Letters of Note

Letters of Note

We are just temporary occupants of this office

When U.S. Presidents write to their successors

Shaun Usher's avatar
Shaun Usher
Jan 20, 2024
∙ Paid
127
12
6
Share
Envelope labeled “44” containing the transition letter from President George W. Bush to President Barack Obama, waiting on the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, January 20, 2009 (Photo: George W. Bush Library)

On this day in 1989, Ronald Reagan sat down to write a letter that would spark a lasting and significant tradition among U.S. Presidents. Left on …

Keep reading with a 7-day free trial

Subscribe to Letters of Note to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Letters of Note
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture