Three great letters, two handwritten and very rare, from ex-President Gerald Ford to famed sports columnist Jim Murray, on personal stationery with a gold presidential seal at the top center. In one of the handwritten notes Ford effuses: “I’m old enough to have read the best of Arthur Daley, Red Smith and Dave Anderson, but the Jim Murray work is at ‘the head of the class’,” adding, “Give me a call when you get to the desert. Betty joins me in wishing you the very best.” In another: “You are my all time favorite writer ‘across the board.’” Typed letter dated Feb. 1, 1978 respectfully declines Murray’s invitation to his induction into the Sportswriters Hall of Fame. All are signed, “Jerry Ford” in black/blue pen, NRMT signatures and letters. First two 6.25 x 8.5, 3rd is 7.25 x 10.5, light folds. Includes a note from Ford’s assistant concerning a letter that had been returned and 3 original mailing envelopes with Ford’s facsimile signature and Rancho Mirage address.