338. LYNDON B. JOHNSON (1908-1973) Thirty-sixth President of the United States and creator of the "Great Society" social welfare programs. America's growing involvement in Vietnam led to his declining a renomination as president. Historic-content grouping of five T.L.S.'s "Lyndon B. Johnson" as President, each 1p. 4to., Washington, Aug. 19, 1966 to Jan. 2, 1969, all written to Washington NAACP Director Clarence Mitchell, one of the most influential Black Americans of the century. In part: "...[August 19, 1966]...The consistent support that you have given the civil rights program which I have proposed has been a constant source of strength to me...[March 11, 1968]...On this day of victory in the Senate, let me thank you for your telegram and for the statement you made to the press. I know how hard you worked - and must still work, to assure the final adoption of this landmark bill. Its passage is essential from every practical and moral point of view. Its friends must not rest until it becomes the law of the land...[Note: on the day of this writing, the Senate passed by an overwhelming vote the Civil Rights Act of 1968, including a Fair Housing title prohibited discrimination in the sale or rental of housing. The law would be signed by Johnson a month later, on April 11]...[April 24, 1968]...I appreciate the kind words in your letter...[it] will certainly be included in my Presidential records...I agreed with the sentiments expressed in the Washington Post editorial praising your role in achieving passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Thank you for your indispensable efforts...[August 29, 1968]...I was one year old when the NAACP was founded. Since then, I, your organization, Negroes and all Americans have marched quite a distance down the road toward a better society. I am proud I made this noble journey with you...[January 2, 1969]...we have far to go in achieving real social justice in America. What we have managed to accomplish in these past few years would have been impossible without the intelligence, perseverance, and above all, the indomitable confidence of men like you. If those qualities endure, and come to be shared by others...we will [underlined] achieve what we set out five years ago to do..." He adds in an initialed holograph postscript: "if after Jan. 20 - perhaps you can come to Texas with the article - L". Signature on first letter is lightly brushed, else fine condition. Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. (1911-1984) for decades waged in the halls of Congress a stubborn, resourceful and historic campaign for social justice, earning him the nickname "The 101^st Senator". He was a leader in efforts for the passage of the 1957 Civil Rights Act, the 1960 Civil Rights Act, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the 1965 Voting Rights Act, the 1968 Fair Housing Act, and all of their strengthening provisions. He also sought constructive national policies, such as presidential executive orders barring discrimination in employment, and directives ending segregation on military bases. In 1990 President Jimmy Carter presented Mitchell with the Presidential Medal of Freedom. $8,000-10,000