At 11:35 A.M., August 9, 1974, a one-sentence letter was handed to Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, simply stating: "I hereby resign the Office of President of the United States. Sincerely, Richard Nixon."

Shortly before that time, Nixon and his wife, Pat, had been escorted by Gerald R. Ford and his wife on a bright red carpet to a waiting helicopter for the start of their last presidential journey. Standing in the doorway, Nixon raised his arms upward in the familiar V-for-victory salute he had used as a political trademark, but his faced showed the agony of defeat.

At three minutes after noon, Vice-President Gerald R. Ford became the nation's 38th President. In his inaugural address he offered a prayer that his predecessor might find peace for himself.

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Gerald R. Ford

THE ROBINSON LIBRARY
American History.--United States: General History and Description.--Late Twentienth Century, 1961-2000.--Richard Nixon's Administration, 1969-1974.

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