Letter from Frank Murray of Helena, Montana, to President Gerald R. Ford Regarding the Pardon of Richard Nixon

EXECUTIVE September 27, 1974 GENERAL JL1/NIXON Dear Mr. Secretary: Thank you for your comments concerning the pardon of former President Nixon. I appre- ciate receiving your views. This was not an easy decision to reach, as I am sure you are aware. Before making it, I undertook a thorough examination of the entire matter. This included my right to grant par- dons under the Constitution, the legal actions contemplated by the Special Prosecutor, the probable duration of the criminal proceedings and a number of other factors. Throughout this evaluation process, my main concern was GERALD R to heal the wounds to the Nation. That was the top priority. I know there are deep and FORD genuine differences among good people over the decision I made. But I felt then, and I LIBRARY feel now, that I made the right decision in an honest, conscientious effort to end the divisions in this country. I am grateful that you support my decision and I appreciate your taking the time to let me know about it. Sincerely, GERALD R. FORD The Honorable Frank X Murray Secretary of State State of Montana Post Office Box 1680 Helena, Montana 59601 14 RECEIVED OCT171974 GRF: RLE: PAT: lrc P-23 60 nixon Pador CENTRAL STATE OF MONTANA Protision OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE frank murray gail M. DEWALT secretary OF state CHIEF deputy R HELENA, MONTANA 59601 Honorable Gerald Jord Sept. 10, 1974 The President The white House of the united States - RE Washington, 20013 D.C. GERALD LISAARY R FORD Dear mr. President as a Democrat of want to say I am proud of nixon, you on your stand regard m. you have gutsand I admire incleed your Courage you Kind are Man, a Great and Happy, God Bless you and keep up the good work. Frank mmay P. Box 1680 Helena, montana 59601 "SAFE DRIVERS make SAFE highways"