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Lot 29
J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER ON THE MANHATTAN PROJECT. OPPENHEIMER, J. ROBERT. 1904-1967. Letter Signed ("J R Oppenheimer") to George G. Little,
13 – 23 October 2024, 12:00 EDT
Online, New YorkSold for US$7,680 inc. premium
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J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER ON THE MANHATTAN PROJECT.
OPPENHEIMER, J. ROBERT. 1904-1967. Letter Signed ("J R Oppenheimer") to George G. Little, 1p, 4to, Santa Fe, October 13, 1945, with envelope addressed in an unknown hand, two horizontal folds, small stain with offset, otherwise fine.
OPPENHEIMER THANKS LOS ALAMOS ENGINEER 2 MONTHS AFTER ATOMIC BOMBINGS OF HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI.
The Los Alamos Laboratory was a secret laboratory established as part of the Manhattan Project tasked with designing and building the first atomic bombs. The laboratory's director, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was familiar with the area since he owned a ranch in the vicinity, suggested the location for its remoteness and beauty. With World War II raging, the location was found, land was purchased and the facility built in about a year. That same rapid pace continued after the lab was completed in November 1943. Oppenheimer hints at the Los Alamos atmosphere in the letter: "During the extreme production rush of the early summer you were one of a small group who did the work of a much larger group. During this period you willingly and cheerfully worked seven days a week, eight to ten hours a day."
Work at the facility wound down after the delivery of Little Boy and Fat Man, which were used in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively. Although the facility remained open for a period, Oppenheimer stepped down as director and many of the workers and scientists left to resume their previous careers. This letter was written just three days before Oppenheimer would make way for Norris Bradbury, who he had recommended as his replacement.
Oppenheimer wrote a series of letters to his former employees beginning in early October. Each letter was tailored to reflect the personal contribution of each staffer, an indication of Oppenheimer's attention to detail. In part: "The unequivocal success of the Los Alamos Project was made possible by the unstinting efforts and sacrifices of the members of the Special Engineering Detachment ... In the execution of your duties you have shown a rare combination of ability, initiative, cooperative spirit, and willingness. These characteristics made possible a smooth running organization at a time when the going might have been rough.
The letter is accompanied by additional material that provides background on the recipient including War Department U.S. Engineer Office photo identification; two photographs of George Little and friends in U.S. Army dress; Army paperwork including furlough material, paperwork for coursework at Rutgers University, Veterans Administration paperwork, Separation Qualification Record; and a brass Manhattan Project "A Bomb" lapel pin.
OPPENHEIMER THANKS LOS ALAMOS ENGINEER 2 MONTHS AFTER ATOMIC BOMBINGS OF HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI.
The Los Alamos Laboratory was a secret laboratory established as part of the Manhattan Project tasked with designing and building the first atomic bombs. The laboratory's director, J. Robert Oppenheimer, who was familiar with the area since he owned a ranch in the vicinity, suggested the location for its remoteness and beauty. With World War II raging, the location was found, land was purchased and the facility built in about a year. That same rapid pace continued after the lab was completed in November 1943. Oppenheimer hints at the Los Alamos atmosphere in the letter: "During the extreme production rush of the early summer you were one of a small group who did the work of a much larger group. During this period you willingly and cheerfully worked seven days a week, eight to ten hours a day."
Work at the facility wound down after the delivery of Little Boy and Fat Man, which were used in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki respectively. Although the facility remained open for a period, Oppenheimer stepped down as director and many of the workers and scientists left to resume their previous careers. This letter was written just three days before Oppenheimer would make way for Norris Bradbury, who he had recommended as his replacement.
Oppenheimer wrote a series of letters to his former employees beginning in early October. Each letter was tailored to reflect the personal contribution of each staffer, an indication of Oppenheimer's attention to detail. In part: "The unequivocal success of the Los Alamos Project was made possible by the unstinting efforts and sacrifices of the members of the Special Engineering Detachment ... In the execution of your duties you have shown a rare combination of ability, initiative, cooperative spirit, and willingness. These characteristics made possible a smooth running organization at a time when the going might have been rough.
The letter is accompanied by additional material that provides background on the recipient including War Department U.S. Engineer Office photo identification; two photographs of George Little and friends in U.S. Army dress; Army paperwork including furlough material, paperwork for coursework at Rutgers University, Veterans Administration paperwork, Separation Qualification Record; and a brass Manhattan Project "A Bomb" lapel pin.