Harry S. Truman
Independence, MO, May 3, 1961
Harry Truman Scarce TLS About "The Atomic Bomb and the End of the War..."
TLS

An extremely rare typed letter signed by Harry Truman in which he makes mention of the atomic bomb. 1p, measuring 7.25" x 10.5", Independence Missouri, dated May 3, 1961. Signed "Harry Truman" on his personal letterhead. Addressed to Herbert S. Bailey Jr., the Director and Editor of the Princeton University Press. Truman thanks Bailey for sending him a copy of "Japan Subdued: The Atomic Bomb and the End of the War in the Pacific" and promises to read it at his earliest convenience. With expected mail folds. Boldly signed. Overall fine condition. A letter referencing the atomic bomb, something Truman rarely did, recently sold for over $230,000 at Heritage Auctions in 2022.

This typed signed letter is one of the few, rare examples where Truman was willing to make mention of the atomic bomb. Its importance lies in the reaction Truman would have upon reading the book sent to him by Bailey. In the book, author Herbert Feis questioned the necessity of the atomic bomb and suggested that Truman?s advisors had a strong influence on Truman's controversial decision. This bothered Truman, who firmly believed that his decision to use the bomb which saved American lives was a result of his motto ? "the buck stops here". Truman eschewed the idea that he relied on a brain trust and angrily drafted a letter to Feis in April 1962, in which he called the prominent academic, ?the usual egghead.? The infamous "Egghead" letter was never sent to Feis, but a copy of the original draft is included with the offering. Truman was under considerable pressure to support his decision to drop the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Although the world celebrated the end of WWII, there was also intense debate about the use of the bombs to bring it to a conclusion. Eighteen years later Truman still found himself having to explain and support his decision. As such, he was extremely sensitive about responding to any additional inquiries on the subject, making any letters by Truman that remotely mentioned Hiroshima or "The Bomb" exceedingly rare.

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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7.25" x 10.5"