CARTER, ROSALYNN. (1927-2023). American first lady and humanitarian. ALS. (“Rosalynn Carter”). 1p. 8vo. Washington, D.C., December 2, 1979. On blind-embossed, White House stationery. To architectural historian ELIZABETH MOYNIHAN (1930-2023), wife of Senator Daniel Patrick “Pat” Moynihan (1927-2003).

“I enjoyed seeing you at lunch – and thank you so much for the book. Jimmy and I were fascinated with our earlier conversation about the Paradise Garden, and look forward to reading in more detail.

Give our best regards to the Senator. Sincerely…”

A successful farmer from Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter rose from local politics to serve as Georgia’s governor. Carter took advantage of America’s post-Watergate cynicism and fashioned himself as a political outsider with moderate positions and old-fashioned morals. Pairing up with Senator Walter Mondale for a presidential race, Carter succeeded in creating a balanced ticket that appealed to a majority of voters, defeating the incumbent, Gerald Ford. Carter served four years during which time he faced a recession, rampant inflation and an energy crisis. His greatest diplomatic victory was bringing Israel and Egypt together to sign the historic Camp David Accords.

First Lady Rosalynn Carter eschewed the traditional role of first lady, sitting in on her husband’s cabinet meetings and entertaining less than her predecessors. She also traveled extensively taking a special interest in South Asian refugees and serving as an envoy in Latin America. After Carter failed in his 1980 re-election bid, the couple founded the non-profit Carter Center and supported Habitat for Humanity. The former first lady also continued her longtime involvement in the cause of mental health. In 1999, the Carters received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for their philanthropic work.

Our letter likely refers to Paradise Garden in Summerville, Georgia, the creation of evangelical minister and folk artist Howard Finster, who later rose to prominence as a designer for R.E.M. and Talking Heads album covers.

Neatly written and in excellent condition. ALSs of Rosalynn Carter are rare and this is the first one we have seen for sale.