June 2015 Auction Ends Thursday, June 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/25/2015
Richard Nixon typed letter signed on 23 June 1972, the famous day in history when Nixon first engaged in covering-up the Watergate break-in, for which he would be impeached two years later. On this day of 23 June, Nixon told his Chief of Staff H.R. Haldeman to ''...call the FBI and say that we wish, for the country, don't go any further into this case, period...'' In the taped conversation from this day, Nixon also asks Haldeman regarding the break-in, ''Who was the asshole who ordered it?'', which some cite as evidence that Nixon knew of the scheme beforehand. Once the 23 June tape was made public during the Watergate hearings, all ten Republican members of the House Judiciary Committee who had voted against impeachment in committee announced that they would now vote for impeachment once the matter reached the House floor. Republican Senators Barry Goldwater and Hugh Scott told the President that not only were there enough votes in the Senate to convict him, but that no more than 15 Senators were willing to vote for acquittal. In this letter, the tone of which couldn't be more dissimilar from the taped conversations, Nixon writes to Congressman Bill Young just after returning from his first presidential visit to the Soviet Union, a trip resulting in the signing of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT). Letter on White House stationery reads in part, ''...After any long journey, the best part is always coming home...In a very real sense, every American played a vital role in the success of the Moscow visit, for what was accomplished there reflected our people's abiding desire for enduring peace. With the agreements we have an unparalleled opportunity to build such a structure of lasting peace...I know I can count on your support in this great undertaking...'' Signed with Nixon's initials ''RN'' in black ink on White House letterhead. Stamped on verso as Received by Young's office. Singe page measures 7'' x 10.5''. Near fine.
Richard Nixon Letter Signed on 23 June 1972 -- ''Smoking Gun'' Day of Watergate Cover-up When Nixon Told Haldeman to ''...call the FBI and say...don't go any further into this case, period...''
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