Lyndon B. Johnson typed letter signed as President, dated 23 March 1965 on White House stationery. Johnson writes to ''Saturday Review'' Editor Norman Cousins, thanking him for his ''thoughtful and sensitive telegram'' which ''lifted my spirits more than you may ever realize.'' Johnson also mentions ''many remarkable and wonderful messages I have received here in the past few days''.

Cousins undoubtedly wrote Johnson regarding the Voting Rights Act, introduced to Congress on 17 March and following Johnson's 15 March speech to a joint session of Congress, urging members to pass the bill. After a landslide victory in 1964 that included several southern states, Johnson used his political capital to pass this civil rights legislation.

Johnson continues in his letter, ''I remember a day back in 1958 when we met at a luncheon in New York after I had presented the U.S. Policy on Space to the U.N. We have made much progress since then in that area. But, as I emphasized to the Congress, all our gains in space will be for nought if we cannot -- or do not -- fulfill our American ideals here on earth in the lives of all our people...'' Signed ''Lyndon B. Johnson'' in black felt-tip. Single page letter measures 6.75'' x 8.875''. Near fine condition. With Heritage Auctions provenance.