William Magruder (1923–77) was an AR fan, aircraft engineer and executive who headed President Richard Nixon’s efforts to build a supersonic transport. Magruder’s letter to AR was in his capacity as Special Consultant to the President.
December 14, 1971
William M. Magruder
Special Consultant
to the President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. Magruder:
Thank you for your letter. I am very pleased that you found my articles helpful.
Yes, of course, I shall be delighted to see you again, this month or next, at your convenience. I found our conversation very interesting indeed. I have great sympathy for your cause, as I understand it—and I hope that you can succeed.[*] I look forward to hearing about your progress.
Please convey our thanks to Mrs. Magruder for her sweet thoughtfulness.
With best regards to both of us to both of you,
Sincerely,
Ayn Rand
AR/bw
*Magruder’s “cause” was a “science defense league” to show how science contributes to our standard of living.