John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Pencil Note and Doodle on United States Senate stationery, undated but likely 1957, sheet 10.5 x 8 inches, initialed J. K. at the bottom, includes a drawing of a floating sailboat, steps, and the phrases Dems must win in 1960 (emphatically underlined) and Adlai out. Provenance: from the collection of the late Ohio U. S. Representative Michael J. Kirwan (1886-1970), who was a longtime friend of President Kennedy; gifted from Kirwan to his neighbor and protege, the presidential historian John Burke Jovich. The piece has been examined by JFK's personal secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, whose expertise on his handwriting is unsurpassed. Adlai Stevenson was the Democratic Party's presidential nominee in 1952 and 1956, but lost both times to Dwight Eisenhower. The note clearly shows JFK's attitude toward Stevenson running for a third time, and foreshadows his own win in 1960 over Richard Nixon.

Gentle crease in the lower left corner and minor age toning, otherwise in very good condition. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .