Lyndon B. Johnson TLS: "I don't much believe that I

Lyndon B. Johnson TLS: "I don't much believe that I want to become 'undisputed' head of anything"

A 1p typed letter signed by Lyndon B. Johnson (1908-1973), then U.S. Senator from Texas and Democratic Majority Leader, (and future 36th U.S. President), as "Lyndon" near center right. Written on April 22, 1957. N.p. but probably at Johnson's Texas home. On a single leaf of "United States Senate / Office of the Democratic Leader / Washington, D.C. / Lyndon B. Johnson / Texas" letterhead. Expected paper folds and light toning, else near fine. 7.5" x 10." Accompanied by its original transmittal envelope with a PRINTED Johnson free frank in the postage section. Neatly letter-opened verso with scattered pencil inscriptions.

Lyndon B. Johnson addressed this letter to fellow Texan Democrat John D. "Pat" Patton, Jr. (1914-2005), writing in part:

"Your letter has been forwarded to me here in Texas and I don't think I ever appreciated one more. I enjoyed…your fine expression of confidence…I just hope I can so serve as to justify it.

I recognize full well the political problems you outline and I am grateful for the advice you give although I don't much believe that I want to be the 'undisputed head' of anything. I just want to serve as best I can and to earn the respect and friendship of as many Texans as I can."

Johnson's statement about not desiring to be the "'undisputed head' of anything" is probably insincere. By all accounts, Johnson was incredibly ambitious and thrived in an environment of alliance-making and political consolidation. In addition, the historical track record--including LBJ's future 1960 presidential bid--suggests it is extremely unlikely that he would decline taking political control of anything.

Lyndon B. Johnson served as a Senator from Texas between 1949-1961. Between 1952-1954, he served as Democratic Minority Leader, and between 1954-1960 he acted as Democratic Majority Leader in the U.S. Senate. Following the 1956 Democratic Party Convention, where he became the darling of Texas delegates, Johnson was earmarked as a Democratic presidential contender in 1960. He served as Vice President between 1961 and 1963, and as President after November 1963 and until January 1969.

Johnson's correspondent John D. "Pat" Patton, Jr. was actively involved in Democratic and Texan politics for much of his life. Patton's obituary stated that he served as Democratic County Chairman (presumably of Caldwell County, Texas) for 40 years, and that he also served as the first president of the Texas Democratic County Chairs Association still active today. Patton was still supporting Johnson nearly a decade later in advance of LBJ's 1964 presidential campaign; Patton's name was listed in a local Lockhart, Texas newspaper among the ranks of the Citizens of Lyndon B. Johnson and Hubert H. Humphrey.

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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