US Vice President Gerald Ford Signed Letter Richard Nixon Impeachment Watergate

Description

This exceptionally rare and historically significant artifact is an original 1974 letter from Vice President Gerald R. Ford to Mrs. Paul J. Bulver of Edina, Minnesota, written during the height of the Watergate scandal. Dated July 8, 1974, and composed on official Vice Presidential White House stationery, the letter addresses Mrs. Bulver’s concerns regarding the allegations against President Richard Nixon. In the letter, Ford candidly states that he had not seen evidence justifying Nixon’s removal under the constitutional definition of impeachment. However, he acknowledges the seriousness of the accusations and emphasizes the importance of a “full and fair investigation” by the House Judiciary Committee. Ford expresses hope for a prompt resolution that would serve the interests of the country and the President, concluding with his belief that the inquiry would ultimately prove Nixon’s innocence of any impeachable acts.

The letter is typed on watermarked stationery and measures approximately 12.25 inches by 10.5 inches. Preserved in excellent condition, it is framed in a striking 14.5 inches by 17.5 inches presentation, making it an extraordinary display piece. As a unique artifact from one of the most pivotal moments in American political history, it is a museum-quality document of exceptional importance. The letter’s tone reflects Ford’s diplomatic approach, emphasizing his support for constitutional processes and his commitment to stability during a time of political upheaval.

Transcription of the letter:

*"THE VICE PRESIDENT / WASHINGTON

July 8, 1974

Mrs. Paul J. Bulver
4603 Annaway Drive
Edina, Minnesota 55436

Dear Mrs. Bulver:

Thank you very much for your communication concerning the allegations against President Nixon. I appreciate having the benefit of your views.

At this time, I personally have not seen any evidence that would be grounds for removal of a President under the definition provided by the Constitution.

Nevertheless, serious accusations have been made against the President. A speedy resolution of the questions raised is in the interest of the country and the President.

Therefore, I have urged a full and fair investigation by the House Judiciary Committee and prompt consideration by the House of Representatives. I am confident that the House will carry out its constitutional duties in a responsible manner.

It is my hope and belief that such an inquiry will prove that President Nixon is innocent of any impeachable act.

Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford
GRF:1rh."*

Written just one month before Nixon’s resignation, this letter provides a unique perspective on Vice President Ford’s position during one of the most critical periods in U.S. history. The Watergate scandal, which began with a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972, escalated into a constitutional crisis that led to Nixon’s resignation on August 8, 1974. Ford’s measured and constitutional approach to the crisis, as reflected in this letter, set the tone for his subsequent presidency, which began after Nixon’s resignation and was marked by Ford’s controversial decision to pardon Nixon in September 1974.

The letter captures the delicate balancing act Ford faced: upholding the rule of law while maintaining stability in the executive branch. It also reveals his careful navigation of public sentiment and political accountability during a period of intense scrutiny and division. As the first unelected president in American history, Ford’s leadership during and after Watergate remains a defining moment in the nation’s political legacy.

This artifact stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of constitutional governance. Its authenticity and well-preserved condition make it an invaluable piece for collectors, historians, and institutions dedicated to exploring the complexities of American political history and the legacy of leadership in times of crisis.