← 019-139019-141 →

Conversation 019-140

TapeTape 19StartThursday, January 27, 1972 at 2:32 PMEndThursday, January 27, 1972 at 2:34 PMParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President);  Pitchess, Peter J.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone
AI Summary

President Nixon initiated this phone call to check on the recovery of Los Angeles County Sheriff Peter J. Pitchess following a recent surgery. The two men discussed their mutual health, with Pitchess noting the positive impact of a personal note sent by the President. Nixon concluded the conversation by encouraging Pitchess’s recovery and jokingly requesting that the Sheriff represent him at the Bohemian Grove once he returns to duty.

Peter J. PitchessHealth and recoveryBohemian GrovePresidential correspondenceLaw enforcement
AudioNARA Description

On January 27, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Peter J. Pitchess talked on the telephone from 2:32 pm to 2:34 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 019-140 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid
Conversation No. 19-140

Date: January 27, 1972
Time: 2:32 pm - 2:34 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Peter J. Pitchess.

[See Conversation No. 658-22]

     Pitchess's health
          -The President's note
          -Pritchess’s location
          -George Griffin

     The President's health

     The Bohemian Grove
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 Do not cite this transcript as authoritative.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.

Hello.
I have Sheriff Pitches for you, sir.
Yeah.
There you are.
Hello.
Hello.
I understand you've been under the weather.
Mr. President, I had a rough time and I feel great.
Well, that's the stuff.
Well, I heard about that operation, the ordinary thing, but I thought, well, Pitches is just too tough, you know, for a couple of knives, you know, to cut him down.
Unless they stick it in your back.
Yeah, wonderful.
Yeah, and I just want to wish you the very best and tell you to get back in there because we need you.
Thank you very much.
Yeah, how's your morale?
I showed that letter, that note that you sent me, I showed it to the entire hospital staff.
And your career is just wonderful.
Thank you very, very much.
You're home now or in the hospital?
I just got home about two hours ago.
Yeah, my note said that you either would come home or would be in the hospital.
Well, you tell your...
It's an amazing thing that they can do.
Sure.
Sure.
Well, after all, you know, and there's an awful lot of people walking around just great who've had that operation.
Do you remember George Grissom?
Yeah.
He's my cardiologist.
Oh, gosh, he's a wonderful person.
Wonderful person.
Okay, Pete, you just keep it all morale up, you know.
Thank you.
You just keep up what you're doing.
How do you feel?
I'm fine.
You know, I can't get sick.
You know, they won't let me.
Well, the world needs you.
Yeah, well, we'll just try to fight the good fight just like you are, you know.
Everybody, everybody is.
for you.
I don't care how it ends up.
You'll see the results.
Well, good there.
That's good.
You get back.
As a matter of fact, I don't get to go to the Grove anymore, but I want you to get back in good shape so you can represent me at the Grove and you can drink my portion.
Thank you.
That's wonderful.
Okay, Pete.
Good to talk to you.
Bye.
← 019-139019-141 →