Typed Note Signed / Unsigned Photograph

This U.S. senator from Massachusetts (1937-44, 1947-53) was the grandson of Henry Cabot Lodge (also a Massachusetts senator); defeated in 1952 for reelection by a young John F. Kennedy, he then served as U.S. delegate to the United Nations (1953-60), was an unsuccessful Republican vice-presidential candidate in 1960, then went to serve as ambassador to Vietnam (1963-67), ambassador at large (1967-68) and ambassador to Germany (1968-69). TNS, 1p, 8" X 10½", New York, NY, 25 January 1960. Addressed to Arnold Gates (1914-63, noted Lincoln/Civil War scholar). Very good. On letterhead of "United States Representative to the United Nations," Lodge thanks this officer of the New York Civil War Round Table for inviting him to a February meeting honoring pioneering historical photograph collector Frederick Hill Meserve, but sends regrets: "I expect to be out of the country that date, which leaves me no alternative but to decline." Boldly signed in blue ink. Accompanied by a 7" X 9" black-and-white glossy original news agency photograph depicting nineteen gents seated around a large conference table. Printed text (tipped to verso) dates the image 10 May 1957 and describes it: "President Eisenhower's cabinet as they met at the White House this morning." Eisenhower appears at right, Vice President Nixon at left, and second from left in the group is Lodge in his capacity as U.S. Representative to the United Nations. Very good. Minor wear. …