ALS signed “Ike,” three lined pages, 8 x 10.5, August 22 [1945]. A superb letter to his wife, Mamie, written less than two weeks after the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, and less than two weeks before the formal Japanese surrender, in which a talkative Ike sends news of his hectic schedule, family members in service, and more. In part: “Today I completed the writing of 3 speeches—one, I recorded for delivery in the U.S. [Son] John tells me he wrote to you day before yesterday. Since I last wrote I’ve been to Russia and to Berlin twice….Tomorrow I go to Belfast in North Ireland and can’t get back before Sat., at the earliest…. If I could find a day I’d hike off to the coast for a few hours of sun—but I seem busier than ever…. We’ve lost many high ranking men in key positions and this keeps us constantly shifting assignments. But I must hang on to Smith & Clay to the bitter end. Both are remarkable men—as are many others of my principal subordinates! John is well—he is very anxious to get into a special historical job we have & he will soon be assigned to it. He has been rather hanging on to the ragged edge of nothing since his orders to Japan were cancelled—coincidentally with the collapse of that war…. All my love to you, my sweet…. Take good care of yourself.” The Japanese surrender was signed on September 2, bringing World War II to an end. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope which bears Ike’s own signature, “Dwight D. Eisenhower,” as censor, plus printed transcripts of the speeches Ike mentions in the first paragraph. In fine condition, with usual mailing folds and light even toning, and usual censor’s ink stamp touching signature on envelope. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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