March 2012 Auction Ends Wednesday, March 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/28/2012
Dwight D. Eisenhower typed letter signed as President, dated 14 September 1953 on White House stationery from Denver. Eisenhower writes to his brother Edgar, discussing who he would nominate to the Supreme Court to replace Chief Justice Fred Vinson. Ironically, Eisenhower tapped Earl Warren who helmed the Court during one of its most activist periods, leading Eisenhower to later lament that Warren's nomination was ''the biggest damned-fool mistake I ever made.'' Many believe that Warren's support of Eisenhower as President was a quid pro quo exchange for a high court nomination. In part: ''Dear Ed: The first two men mentioned in your note to me of the eleventh have been among those whose qualifications I have been studying...I have noticed an interesting feature in these recommendations. Almost without exception, if a lawyer recommends someone, that individual is now a practicing judge, or at the very least a successful practicing lawyer. Almost everybody else seems to favor some man who has been experienced in more phases of our governmental life than merely the legal. I have had a number of governors recommended -- and others serving in the Senate or in Congress. For myself, the only thing I am determined to do is to make certain that I shall do my part in attempting to restore some of the prestige that the Court lost -- at least in my estimation -- through the New Deal and Fair Deal days. Whoever I pick will be a man of reputation, of established integrity and character..." Signed ''DE'' in black ink. Letter measures 8'' x 10.5'' on one page with two holes punched at top. Near fine.
Eisenhower 1953 TLS on His Earl Warren "Mistake" Appointment -- ''...I shall...restore some of the prestige that the Court lost...through the New Deal and Fair Deal...''
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