Lot 233

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Description:

L.H. Oswald Signed Letter, "if we finally get back to the states...maybe we’ll...settle in Texas”, Warren Commission Exhibit

Autograph Letter Twice Signed, “Lee”, two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.5” x 8”, Minsk, December 13, 1961. The letter has been soft-laminated, as is typical of official exhibits used during the Warren Commission investigation, and bears an exhibition label on the front, "Commission No. 187". Oswald's mother, according to family attribution, laminated her letters because she didn't want the hands of the Warren commission actually touching them. "JKL 89-47" is penciled along the lower edge of the reverse by John Lattimer.  Expected wear, very light ink smudging to a few words of postscript, else fine condition.

Oswald’s letter to his mother, in part, with original spelling unchanged:

"We received your post card today and also the first package of books which you sent us a month and a half ago. I sure do appreciate your help. I think we'll get together if we finally get back to the states, and maybe we'll be able to settle in Texas. I hope everything is allright with you, why do you change addresses so often? I sent you and Robert a Christmas card, and even Aunt Lilian in New Orleans, do you write to them at all? Or to Aunt Lilian. Has John been writing to you lately? When you write you can send us just post cards instead of letters they are cheaper and Marina enjoys the pictures of Texas and America. Snow is on the ground here and will be until April or May. Marina is feeling fine and everything is O.K. with that. Marina laughed when she heard your question about babies born at home or in hospitals of course allmost everyone here has their babys in the hospital. Your choice of books is very good, thanks alot for them. Marina sends her love and hopes you received her thank you letter for the beautiful scarf you sent her.”

Oswald adds a postscript at bottom, “P.S. I wrote this letter on one day but didn't get to send it till today, when I received your second package of books, (cowboys & times) so I shall thank you for them also."

Less than two years after defecting to the Soviet Union, Oswald completely reversed his stance and decided to return to the States with his new, now-pregnant wife, Marina. Having secured his U.S. passport, Oswald was awaiting approval from the Soviet government for his and Marina's exit visas as the year ended. Writing to his mother, he comes across as a kind and appreciative son, grateful for the books she has sent, looking forward to the birth of his first child (in a Soviet hospital), and making plans to rejoin his family in Texas as soon as he can. The couple finally received word that their requests had been granted by Soviet authorities on Christmas Day, 1961.

John K. Lattimer (1914-2007) was selected by the Kennedy family to be the first non-governmental medical specialist to review evidence in the assassination, ultimately supporting the findings of the Warren Commission. With an official Warren Commission label, Lattimer's small pencil notation, and two signatures from Oswald, this is a highly desirable letter written as he planned his return to the States.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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August 17, 2022 10:30 AM EDT
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