?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 7,000 - $ 10,000
TO A SUPPORTER AND SWEETHEART, SOON AFTER LAW SCHOOL GRADUATION CLINTON, WILLIAM J. ("BILL"). Archive of 16 items Inscribed and Signed, "Bill" or "Bill Clinton," to journalist for the Baxter Bulletin Janet Nelson, including 11 Autograph Letters, two Typed Letters, an Autograph Postcard, a book, and a program. The letters, mostly requests for information or other support relating to his campaigns. Format varies; condition generally good. Each letter with the original envelope. Vp, 1974-77
The letters: TLS, 30 March 1974: "I enjoyed meeting and talking with you the other day. I hope I will have your vote and support in the Democratic Primary. . . ." 11 April 1974: "I was really sorry to miss you in Mt. Home [Mountain Home, AR]. I did get your letter, and saw Rex Bodenhamer, T.J. MacCabe and others. . . ." With a postscript: "Thank Bea for taking the pictures and see if you can't get her to vote for me." 4 July 1974: "I just got back from a week in DC and a few days in Hot Springs-Little Rock speaking to the State House and the Senate, the Governor and other pols and tending to some family matters. . . . "I think your analysis of our somewhat blunted rendezvous is almost painfully accurate. Regardless I am glad I got to see you, however briefly. "Fionna Fredrichsen says I need a better organization, better leadership in Baxter County--says John Gain agrees. . . ." 3 August 1974: ". . . Couldn't believe J[ohn] P[aul] H[amerschmidt] told the bald-faced lie to your interviewer that he had 'battled' with the White House more than he had supported it. . . ." 15 August 1974: ". . . I have made a preliminary decision to go to the retirement communities with a hard campaign. Republicans or not, most of them that I have seen have no necessary connection with JPH. . . . "These next few days may prove critical to the outcome. I have some major decisions unmade. Wish me well." 28 September 1974: "I just wanted to try to say how much your support, of all kinds, and our relationship, whatever it is, has meant to me. "Today I am sick and pretty tired but now hopeful of a victory. Whatever happens I will always cherish those trips to Mt. Home." 27 May 1975: ". . . I've been working hard--plan to teach both summer sessions, practice what law I can and keep on the stump. I'm whittling my debt down. . . ." 31 July [1977]: ". . . The Senator put some of the LEAA [Law Enforcement Assistance Administration?] money back in the budget so I feel better. "Wish I could have stayed longer. Perhaps I'll be asked again before long. . . ." The postcard: ". . . I always want you to do better & it would be good to have you here, but you're making such a special contribution at the Bulletin that perhaps it's for the best. . . ." The verso is a reproduction of a painting by Gauguin showing two topless indigenous Tahitian women. 1 page, oblong 12mo; short closed tear at lower edge. 22 June 1977 [from postmark]. The book: Jerzy Kosinski. The Painted Bird. "To Janet Nelson / Happy New Year / Bill Clinton / Jan 1976 / I've tried to call / you a couple of / times and / missed. Hope / [you're] OK," in red ink, on inside front cover. 8vo, printed wrappers, markedly worn; signature page markedly foxed with some fading to text. Complete program for the "Diamonds & Denim" celebration of Clinton's inauguration as Governor of AR: "To Janet / Thanks for all / you've done to / bring me here," as Governor, on the front cover. 8vo, wrappers, stapled binding. Np, circa 1979. Provenance: Estate of Janet Nelson.
