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Conversation 014-098

TapeTape 14StartSunday, November 14, 1971 at 9:56 PMEndSunday, November 14, 1971 at 9:58 PMTape start time03:14:56Tape end time03:16:31ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  White House operator;  Preston, Willis O., Jr.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon telephoned Willis O. Preston, Jr. to commend him for his courage in the face of public adversity and to acknowledge a recent newspaper story about him. During the brief conversation, the President confirmed he had personally reviewed a letter Preston sent to the White House regarding his situation. Nixon expressed his support for Preston and took a brief interest in his family, concluding the call with words of encouragement.

Willis O. Preston Jr.Presidential correspondencePublic relationsPersonal supportNixon White House
AudioNARA Description

On November 14, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon, White House operator, and Willis O. Preston, Jr. talked on the telephone from 9:56 pm to 9:58 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 014-098 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 14-98

Date: November 14, 1971
Time: 9:56 pm - 9:58 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with the White House operator.

     Willis O. Preston, Jr.

The President talked with Preston.

     Newspaper story regarding Preston

     Preston's letter to the President
           -White House staff

     Preston's family
Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Thank you very much.
Hello.
Well, how are you?
I saw the story in the paper about your, and also you got your letter about sharing the first page with you, and I just wanted you to know that I was very proud to share the first page with you.
I like your courage and the way that you're fighting back.
I'm not alone.
Well, a lot of people are pulling for you, I can assure you.
I never thought that you would see the letters.
Oh, you bet I saw it.
I don't see them all, but you know my staff, they go through and of course thousands come in, but one of my people said, you know, this is a remarkable letter, and of course you're rather close to home here now, so I...
Well, I appreciate it, and I just wish you the very best.
You have five children, right?
Yes, I do, and they're all staying in here with their mouths wide open.
Is that right?
How many boys, how many girls?
Two boys and two girls.
And how old is the oldest?
He's 19 now.
19?
Oh, that's great.
And we're still young, though.
Oh, by all means, of course you are.
Well, you tell them all that there's somebody down here in the White House who's mighty proud of their dad.
Thank you, and good luck to you.
Goodbye.
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