Description
Two typed letters from President George H.W. Bush to Edward J. Perkins, United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
Both letters on White House stationery, each a single typed sheet, signed by President Bush. Housed in custom blue cloth folio, description in gilt on front cover. The first letter, from October 9, 1992, is a congratulatory letter to Ambassador Perkins on his receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Lewis and Clark College, with an autopen signature in black ink. The second letter, dated December 21, 1992, is thanking Ambassador Perkins for his service during the George Bush administration. President Bush personally signs the letter and adds a postscript: “Well Done, Ed!”
Dr. Edward J. Perkins (1928-2020) served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, as well as Liberia, South Africa, and Australia throughout his 25-year foreign service career. In 1986 President Ronald Reagan appointed Perkins to serve as ambassador to South Africa in hopes of fending off a congressional override to his veto of economic sanctions against the country. It was a controversial decision amidst apartheid in South Africa, and many Black leaders urged Perkins to not take the role. Perkins accepted the position and served until 1989, one year before Nelson Mandela was released from prison. He was appointed U.N. Ambassador by George H.W. Bush in 1992, serving for one year.