Schlesinger was sipping cocktails before luncheon with Katharine Graham, John Kenneth Galbraith, and the editors of Newsweek at their Manhattan office when a man entered in his shirtsleeves and said, a little tentatively, “I think that you should know that the President has been shot in the back of the head in Texas.” Schlesinger thought momentarily this was some sort of ghastly office joke. Then he knew it could not be. Soon, he was on a plane bound for Washington. It was the saddest journey of his life.
November 22, 1963
Washington, D.C.
Friday evening
Washington, D.C.
Friday evening
Dearest Jackie:
Nothing I can say can mitigate the shame and horror of this day. Your husband was the most brilliant, able and inspiring member of my generation. He was the one man to whom this country could confide its destiny with confidence and hope. He animated everything—he led with passion and gaiety and wit. To have known him and worked with and for him is the most fulfilling experience I have ever had or could imagine.
Dearest Jackie, the love and grief of a nation may do something to suggest the feeling of terrible vacancy and despair we all feel. Marian and my weeping children join me in sending you our profoundest love and sympathy. I know that you will let me know when I can do anything to help.
With abiding love,
Arthur
from a collection of Schlesinger's letters to political leaders, published this week by Random House. Quotation from The Atlantic blog, October 30, 2013
from a collection of Schlesinger's letters to political leaders, published this week by Random House. Quotation from The Atlantic blog, October 30, 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment