Details:

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis heartfelt two-page autograph letter signed (“Jackie”) to Barbara Smith, widow of Benjamin A. Smith II, written from her residence at 1040 Fifth Avenue and dated October 6, 1991. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Jacqueline Kennedy’s hand and bearing her initials “J.K.O.” on the reverse flap.

The recipient’s late husband, Benjamin A. Smith II, was one of John F. Kennedy’s closest friends. Smith and Kennedy were roommates at Harvard University, remained lifelong friends, and Smith later served as United States Senator from Massachusetts following his appointment to fill the Senate seat vacated by Edward M. Kennedy in 1960. Throughout the Kennedy years, Smith remained a trusted member of the family’s inner circle.

Written shortly after Ben Smith’s death on September 18, 1991, Jacqueline Kennedy’s deeply personal letter reflects her affection for both Ben and Barbara and offers a poignant remembrance of one of President Kennedy’s oldest friends.

The letter reads in full:

"October 6, 1991

Dearest Sis –

I cannot believe that Ben is gone. There was no one of such goodness - I always see him with that wonderful smile, with laughter and loving kindness in his eyes. And you beside him smiling too. I thought you must be the happiest married couple there ever was.

You know how much Jack loved Ben. He just radiated happiness whenever Ben was there.

How my heart goes out to you and how I wish I could console you.

You had something so moving and enduring together that it lighted up the lives of all who knew you.

I pray that love and time and memories that will never die will help eventually to heal you. But I grieve with you with all my heart and all my love.

Jackie"

The original envelope is addressed by Jacqueline Kennedy to:

Mrs. Benjamin Smith
“Sidelight”
Norwood Heights
Gloucester, Mass. 01930

The letter provides remarkable insight into Jacqueline Kennedy’s enduring friendships nearly three decades after President Kennedy’s assassination. Particularly moving is her recollection that “Jack loved Ben” and that President Kennedy “radiated happiness whenever Ben was there,” a testament to the lifelong bond shared by the two Harvard friends.

Good condition overall with light expected handling wear and mailing folds. Accompanied by the original handwritten mailing envelope bearing Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s initials, “J.K.O.,” on the reverse.

Benjamin A. Smith II (1916–1991) was a Massachusetts politician, businessman, and one of John F. Kennedy’s closest lifelong friends. A Harvard roommate of Kennedy’s, Smith remained a trusted confidant for decades and was appointed to the United States Senate in 1960 following Edward M. Kennedy’s election to fill his brother’s presidentially vacated Senate seat. His friendship with the Kennedy family endured throughout his life, making correspondence relating to Smith and the Kennedys particularly significant within the broader history of Camelot.

Provenance: From the estate of Benjamin A. Smith II, Harvard roommate and lifelong friend of President John F. Kennedy, former United States Senator from Massachusetts. Accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Benjamin A. Smith III documenting direct family ownership.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

Premium:
A 25% Buyers Premium Will Be Added to All Winning Bids

Reference sku: 11691 1416387-1