Three (3) Typed Notes Signed (initials)

This conservative jurist served as 15th Chief Justice of the United States (1969-86), replacing Earl Warren. Three TNsS (each with large, bold "WEB"), each 7¼" X 9½", Washington, DC, 26 November 1974 / 15 May 1975 / 14 January 1980. Addressed to Marvin S. Sadik. Fine. On "Supreme Court of the United States" letterhead, Burger writes to the noted second director of the National Portrait Gallery (1969-81). In the first TNS, Burger begs off an invitation: "It is a difficult at this time to make a firm acceptance for the dinner on May 12, but if at all possible to do so Mrs. Burger and I look forward to being with you and the members of the National Portrait Gallery Commission...." In the second TNS, he thanks Sadik for "a copy of 'The Dye Is Now Cast' and appreciate your sending it to me. I am certain I shall find this volume extremely interesting and look forward to reading it when time permits...." (In 1975 Smithsonian Institution Press had just published Lillian B. Miller's "The Dye is Now Cast: The Road to American Independence, 1774-1776.") In the third and final TNS, Burger writes, "Thank you for your letter enclosing the material for the National Portrait Gallery Commission meeting on January 22. I am tentatively scheduled to attend out-of-town judicial meetings that week...." An interesting and unusual trio that show the Chief Justice as an attentive member of the NPG's board of directors -- but just as attentive to Supreme Court matters.