Stewart Udall, born and raised as Mormon in Arizona, served as secretary of the Interior under John F. Kennedy, after successful attempts at persuading the democratic party in Kennedy’s campaign. He made valiant and successful efforts in environmental conservation and introduced The Wilderness Bill; The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, while expanding the national park system and adding “four new national parks, six new national monuments, eight seashores and lakeshores, nine recreation areas, twenty historic sites, and fifty-six wildlife refuges” while also creating the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Udall showed a great deal of adoration for nature and sought to protect it at all costs, and continued his efforts under Lyndon B. Johnson, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy.…show more content… In the note, he expresses his shock and admiration for the late president in a way that shows how close the two men were. Written on stationary with the title “Office of the Secretary of the Interior”, the letter addresses the American People and his own grief. Udall must have found solace in writing down his emotions as they flowed from his pen, and gave anyone who read it a chance to mourn. He writes that Kennedy “…had so much to give to mankind, such a large role to play for peace…” and how he “…had the mind of a modern president in a way none of his predecessors had…” Additionally, he feels that Johnson is the best man for the job, yet fears he will “…die in office of a stroke unless he learns to delegate authority and pace himself…” Udall obviously felt immense amounts of mourning for the loss of his friend, yet his encouragement to Johnson is truly inspiring (especially to any American that may read it) at a time of chaos and
