President Carter extends warm birthday wishes to General Matthew Ridgway

45. President Jimmy Carter TLS to General Matthew Ridgway. TLS as president, one page, 6.75 x 9, White House letterhead, March 3, 1980. Letter sent to retired U.S. Army General Matthew Ridgway, in part: “Rosalynn joins me in congratulating you on the occasion of your 85th birthday. As I reflect on your many contributions to our Nation, I am filled with admiration and respect for the professionalism, dedication and high purpose which have characterized your career as both a soldier and a statesman. I know I speak for many of our fellow citizens in thanking you and in expressing our hopes for your happiness, not only on your birthday, but also in the years ahead.” In very good to fine condition, with light horizontal staining from onetime inclusion in magnetic photo album. An exceptional association piece between two notable figures of American history. Starting Bid $200

47. Jimmy Carter Autograph Letter Signed on Nixon and Politics. ALS signed “Jimmy,” three pages, 5.5 x 8.5, Office of the Governor, Atlanta letterhead, May 17, 1971. Fascinating handwritten letter to journalist Hal Gulliver, commenting on politics and Richard Nixon’s campaign in the South. In part: “It was good to have your family visit us yesterday. Someday it would be good to get together for a bull session about politics—like in the old days. Your book was interesting, & I think it will be a good seller. Also, of course, the overall premise that Nixon tried to get votes by soft-pedaling the race issue & that he failed because Southern Democrats also soft-pedaled the race issue is a valid one. Southerners still consider themselves Democrats if given an equal opportunity. We candidates, being enlightened, believe in equal opportunity.” In fine condition. Starting Bid $200

48. Ronald Reagan Autograph Letter Signed on Broadway Show. ALS signed “Ronnie,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, July 10, [no year]. Handwritten letter to “John,” in part: “I’m returning the script (as you can see) which we enjoyed very much. However with regret we have to let the boat sail without us. This is not a decision based on reading the play but was dictated by our business manager. He was more than firm—he was adamant that we’d do no investing until we’d bought Uncle Sam off our backs. We have never been ‘Broadway Angels’ and had hoped our first experience would be with you. Now all we can do is thank you for the opportunity—wish you the best & hope we’ll be pestering you for ‘hard to get’ tickets this season.” In fine condition, with light edge toning. Starting Bid $200 the inauguration, gilt-stamped on the front cover with the presidential seal and “The Chief Justice and Mrs. Burger,” containing a rare program for the “Inauguration Luncheon,” signed inside in blue ballpoint by Reagan; a large leaflet with the text of Reagan’s inaugural address; packet prints entitled “Inaugural Views, 1861–1905.” unsigned mounted portraits of

Burger Court and Warren E. Burger himself. In overall fine

Accompanied by a letter of provenance indicating that the materials were purchased at an estate sale held at the residence of Chief Justice Burger in Arlington, Virginia, in November 1995. Starting Bid $200

Huge signed portrait of President Reagan and his 1985 cabinet, including VP George Bush