Dear Mrs. Irvin: I have by no means forgotten your extraordinary suggestion that you present to me your late husband’s library.1 I well understand from your description that it is a most unusual one. You indicated that there was a reason for considering the matter on an urgent basis because of the fact that you plan to leave your present home and therefore must dispose of the library.
As I told you when we had the opportunity for our very brief chat on Christmas afternoon, I anticipate that in a few years I shall have an adequate and, indeed, an admirable place in which it would be possible to maintain this collection. Should anything occur to prevent the completion of the "Eisenhower Library" in the State of Kansas, I would of course have to make, at that time, arrangements for the transfer of the documents to another suitable repository, because I realize that the collection you describe could not be properly housed in a private home. Moreover, I should add that I know of no reason to suppose that the "Eisenhower Library" will not be completed as planned.2
In the meantime I think that it should not be too difficult for me to find a proper place for storage either in the White House itself or in a place that would be equally suitable. Possibilities in this line would depend, I should think, upon the size of the library and the manner of packing the different volumes.3
It occurs to me that if you should want to pursue your suggestion further, I could ask my Aide to come to New York to see you and to get some idea of what might be involved. If you should like him to visit you for such a purpose, you might drop me a note--and later I could have him telephone to you to arrange details.4
Personally I feel highly complimented that you should want me to have something that meant so much to your late husband and which would have a real value for the public and posterity. In any event, whatever you believe should be done, I am quite sure that a discussion with my Aide, Colonel Schulz, would be helpful in clarifying the plan. Further, if you should decide that it would be wiser to send the library to someone other than myself, please be certain that I will not only understand but promptly concur. I feel that the important thing is that you yourself may be completely satisfied with whatever action you may take.5
This note is dictated in the closing hours of 1958. As you know, Mamie and I are in Gettysburg, and this morning we were joined by all of the grandchildren. We are going to have a small celebration tonight in honor of Susie’s seventh birthday, and, of course, of the New Year.6
With best wishes to you for the best possible New Year and, again, my gratitude for your more than kind suggestion. Sincerely
