Letter from Abraham Bernstein to Harry S. Truman, with Attached Handwritten Draft Reply

United Crists Corporation 3316 OLIVE STREET ST. LOUIS 3, MO. Telephone Jefferson 0346 January 6, 1955. The Hon. Harry S. Truman, Independence, Missouri. Dear Mr. Truman: With regard to our previous communication concerning our desire to have you, as a famous American, congratulating Thomas Hart Benton, a famous American artist and native son, on the completion of his giant painting "The Kentuckian", the subject matter of which symbolizes the westward trek of Kentucky pioneers in the development and settlement of America, I would like to revive this matter again. Thomas Hart Benton of Kansas City, Mo., the noted American artist whom you know, has just returned from a vacation. The painting, which is striking, as you have seen from the photo we sent you, is 7 feet tall and feet wide, and is awaiting shipment to an art gallery in New York for exhibition. Before it leaves we would appreciate your posing with Mr. Benton and the painting some time this coming week, at Mr. .-Benton's studio at 3616 Belleview Avenue in Kansas City. We know how aluable your time is now as it was during the busy days in Washington, but if it is at all possible for you to fit this chore into your many affairs these days, it would not consume more than about an hour's time. One other thing that should interest you is that Mr. Benton is at present working on another giant painting of Abraham Lincoln as the Great Emancipator. This painting stands right next to the one of "The Kentuckian" in his studio. In photographing you and Mr. Benton at this painting, we could take a separate photo bringing the Lincoln work into the background. This subtle linking, once again, with Mr. Lincoln and you in the resultant publicity which we hope to cchieve with the "Kentuckian" photo, would couple a Great American with the Great Emancipator, and we know that you have always admired Lincoln and have had as well your great interest in American history inwhich Mr. Lincoln played such a great role. Therefore, may we point out, there would bd a double accrual of publicity benefit to you, by this indirect coupling of you, Mr. Benton and the Lincoln painting, as well as on "The Kentuckian" matter. If you agree, would you be so kind as to advise Mr. Hillman or your secretary of whatever time you would wish to appoint for your visit to Benton's studio, so that when I contact your office next Monday, when Mr. Hillman will have returned to Kansas City, we shall be greatly obliged. F+F. Thanking you for your cooperation, we are, Very truly Wisham yours, Bennstein A.Bernstein. United Artists Corporation