This series contains the subject files and chronological files of Alexander P. Butterfield. The subject files consist of incoming correspondence, including memoranda from other White House staff members, letters from contacts and supporters of the administration outside the government, and reports and routine administrative correspondence dealing with the President's schedule, security issues, social and ceremonial arrangements, and attempts to anticipate news coverage. Other subjects reflected in the files range from the use of celebrities in the 1972 campaign to the purchase of wines for the White House to construction plans for the White House grounds.
The chronological files are arranged in three sub-series: Correspondence To/From Others, Inbound to APB [Alexander P. Butterfield], and Outbound from APB. Each sub-series is arranged chronologically. Correspondence To/From Others consists of memos, letters, press releases, schedules, and handwritten notes, covering such issues as the media, U.S. Secret Service, the 1972 election, the President’s schedule and speeches, and personnel and budget. The sub-series also contains President Nixon’s handwritten notes responding to an election-night congratulatory telegram from Democratic Presidential candidate George McGovern.
Inbound to APB consists of memos, letters, lists, clippings, speech drafts, notes, and schedules related to the President’s schedule, My Lai, congressional relations, White House organization, speeches, U.S. Secret Service, and administrative accomplishments.
Outbound from APB most closely resembles Butterfield’s official files, mirroring the Correspondence: Outgoing Correspondence series from his White House Special Files collection. However, this sub-series appears to be more complete and contain more original documents. Documents are chiefly copies of memos, but also contain letters, game plans, briefing papers, meeting notes, and reports. Subjects covered include the President’s schedule, memos to staff transmitting President Nixon’s notes, Presidential phone calls, Vietnam, White House operations, background investigations, wine, Safeguard, foreign policy, Ross Perot and prisoners of war, Cambodia, , the U.S. Secret Service, and guest lists.
A final subject file subseries consists of memos, notes (some handwritten), schedules, reports, briefing materials, and clippings. Major topics covered include White House organization and reorganization, the 1969 Presidential transition, My Lai, Vietnam, China, and the President’s schedule. The series is also notable for containing original notes written by President Nixon.
