Dear Len:
I have your letter of December 2 and it is with deep regret that I accept your resignation as Assistant to the President, effective December 31, 1974.
In so doing, I welcome this opportunity to express my personal appreciation for your dedicated service to the Presidency and to our Nation. In particular, I want you to know of my gratitude for your highly capable assistance and unhesitating support during the early, critically important period of transition. Yours is an exceptional record of public service and one in which you can always take great pride and personal satisfaction.
You have my admiration and warmest best wishes for every happiness and success in the years ahead.
Sincerely,
JERRY FORD
[The Honorable Leonard Garment, The White House, Washington, D.C.]
Note: The President's letter was dated December 5, 1974, and released December 6. Mr. Garment's letter of resignation, dated December 2 and released with the President's letter, read as follows:
Dear Mr. President:
I herewith submit my resignation as Assistant to the President effective December 31, 1974. I do so with particular appreciation for your personal thoughtfulness to myself and other members of President Nixon's staff during the transition period.
It has been a pleasure knowing you through these years in Washington and a privilege working for you during the past few months.
You and Mrs. Ford have my warmest regards and best wishes.
Sincerely,
LEONARD GARMENT
[The President, The White House, Washington, D.C.]
Gerald R. Ford, Letter Accepting the Resignation of Leonard Garment as Assistant to the President. Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/256109