Beschreibung:

KENNEDY, John F., President . Autograph letter signed ("John") as Representative from Massachusetts to "Henry," Washington, D.C., 26 May 1948. 1 page, 4to, imprinted Congressional stationery, extreme top edge a bit browned , otherwise fine. JFK ON THE DEATH OF HIS SISTER KATHLEEN, KILLED IN THE CRASH OF A PRIVATE PLANE, "A TREMENDOUS BLOW TO ME" A fine autograph letter. It had only been four years since John Kennedy had lost his older brother Joe (see the preceding lot). A second tragedy struck on 13 May 1948 when Kathleen, one of his five sisters, was killed in a private plane crash. Two weeks after her death, Kennedy responds to a well-wisher: "I want you to know how much I appreciate your kind and thoughtful [words] about my sister Kathleen. Her death has been a tremendous blow to me - but letters like yours has made every thing easier." Kathleen Kennedy (1920-1948) was the fourth child born to Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Against her parents' wishes, in May 1944 she married a Protestant, the Marquess of Hartington and son of the Duke of Devonshire. Four months later Hartington was killed in action at the front. Kathleen remained in England and became romantically involved with Lord Peter Fitzwilliam, a Protestant not yet divorced from his wife. On 13 May 1948, Peter and Kathleen were en route to Cannes when their plane was caught in a thunderstorm and crashed, killing both. Kathleen was buried in her husband's family plot at Chatsworth.