FORD, Gerald (1913- ), President. Typed letter signed ("Gerry Ford") as President to Albert H. Quie, Washington, D.C., 19 September 1974. 1 page, 4to, White House stationery, signature slightly pale, otherwise in excellent condition. Enclosed in velvet mat. PRESIDENT FORD ON NIXON'S PARDON: "IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF OUR BELOVED COUNTRY" A fine letter giving a candid explanation for his controversial pardon of former President Nixon, who had resigned a little over a month before. Ford praises Quie's "...forthrightness and candor...I would have been disappointed if I had received less from a valued friend. My granting of a pardon to our former President was a difficult decision which only I could make alone. I felt it was essential to the well-being of our beloved country. I am confident that this action will eventually fall under proper perspective. Also, I do want to assure you that my pardon...under the unique circumstances stated by me in granting it, does not relate to any other case. Any requests for Executive clemency are handled through established channels..." As a result of the Watergate affair, an extensive investigation was launched by the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives, culminating in Nixon's resignation on 9 August 1974. He still faced indictment on a variety of charges. In his proclamation of pardon, Ford cautioned that a long trial would merely threaten the "tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks...The prospects of such trial will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office..." Prior to the pardon, Ford wrote of the Nixons: "Theirs is an American tragedy in which we have all played a part. It could go on and on and on, or someone must write the end to it. I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must" (Gerald H. Ford Library and Museum website).
FORD, Gerald (1913- ), President. Typed letter signed ("Gerry Ford") as President to Albert H. Quie, Washington, D.C., 19 September 1974. 1 page, 4to, White House stationery, signature slightly pale, otherwise in excellent condition. Enclosed in velvet mat. PRESIDENT FORD ON NIXON'S PARDON: "IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF OUR BELOVED COUNTRY" A fine letter giving a candid explanation for his controversial pardon of former President Nixon, who had resigned a little over a month before. Ford praises Quie's "...forthrightness and candor...I would have been disappointed if I had received less from a valued friend. My granting of a pardon to our former President was a difficult decision which only I could make alone. I felt it was essential to the well-being of our beloved country. I am confident that this action will eventually fall under proper perspective. Also, I do want to assure you that my pardon...under the unique circumstances stated by me in granting it, does not relate to any other case. Any requests for Executive clemency are handled through established channels..." As a result of the Watergate affair, an extensive investigation was launched by the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives, culminating in Nixon's resignation on 9 August 1974. He still faced indictment on a variety of charges. In his proclamation of pardon, Ford cautioned that a long trial would merely threaten the "tranquility to which this nation has been restored by the events of recent weeks...The prospects of such trial will cause prolonged and divisive debate over the propriety of exposing to further punishment and degradation a man who has already paid the unprecedented penalty of relinquishing the highest elective office..." Prior to the pardon, Ford wrote of the Nixons: "Theirs is an American tragedy in which we have all played a part. It could go on and on and on, or someone must write the end to it. I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must" (Gerald H. Ford Library and Museum website).
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
