Onassis, Jacqueline Kennedy

Autograph letter signed (“Jackie”), 2 pages (9 1/4 x 6 1/8 in.; 235 x 157 mm) on a leaf of light green White House stationery, Washington, 25 October [1962], to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara (“Dear Bob”), accompanied by the original autograph envelope signed (“Mrs. Kennedy”), directed to “The Secretary of Defense” and designated “By Hand.”

In a revealing letter of thanks and encouragement to Robert McNamara, the First Lady provides a candid look at the chaotic state of the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

“You must be very tired—I cannot find the right words to say all the things I feel. I am so proud of you and grateful that you are here. That sounds so pompous and sentimental.

“Please know that it is not said as Jack’s wife—but just as a plain person.

“For a while I felt that I really knew what was going on—but that lovely illusion has evaporated. A couple of days of your late night and early morning telephone calls to the President—and at the same hours unexpectedly finding [National Security Advisor] Mac Bundy in one’s bedroom—have completely unhinged me.

“Also coming upon the Secretary of State [Dean Rusk]—slumped on the telephone over Mrs. [Evelyn] Lincoln’s dainty tray of assorted chocolates—one of his hands imbedded without pain in her favorite cactus plant hasn’t helped much.

“So this ends up being just one more letter from the man in the street—or as I am no longer allowed to go into the street—the girl in the driveway.

“But please do not laugh at it. I had to tell you of my admiration—and how I really do thank God that you are here.”