OPPENHEIMER, J. Robert (1904-1967). Typed letter signed "J R Oppenheimer" to Keith Lamotte, Santa Fe, 1 October 1945.

One page, 278 x 215mm (minor tears at margins not affecting text).

A scarce letter of thanks from the director of the Manhattan Project: "This letter is to acknowledge your contribution to the development of the atomic bomb." Taking an opportunity to highlight the efforts of the project's "military members," Oppenheimer writes Lamotte: "According to your group leader, you are to be commended for five months spent in the Engineering Service Drafting Room engaged in the design and detailing of the apparatus and parts which were essential to the development of the atomic bomb. You and your colleagues have consistently turned out high quality work, and throughout the long period of high pressure effort you have cheerfully cooperated in meeting the most urgent demands of the project." Correspondence from Oppenheimer relating directly to the Manhattan Project seldom appears on the market.