Lot 548
Clinton, William Jefferson. Typed letter signed ("Bill Clinton") as President, 1 page, on White House letterhead, 9¾ x 6½ in., Washington, Feb. 10, 1993. Written upon the occasion of the death of tennis star and social activist Arthur Ashe (on Feb. 6) and addressed "To the family and friends of Arthur Ashe: Together we gather to mourn the death of our friend Arthur Ashe. Our Nation has suffered a great loss by the passing of this great leader. He lived his life gently but courageously, and we will miss him. I enjoyed my visits with Arthur and was always awed by the dignity and depth of commitment he demonstrated in the months before his death. I only wish time had allowed me to know him better. Arthur Ashe's life represents the very best of America--an opportunity to work hard and to succeed. His life also represents the responsibility we all have to give something back to our Nation. Arthur gave of himself tirelessly for many years. His contributions to education and to the cause of human rights will serve as an inspiration to all, My friend Arthur Ashe will be missed."
Ashe was one of the finest tennis players in the world. He won three Grand Slam titles and was the first African American player selected to the United States Davis Cup team, as well as the only black man ever to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, or the Australian Open. Ashe is thought to have contracted HIV in the early 1980s from a blood transfusion received during heart bypass surgery. He went public with the news in April 1992 and spent the rest of his life educating the public about HIV and AIDS, creating the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health. He died at the young age of 49. On June 20, 1993, President Clinton posthumously awarded Ashe the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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