Richard Nixon TLS as Vice President: "…helped maintain a sense of equilibrium in the midst of the political atoms which have been splitting in all directions"

A 1p typed letter signed by Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994), then Vice President during the Eisenhower Administration, and future 37th U.S. President, as "Dick" in black ink above his typed signature as "Richard Nixon" at lower right. Written in Washington, D.C. on August 1, 1956 on a single leaf of stationery with "Office of the Vice President / Washington" letterhead, complete with the vice presidential seal at top. Expected light paper folds and light adhesive residue along the top edge verso, else near fine. 7" x 9." Accompanied by its original pre-printed "Office of the Vice President" transmittal envelope with printed free frank. Stamped, cancelled, and docketed recto.

Richard Nixon wrote this letter to George Murphy (1902-1992), a Hollywood entertainer who retired in order to enter the political arena. Nixon and Murphy shared several similarities: they both had associations with California (Nixon's home state and Murphy's adopted home state); they were both Republicans; and they would both serve as U.S. Senators from California (Nixon between 1950-1953 and Murphy from 1965-1971.)

Nixon wrote in part, "Dear Murph: Your telegram certainly helped maintain a sense of equilibrium in the midst of the political atoms which have been splitting in all directions…I'll be seeing you shortly in California…"

The chaos Nixon likens to splitting atoms probably referred to his upcoming reelection campaign on the Eisenhower ticket. Eisenhower had announced that Nixon would continue on as his running mate in April. The Republican National Convention in San Francisco was slated for later in August 1956. "Ike and Dick" easily defeated Democratic Party contenders Adlai Stevenson and Estes Kefauver in the 1956 presidential election.

George Murphy was a singer, dancer, and Oscar award-winning actor from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Between September 1955 and May 1956, Murphy hosted a variety program called "MGM Parade" which featured celebrity interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, short subject films, and abridged blockbuster films. Murphy joined the California Republican Party in 1952.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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