John F Kennedy Autograph Letter Signed 9/54 - Before His 10/54 Major Surgery

Description

ALS signed “Jack,” three pages, 8 x 10.5, United States Senate letterhead, September 2, 1954. This date is right before the major back surgery that had him recovering in the hospital for months and led to Profiles in Courage.
Letter to Massachusetts Senator and future Boston Mayor John F. Collins, in full: "Many thanks for your kind letter. I was very glad that you and Mrs. Collins could come—and also to see so many who were such adoring supporters of yours. I will be in Boston next Tuesday. If you will be there then, I shall be very glad to talk with you. If not we can meet sometime later. In any case I shall have Frank call your office and leave a message. I should think my apartment at about 4:30 would be best—but will confirm with you in the morning." In fine condition. Accompanied by an unsigned glossy 8 x 10 photo of JFK, and the original mailing envelope with stamped free frank, which is hand-addressed by Kennedy, who adds to the left side: "Personal." Originates from the estate of former Boston Mayor John F. Collins. PSA/DNA authenticated.
The meeting may be a reference to the Massachusetts elections coming up - the senate race and Foster Furcolo (Democrat) and “Salty” Saltonstall. He liked Salty personally and worked well with him and did not like Furcolo. In October 1954 he finally agreed to endorse Furcolo and the democratic candidate for governor - Robert Murphy - on TV in Boston. He flew up and arrived to the studio in pain and with a fever. He omitted any direct mention of Furcolo or criticism of Saltonstall. Furcolo went on to lose the election. On October 10 Jack entered the hospital.