Presidential Papers, Doc#1139 To James L. Murphy, 2 November 1954. In The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower

Document #1139; November 2, 1954
To James L. Murphy
Series: EM, AWF, Microfilm Series: Personal File, Citizens, 1954

The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, Volume XV - The Presidency: The Middle Way
Part VI: Crises Abroad, Party Problems at Home; September 1954 to December 1954
Chapter 13: "A new phase of political experience"

 

Dear Jim:1 I am deeply touched by the note you wrote to me this morning.2 There are times when it is indeed difficult to banish all regret that I ever allowed myself to become entangled in America's political life; but always such occasions are more than counter-balanced by the realization that so many dedicated Americans have stood with me staunchly and faithfully in the effort to make this a better country. Among those whose support has been such an inspiration, you and your intimate associates in the whole "Citizens group" are among the foremost.

From time to time, I have tried to express to you and to them my appreciation of their readiness to work unselfishly for what they believe to be in the best interests of our nation. But never have I seemed to be able to command the words that would adequately convey the depth of my feeling. I trust that you will help these friends, both in national quarters and elsewhere, to understand that I shall always feel toward them a deep gratitude and sense of obligation.

Please convey my greetings to your lovely wife, and with warm regard for yourself, Sincerely

1 Murphy was Chairman of the National Citizens for Eisenhower Congressional Committee.

2 Murphy had written regarding the congressional elections taking place on this same day. "I am optimistic about the outcome . . ." he said, "because it is my conviction that the American people are dedicated to certain principles and objectives which you symbolize to them, and are determined to carry out these objectives under your leadership." Should he be proven wrong, Murphy wrote, "loss of the Congress to the Democrats would in no way mean that you and your aims and aspirations have been rejected by the majority of the American voters." Instead, it would show a "lamentable ignorance of the relationship between the President and Congress, coupled with the current relative unpopularity of the Republican Party" (Nov. 2, 1954, AWF/M: Pers, Citizens, 1954).

Bibliographic reference to this document:
Eisenhower, Dwight D. To James L. Murphy, 2 November 1954. In The Papers of Dwight David Eisenhower, ed. L. Galambos and D. van Ee, doc. 1139. World Wide Web facsimile by The Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Commission of the print edition; Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1996, http://www.eisenhowermemorial.org/presidential-papers/first-term/documents/1139.cfm

 


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