Richard Nixon and Gerald R. Ford Signed Presidential Proclamation of Pardon.

NIXON, Richard M. and Gerald Ford.

$5,000.00

Item Number: 134249

Typescript reproduction of the final paragraphs of Ford’s 1974 Proclamation of Pardon granting a full and unconditional pardon to Richard Nixon, his predecessor, for any crimes that he might have committed against the United States as president. One page, typescript. Signed and dated by Gerald Ford, “Gerald Ford 11/5/79” and Richard Nixon. Accompanied by two glossy photographs signed by Ford. In fine condition. The signed pardon measures 7.5 by 5.5 inches. The photographs measure 8 inches by 10 inches. Exceptionally rare.

Gerald Ford issued Proclamation 4311 on September 8, 1974, granting a full and unconditional pardon to Richard Nixon, his predecessor, for any crimes that he might have committed against the United States as president. In particular, the pardon covered Nixon's actions during the Watergate scandal. In a televised broadcast to the nation, Ford, who had succeeded to the presidency upon Nixon's resignation, explained that he felt the pardon was in the best interests of the country and that the Nixon family's situation was "a tragedy in which we all have played a part. It could go on and on and on, or someone must write the end to it. I have concluded that only I can do that, and if I can, I must."