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Archive of 13 TLSs by Lyndon B. Johnson, six as president, with seven signed "Lyndon B. Johnson" and six signed "L.B.J.," totaling 13 pages, 6.75 x 9, White House and personal letterhead, dated August 31, 1966 to February 3, 1972. All are to Edward C. Welsh, who served as Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council from 1961 to 1969. Excerpts from the letters:
August 31, 1966: "I just want to thank you for your thoughtful birthday message. Words of confidence and support from those on whom we rely so much are always especially gratifying."
January 31, 1968: "I received your 1967 report today and plan to give it close study. For now, you have all my pride and gratitude for another year of large and lasting achievement. Please tell all your colleagues of my warm appreciation."
March 20, 1968: "I am delighted that you have overtaken me once again. It is not your fault that fate got you off to a slow start in this birthday race, but I do notice that you manage to catch up with me every six months or so."
August 28, 1968: "The friendship conveyed in your birthday wish is but the eloquent expression of the generous support you have given us every day of the past year."
September 4, 1968: "I see by the report on the 1968 Savings Bonds Campaign that we are Federal rivals for first place. This is an honor I am happy and proud to share with you and your patriotic staff. Please tell them all of my satisfaction. It is a feeling that all our people can share, because of the new strength that you have all added to our economy and our security."
January 17, 1969: "I hope you realize that our long friendship and association has been more than a one-way street. I have always cherished your wise and expert advice. You have helped us pioneer on the frontiers of space. You have worked with vision and restraint, with a strong sense of history but also with a devotion to the challenges of the future. I know you will find great pleasure and success in whatever you decide to do. You have my gratitude, my affection, and my esteem."
March 28, 1969: "That was a very nice gesture of yours—nominating me for listing in the National Space Hall of Fame. During the days of my association with you and the other leaders of this Nation's space efforts, I learned what it was like to be among the real Giants in a living Hall of Fame."
August 28, 1969: "Thank you so much for your birthday greetings. I appreciate the sentiments they express."
August 27, 1969: "Yes, the years have a way of adding up for us…but none of them have subtracted from my affection and admiration for you."
December 22, 1970: "Thanks for sending a beautiful card at Christmas and adding to our happiness in many ways through all the years."
January 22, 1971: "Many thanks for your get-well wishes. I'm grateful for your concern and your generous words…a combination that was sure to make me feel better."
April 6, 1971: "Mrs. Johnson and I are disappointed you can't be here to celebrate May twenty-second with us, but we're grateful for your thoughtful letter."
February 3, 1972: "I'm so glad that you and Carolyn enjoyed the CBS interview. It's a little startling to realize that I've been in the homes of so many old friends via television. It's the next best thing to really being there."
In overall fine condition.
Edward C. Welsh (1909–1990) was an American economist and government administrator who served as the inaugural Executive Secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council under President John F. Kennedy. Before that, he advised Senator Stuart Symington on space policy during the Democratic primary; material he developed for Symington was later repurposed in Kennedy’s campaign to sharpen his posture toward the Soviet Union.
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