Lot 348
Mercury Program, 1961, Negative "Fan Mail". Nowadays, we think that everyone thought favorably of the Mercury 7 astronauts when their selection was announced. This lot consists of an unsigned two-page handwritten letter (with original envelope) mailed from Chicago and addressed to "Captain Slayton / Project Mercury Astronauts, Washington, DC" and readdressed in pencil to "Langley / Space" with a large blue "LANGLEY" handstamp address alongside (rare). The letter opens: "To All Seven of You: - How completely wicked can you get in your intelligence? Who is kidding who? Are you kidding God Almighty who made heaven and earth and the moon and you? Or are you little guys trying to kid him?…". It ends: "…Don't "play" with Him. Love and honor Him. You need Him very much in everything you do. Without Him you are nothing…". ALSO included is an April 10, 1959 Chicago Daily News newpaper clipping announcing the selection of the Mercury 7 astronauts and on which the writer has added some choice comments similiar to those in the letter. This letter would not ordinarily be a lot but for the fact that Slayton has kept it for the past almost 60 years. It obviously served a purpose in reminding him not to let the astronaut's notoriety go to his head. Fairly good overall condition with minor age stains on the letter from the newspaper clipping.
Estimated Value $150 - 250.
Ex. the Donald "Deke" Slayton Estate collection.
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| Realized $150 |
