“HER DEATH HAS BEEN A TREMENDOUS BLOW TO US”: RARE JOHN F. KENNEDY AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED REGARDING THE DEATH OF HIS SISTER

KENNEDY, John F. Autograph letter signed. Washington, DC: May 26, 1948. One leaf, (7-1/16 by 10-3/8 inches), on United States Congress stationary, writing on recto only. Matted and framed with a portrait, entire piece measures 20-1/2 by 17 inches. $9500.

Autograph letter signed by John F. Kennedy while in the House of Representatives, acknowledging condolences sent by a family friend after the death of Kennedy's sister Kathleen.

The letter, written by Kennedy to a family friend, reads: "Dear F— J—: I want you to know how much I appreciate your kind and thoughtful letter about Kathleen. Her death has been a tremendous blow to us—but letters from friends like you make everything much easier. Best, Jack." Kennedy was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1946, and served there until being elected to the senate in 1952. On May 13, 1948, his younger sister Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy Cavendish was killed in a plane crash, along with her married lover, Peter Fitzwilliam, while they were flying over the English Channel to France to meet with Joseph Kennedy for an attempted reconciliation—Kathleen had had a falling out with her family over her adulterous affair.

Faint embrowning to paper edges, mild water stain along top edge; expected fold lines. Kennedy personal autographs, when available, are usually found on typed letters and photos; this extremely scarce autograph letter is quite desirable.