Reagan, Ronald, fortieth President

Autograph letter signed ("Dad"), 2 pages on yellow legal paper (13 1/4 x 8 1/4 in.; 336 x 210 mm), n.p., n.d. [in the air from Chicago to California, August 1979?], to daughter Patti; formerly folded, two small rust spots one of which has become a hole.

formerly folded, two small rust spots one of which has become a hole.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Reagan on the "Indian Problem."

Former Governor Reagan writes to his daughter Patti, now old enough to be interested in political issues and the rights of minorities. The concepts expressed resemble a published letter of 6 August 1979 to Lennie Pickard, an American Indian who worked in the field of education (Reagan: A Life in Letters, (2003), p. 332), and thus our tentative dating: " ... I'm writing this on the plane as we leave Chi. for home. ... I don't know what has happened to the legislation & the Sept. 16 deadline on the situation you wrote about ... I realize how the plight of these several thousand appears to you and certainly the Bureau of Indian Affairs has not been a howling success in its handling of the 'Indian Problem' for all these many years. But Patti the whole subject is one that causes great frustration for any who come in contact with it. You see the question of these 8000 Indians. But let me point out there are probably 150,000 Hopis & Navajos who are opposed to what the 8000 want ... "

"During my years in Sac[ramento] I had to become involved in a number of matters affecting Indians ... Most of the time however I knew the frustration you feel because like this instance the Indians themselves were in disagreement among themselves. You see the 'Indian Problem' doesn't really exist. The Indians think of themselves as Hopis, Sioux, Cherokee etc. and rarely do they agree on what should be done. Then within their various tribes there is the great division between those who want to live in our modern life style & those who would continue their native tradition. Even these latter however want at the same time some of the modern advantages — like campers who want to rough it but within range of a drug store so they can get an aspirin if they have a headache. If this sounds heartless I dont mean it too. It is frustrating and I'll admit I dont know the solution ... You look at Cher or Holmes Tuttle and see their happiness & total success in the modern world and wonder if that isn't preferable to reservation life. Then you see the reservation Indian happy with his sheep herding and closeness to earth & sky and feel it would be tragic to move him. ... Please believe me the entire matter is much more complex than it appears to you now with regard to this single incident."