The notes from Jacqueline Kennedy to her assistant, Tish (Letitia Baldridge), about the 1962 Christmas cards to be sent by the President and Mrs. Kennedy, signed three times, within the text. The first note, written on White House paper, reads: “Tish - This can be JFK's Xmas Card - He needs one for Heads of State, etc. However - before we settle on this one can you have Pam send me the one in New York Times - & Other wire service shots of sleigh - to see if there is one showing more of W. House - This is the way card should be - (over) - on heavy off white paper - send sample [sketch] inside [sketch] seal - repousse like writing paper you sent. Then in black script - printed or engraved as we can use same format each yr with different picture in front - Christmas Greetings and Wishes for a Happy New Year Signatures The President of the United States and Mrs. Kennedy.” The last two lines of this notes have strike through, but are still extremely readable. The next note, again on White House paper, reads: “Tish - WH Xmas card is fine - Capt. Staughton showed me foto. Have it done on same size card as Macmillans - That color paper is good too. Their card is folded in 4. I think folded in 2 is better for our card. (If I have mislaid McMillan card & not sent it back - you remember well enough to go ahead without it. [sketch] Foto - no line or anything around it. No writing. [sketch] repousse seal wishes Xmas blessed N. Year etc. The Pres. Mrs. K - script writing whatever I told you before - our writing John Kennedy Jacqueline Kennedy JFK says he wants to sign all his. Get cards made up & then I think we ran sign one - have others photographed on.” On a sheet of mint green White House stationery, on the reverse, she writes: “Seal repousse A Blessed Christmas and A Happy New Year The Pres of the U. S. and Mrs. Kennedy.” On another piece of mint green paper, perhaps the bottom half of the piece mentioned above, is a sketch of the layout of a card, with “Photograph printed on this page - not posted on - “ written across the bottom. The next note, again on White House paper, reads: “Tish - I like this one - this finish - going right to the edge of page - (none of that jagged white on bottom). I prefer this to the brook scene with a tiny white border. Inside of envelope should be white - like are addressed to Clifton - NO gold or silver - that holds for every year. Card can open this way or sideways - whichever they like - all set! J.” On a White House envelope, she writes: “This in black - in same script as inside. Envelope should be slightly smaller - to exactly fit card inside in white paper - same as card. Tish - Christmas Card for JFK to send to Heads of State.” In very fine condition. Very unique offering. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
