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Exceptional Gerald Ford typed letter signed as President, written 27 November 1974, less than three months after his pardon of Richard Nixon. Ford defends the controversial pardon, writing to billionaire and philanthropist Norton Simon who vociferously disagreed with the decision, calling the affair a ''misuse and abuse of authority''.
On White House stationery, Ford writes in part, ''...This was not an easy decision to reach...I undertook a thorough examination of the entire matter. This included my right to grant pardons under the Constitution, the legal actions contemplated by the Special Prosecutor, the probable duration of the criminal proceedings and a number of other factors. Throughout this evaluation process, my main concern was to heal the wounds to the Nation. That was the top priority. I know there are deep and genuine differences among good people over the decision I made. But I felt then, and I feel now, that I made the right decision in an honest, conscientious effort to end the divisions of this country. / Needless to say, I am sorry that you feel you are unable to support my decision on this...[signed] Jerry Ford''.
Letter is accompanied by copies of correspondence between Simon and the White House. A Republican supporter, Simon had earlier sent a telegram to Ford critiquing the pardon, stating bluntly, ''It seems like a permanent part of our democracy has become the misuse and abuse of authority.'' Ford's aide followed with a letter that almost certainly angered Simon further, causing Ford to reach out to him personally.
Letter measures approximately 7'' x 11'', housed in custom mat (letter is hinged inside mat and not mounted). Mat is then housed in navy blue clamshell case with photograph of the Fords walking alongside the Nixons as they leave the White House. Leather and cloth clamshell case measures 9.75'' x 12.5''. With Kenneth W. Rendell COA. A very rare and detailed letter by President Ford regarding one of the most pivotal moments in American history.