482. JOHN F. KENNEDY Fine and scarce T.L.S. "John Kennedy" as Senator, 1p. 4to., on his imprinted letterhead, Washington, Jan. 16, 1953, to Estes Kefauver, chairman of the powerful Senate Judiciary subcommittee which in 1950-51 waged an investigation into organized crime. The freshman Senator from Massachusetts, wanting to lend his weight to a candidate, writes: "...It is my understanding that Walter J. Cummings, Jr. has been up before the Senate Judiciary for approval. I do not know what disposition your Committee is going to make of him because of the incoming administration, but I did think that I would like for you to know that I have known Mr. Cummings for a great number of years and known him to be a man of character, integrity and experience. I do not, of course, want to interfere with your jurisdiction, but I was hopeful that this word might be of some assistance...". Save for a staple-hole in the top left corner, in very good condition. The incoming administration Kennedy writes about was that of Republican Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1952, in an unprecedented move during the presidential election, the Democratic candidate, Adlai E. Stevenson, upon winning his nomination, threw open the choice of his running mate for vice-president to the floor of the convention. Both Kefauver and Kennedy were in contention, with one leading then the other, but, eventually with the weight of the delegation from Tennessee pledging their support for Kefauver, it was obvious that he would be nominated. Kennedy made a poignant concession speech and asked that Kefauver be nominated by acclamation. In the end, it was all for naught, as Eisenhower won the election and Kennedy was left in the wings waiting. Letters between vice presidential contenders Kennedy and Kefauver are rare. $1,000 - 1,200