FORD, Gerald (1913-2006) Typed letter signed (“Gerald R Ford...

FORD, Gerald (1913-2006). Typed letter signed (“Gerald R. Ford”) as Congressman, to John B. Anderson, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, Washington, 3 December 1973.
FORD, Gerald (1913-2006). Typed letter signed (“Gerald R. Ford”) as Congressman, to John B. Anderson, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, Washington, 3 December 1973. One page, 265 x 200mm, on Congressional letterhead. With John B. ANDERSON (b.1922) endorsement signed by (“JBA”) in pencil at top right. Three days prior to taking the oath of office as Nixon's Vice President, Gerald Ford offers his resignation as House Republican Leader. The first time an executive had been chosen by Congress under the 25th Amendment. An historic letter written three days before he would assume the office of the Vice President, following the resignation of Spiro T. Agnew in October 1973. Ford writes to John B. Anderson, Chairman of the House Republican Conference: “With real regret I submit herewith my resignation as Republican Leader in the House of Representatives for the 93rd Congress, effective upon my becoming Vice President of the United States.” Ford adds, “I will always be grateful to my Republican colleagues in the House, past and present, for the confidence they have shown me by electing me Chairman in the 88th Congress as Republican Leader since January 4, 1965. I wish for you and all my friends of the Republican Conference every success in the future and pledge my best efforts to be of assistance in my new office of Vice President.” Two days after Agnew’s sudden resignation on 10 October 1973, Richard Nixon nominated Ford as his choice for Vice President. Following weeks of hearings, the Senate confirmed his nomination on 27 November. When the House of Representatives gave its assent on 6 December, Ford became the first Vice President to assume power under the provisions of the 25th Amendment. [ With :] typed letter signed (“Jerry”) as Vice President, to John B. Anderson, Washington, 14 December 1973. One page, 187 x 266mm on Vice Presidential letterhead. Endorsed by John B. ANDERSON, (“JBA”).