This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/28/2022
Ho Chi Minh autograph letter signed, dated 15 January 1946 as President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Ho writes to Army Captain John I. Farris, stationed in Hanoi for nine months as the most senior American military member of a team sent by the U.S. to investigate American planes shot down in the area. In this letter, Ho offers to bring former Vietnamese Emperor Bao-Dai to visit with Farris; following Bao-Dai's abdication on 25 August 1945, Ho kept him on as an advisor, rather than executing him. On official stationery, English letter reads in full,
''Capt. Ferris. [sic] / Dear Sir, I'll bring our EX-emperor Bao-dai to visit you tomorrow, Jan. 16, at 9 A.M. / Will you be so kind as to let me know if the time is convenient for you. / Best greetings. / Yours sincerely / Ho Chi Minh / Jan. 15, 46''. Single page letter penned in blue fountain pen measures 5.5'' x 8.25''. Creasing, a few small closed tears and paperclip impression at top left. Very good condition with bold handwriting. Consigned by the family of Captain Farris.