TLS as president signed “Jerry Ford,” one page, 6.75 x 8.75, White House letterhead, October 3, 1974. Letter to New Hampshire Senator Norris Cotton, in full: "Both Betty and I want to express our deep appreciation to the Republican Conference of the United States Senate for the resolution it adopted on October 1. This is indeed a very warm and thoughtful message from valued friends. Betty has asked me to tell you that she hopes to see you all soon and personally express her gratitude for your thinking of her at this time." In fine condition.Weeks after Betty Ford became First Lady, she underwent a mastectomy for breast cancer on September 28, 1974. Ford on her decision to be open about her illness—'There had been so much cover-up during Watergate that we wanted to be sure there would be no cover-up in the Ford administration.' First Lady Ford's candor concerning her disease and subsequent treatment raised the visibility of breast cancer and allowed Americans to openly talk of the disease in a different light.Format: TLS