TLS as president signed “John Kennedy,” one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, August 14, 1963. Letter to Congressman Ralph Harding and his wife, expressing appreciation for condolences sent after the death of his infant child Patrick Bouvier Kennedy. In full: "Mrs. Kennedy and I were deeply moved by your thoughtful remembrance on the loss of our son. Your kind expression of sympathy meant a great deal to us." Kennedy strikes through "Congressman" in the salutation and writes 'Ralph" in his own hand. In fine condition, with two paperclip impressions to the top edge. Five days prior, John and Jackie Kennedy lost their newborn son Patrick to infant respiratory distress syndrome 39 hours after his birth. Having already suffered a miscarriage in 1954, and a stillbirth the following year, Patrick's death was an especially difficult loss for the First Couple. An assassin's bullet would claim the life of President Kennedy just three months later.Format: TLS