“ONE DAY IN THE MIDDLE OF A GOLF GAME…”: WONDERFUL LETTER FROM EISENHOWER TO A FRIEND

EISENHOWER, Dwight D. Typed letter signed. Gettysburg: No publisher, July 13, 1965. Two sheets of letterhead, measuring 7 by 10-1/2 inches. $2200.

Delightfully conversational typed letter from Dwight D. Eisenhower to his friend, Harry Anholt, the long-time manager of Denver’s Brown Palace Hotel, regarding golf, back maladies, and the weather, boldly initialed by Eisenhower.

The letter, typed on Eisenhower’s personal stationery and addressed to “Mr. Anholt, Biltmore Hotel, 43rd and Madison, New York, New York, 10017,” reads: “July 13, 1965. Dear Harry: Some days ago through Arline and Mamie I learned that you experienced some back trouble that sent you to the hospital. Because I am uncertain, at this moment, as to your location I think I had better send this note to you at the Biltmore Hotel and ask that it be forwarded. I rather suspect that the difficulty you are now having is somewhat similar to the one I experienced about two years ago in California. One day in the middle of a golf game my back began to hurt and got worse as the game progressed. That afternoon I lay down to take a rest and found to my chagrin that I could not get up. I had quite a time and there was brought in for my use a special bed that had electric gadgets which could raise me up to a sitting position or raise both back and knees when I wanted to read. It at least helped me to get in and out of bed and no longer did I have to have Moaney in to help. The pain was really severe when he would try and help me get out of bed. The upshot was that I missed almost four weeks of golf-eight days of which were spent in bed! According to Mamie, Arline said the doctors are just making up their minds whether or not to operate; indicating that your case is much more severe than mine, because at least none of my doctors suggested any cutting. Of course, it is always irksome to lie in bed but I imagine what bothers you most is the impossibility to get on the golf course and keep up with your work in the office. At least that was what I found bothered me. On the other side of the coin, I am lazy and something of a loafer-a tendency that helps be whenever the doctors pin me in bed. After a long dry spell our section had one good rain here but we were so dry that in spite of the fact that the rain came just last week end we need some more right now. I read that New York likewise had a good rain but I doubt that it was enough to alleviate the terrible water shortage that seems to be plaguing New York City. Next Monday Mamie and I are taking off, by train, to northern Wisconsin where we expect to stay about a week or ten days. Both of us send our very best wishes for your quick and complete recovery and, of course, are (sic) affectionate regard to you both, As ever, (signed) D.E.” “Moaney,” mentioned in the letter, is Sergeant John A. Moaney, Jr., who was Eisenhower’s personal aide from 1942 to 1969 and who served as a pallbearer at his funeral. With original envelope bearing Eisenhower Presidential franking stamp.

Staple holes, small stain on envelope. Fine condition.