This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/4/2021
Because of the aura and mythology surrounding John and Jacqueline Kennedy, it is often hard to remember that they were once a young married couple, essentially no different than millions of others before and since. As “Jack” and “Jackie,” the pair had to perform the same mundane tasks of every young couple such as paying bills while managing their household budget. It is only in the future President and First Lady’s surviving private writings, notes and ephemera that their unrecognized “ordinariness” becomes evident, and this piece is just such an example. The hand written note is addressed to “Mrs Lincoln,” (Evelyn Lincoln, her husband’s personal secretary from 1953 until his death in 1963) and reads, “Here are 2 bills which I have been dreading to show Jack for months- Please try your best to slip them in without his noticing – there will never be any more like them I promise!” While it is not known what pair of bills Jackie was referring to, they must have been substantial enough for her to feel the need to collude with her husband’s secretary to slip them by unnoticed. Though Jackie was born into an affluent family, her father had made a mess of the Bouvier’s finances, and perhaps this fueled the anxiety found within the lines of this note. Written on Jackie’s personal stationary in blue pen, this unique note offers a glimpse into the personal world of the Kennedy’s “Camelot.” The sheet of personal stationary shows edge wear with a small piece missing from the upper right and toning throughout. A horizontal fold is found in the center of the page but this does not distract from the content nor the “Jackie” signature. The back of the sheet has various blue ink notations along with the date of “Nov 1959.” These notes may have been done by Evelyn Lincoln after the note was received and no longer needed for its content. A wonderful personal note from the future First Lady to her husband’s long-time personal secretary and confidant.
Originally purchased at Guernsey's in 1994 and has resided in the Al Tapper Collection ever since.
Estimate: $15,000+