Patriarch of the fabled family of American politicians (1888–1969). After first making his fortune as a liquor wholesaler (and, during Prohibition, a de facto bootlegger), Kennedy widened his business interests to include stock trading, real estate, and the film industry. He later served as the American ambassador to Great Britain, from 1938 to 1940. Throughout the lives of his children, especially John, Robert, and Edward, Kennedy exerted a powerful influence, both personal and professional; he is famously believed to have “bought” the state of Illinois for his son in the 1960 election, resulting in JFK’s razor-thin victory. TLS signed “Sincerely, Joe,” one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, August 23, 1944. Kennedy writes to multiple-Tony-winning producer Gilbert Miller (1884–1970). In full: “Thank you for your kind wire. Expressions of sympathy are a real sustaining comfort in our time of trial, and we greatly appreciate yours.” In addition to signing, Kennedy has also handwritten the salutation, “Dear Gilbert.” In 1942, Kennedy’s oldest son, Joseph (born 1915), enlisted in the Navy as an aviator and, in the following year, was stationed in England. In July 1944, the highly volatile payload Kennedy’s plane was carrying on a special mission detonated in midair, instantly killing him and his crew mate. The unexpected death dealt a severe and lasting blow to the Kennedy clan, and in particular to Joseph, Sr. By all accounts, Joseph was by far the elder Kennedy’s favorite son, and Kennedy, Sr. made no secret of his admiration and ambitious plans for the political future of his firstborn. In the profound influence it would exert on his younger brothers, Joseph’s death may rightly be regarded as more than one family’s tragedy—an event that would, also, in a very real sense, change the course of history. A few minor wrinkles and tiny spots and stains to blank portion, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
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