bees’ nest. Ford received all sorts of criticism for his action, which he believed was the proper course to prevent further division in the country after the impeachment and forced resignation of Nixon. It may even have cost him the chance to be elected to the White House in 1976. From today’s perspective, most historians believe Ford did the right thing.
As reaction raged in the media, some citizens wrote to Ford expressing support, and the letter enclosed in the cover is a printed thank-you note. Here is what it said:
“While the heavy volume of mail on the pardon of former President Nixon does not allow me to respond personally as I would like, I do want to take this means to let you know how much I appreciate receiving your views on this.
“This was not an easy decision to reach, as I am sure you are aware. Before making it, I undertook a thorough examination of the entire matter. This included my right to grant pardons under the Constitution, the legal actions contemplated by the Special Prosecutor, the probable duration of the criminal proceedings and a number of other factors. Throughout this evaluation process, my main concern was to heal the wounds of the Nation. That was my top priority. I know there are deep and genuine differences among good people over the decision I made. But I felt then, and I feel now, that I made the right decision in an honest, conscientious effort to end the divisions in this country.
“I am grateful that you support my decision and I appreciate your taking the time to let me know about it.”
The letter is signed “Sincerely, Gerald R. Ford.”
I think it is likely that the same letter with a different ending paragraph would have been sent to those who wrote criticizing the decision. I wonder if a Linn’s reader might have such a letter?
Connect with Linn’s Stamp News:
Sign up for our newsletter
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
MORE RELATED ARTICLES
Headlines
-
US Stamps
Nov 12, 2024, 2 PMMore information on the ‘War Stamp’ overprints of 1917
-
World Stamps
Nov 11, 2024, 5 PMCanada issues sacred, secular Christmas stamps
-
US Stamps
Nov 11, 2024, 1 PMOctober cartoon caption contest winner envisions Olympian method of pizza delivery
-
Postal Updates
Nov 7, 2024, 4 PMCelebrate Thanksgiving with Plymouth 400’s commemorative postmarks