1 page, typed letter signed in blue ink “John Kennedy” on United States Senate headed note paper

together with a similar letter 1 page, typed and signed "Ben A Smith" on United States Senate headed note paper addressed to Mr. E.(sic) Paul Getty, President, Getty Oil Italiana, Via Torino 6, Rome Italy and dated October 13 1961 concerning the same Gino Palladino who "I understand has been interviewed and found well qualified" and requesting news of the gentleman's "prospects". The two letters together in one envelope printed top left "United States Senate. Committee on Foreign Relations. Free." and top right a printed signature of John F. Kennedy U.S.S." and addressed to Mr. Getty, President of the Oil Refining Company, Gaeta, Latina, Italy. Envelope a little age-stained, the letters fine and fresh. Benjamin Atwood Smith II (1916-91) was a room-mate of JFK at Harvard and a close friend of the Kennedy family. He took JFK's seat in the Senate as a "seat warmer" until Ted Kennedy became 30 and old enough to qualify for election.