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Letter to Drew Pearson from Robert K. Bell.

This handwritten letter to Drew Pearson from Robert K. Bell details Colonel Nickerson's dealings with Pearson and the "Considerations on the Wilson Memorandum" that contained classified information.

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and Ray H. Jenkins.

Several letters between Bell and Jenkins detail various things from their daily lives, humorous exchanges, the upcoming Tennessee-Georgia Tech football game they are gathering for, and a potential new case Jenkins has regarding workplace injuries and Bell's advice regarding the matter. Bell also includes a few updates on articles that have been published on the vindication of Colonel John Nickerson.

Letter to Colonel Nickerson and his wife, Carol, from Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to the Nickersons who now live in Panama on a two-year assignment. Bell updates Nickerson on events that happened since the last time he wrote. He details the outrage directed towards Charles Wilson, the Secretary of Defense. He states that he is saving "pertinent clippings from several newspapers" to send to Nickerson to help provide background to the latest events. Bell writes of many people who are advocating for Nickerson's return and vindication.

Letter to John C. Nickerson, Jr. and his wife, Carol, from Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes in response to a recent letter from Nickerson. Bell details an upcoming trip to visit the Nickersons in Panama and state that they are "looking forward to seeing you."

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and Jim G. Lucas.

Lucas writes to Bell after the Nickerson case and encloses a picture that was requested by Bell. He mentions in closing that Jenkins informed him he will recommend against an appeal. Bell thanks Lucas for the picture and writes he is happy to hear Jenkins recommends against appeal as Bell is having a difficult time keeping Nickerson's "big mouth shut and to forget the word 'appeal'.

Letter to Ray H. Jenkins from Robert K. Bell.

Bell apologizes for being "a very poor correspondent" and thanks Jenkins for his letters. He writes that he is "having a terrific time with John Nickerson in trying to keep his mouth closed and to make him forget the word 'appeal'. Bell includes personal details of his life after the trial and concludes the letter by thanking Jenkins again for his friendship.

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and Thomas C. Ryan.

Ryan writes that he recently saw a picture of Bell in the New York Herald Tribune with Colonel Nickerson. He includes personal details of his life stating he remarried and recently took a trip to Europe. He reminisces of a Caribbean trip they took together a year before his first wife passed away. Ryan also congratulates Bell on the "wonderful result" of the trial. Bell responds, continuing to reminisce on the same Caribbean trip and states he hopes to travel out West and visit with Ryan while there. He concludes by thanking Ryan for the letter.

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and Colonel William C. Pritchard.

Pritchard writes to Bell, sending a check for Colonel Nickerson to be used for any fines that would be imposed or for the expense of the defense of Nickerson. Bell responds with his sincere thanks and writes that he has given the check to Colonel Nickerson.

Correspondence between Richey Green and Robert K. Bell.

Green writes to Bell saying he saw him on the news following the Nickerson case and he hopes the results were to his satisfaction. Bell writes to Green in response saying he is pleased at the outcome of Nickerson's trial and asks Green to visit him if he is ever in North Alabama.

Letter to Robert E. Jones from Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to Bob Jones in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment.

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Correspondence between Kenneth Roberts and Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to Roberts in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Roberts responds that he has done everything he could on the matter.

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Correspondence between George Grant and Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to Grant in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Grant responds with interest and states that it looks as though the Army may "drop the Colonel Nickerson case by non-judicial punishment."

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Correspondence between George Huddleston and Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to Huddleston in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Huddleston responds stating his will "make a discreet request" to Secretary Brucker and General Maxwell.

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Letter to Carl A. Elliott from Robert K. Bell with a reply from secretary Cora B. Marlowe.

Bell writes to Elliott in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Marlowe writes to Bell on behalf of Congressman Elliott who is out of town and will respond to Bell's May 8 letter upon his return.

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Correspondence between Senator Lister Hill and Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to Hill in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Hill responds by thanking Bell for the letter and will do anything to help "along the lines of your suggestion."

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Correspondence between John J. Sparkman and Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to Sparkman in Washinton D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Sparkman thanks Bell for his letter from May 8 and responds that he has already been "dropping some suggestions" regarding Bell's hope to give Nickerson a non-judicial punishment rather than trial by court-martial.

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Letter to Armistead Selden from Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to Selden in Washington D.C. on behalf of the defense counsel in an attempt to change Nickerson's case from trial by court-martial to a non-judicial punishment. Selden replies stating he will pass the information "if the opportunity present[s] itself."

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and R. H. Cox.

Cox writes to Bell asking if he could have the priviledge of reporting Nickerson's case, "unless other arrangements have been made." Cox includes his previous experience with court-martials. Bell responds by explaining that the defense counsel has little influence in the matters of appointing a court reporter.

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and Judge L. C. Walker.

L. C. Walker, Nickerson's uncle by marriage, asks Bell if he and another uncle by marriage could be permitted to sit in on the hearing. Bell responds that they will have seating space for Walker and Mr. Scott.

Letter to Ed Willis, Jr. from Robert K. Bell.

Bell writes to thank Willis for his support in the Nickerson case.

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and Carl C. Brown.

Brown wishes Bell the best in the Nickerson case and expresses support for the Colonel. Bell's response thanks Brown for his support.

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and James L. Lawson.

Lawson writes a brief letter to Bell wishing him luck in the Nickerson case and saying he is the right person for the job. Bell responds calls the case a "Herculean one" and hopes he can fulfill the responsibility.

Letter to the Commanding General, Third United States Army, from the Defense Counsel.

This letter is the first request of a continuance of the trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. by the defense counsel due to waiting on top secret clearance for information pertinent to the case and other various reasons.

Correspondence between T. C. King and Robert K. Bell and various attached letters.

T. C. King writes to the Secretary of Defense, Neil H. McElroy, regarding the Nickerson case, calling it the "second Billy Mitchell case". He encourages McElroy to restore Nickerson to active duty, return to Redstone Arsenal, promote Nickerson and remove Medaris. The Adjutant General , Herbert Jones, replies that promotions are based on the officers' entire records and Nickerson plead guilty. King's reponse is included. This exchange of letters was forwarded to Robert K. Bell in the interest of the case.

Argument of Robert K. Bell before the General Court-Martial in the case of United States v. Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr.

Argument of Robert K. Bell before the General Court-Martial at Redstone Arsenal in defense of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. Nickerson plead guilty and Bell's testimony was present in an effort to "extenuate or mitigate whatever he might have done." Bell calls Nickerson's judgment "bad" and his actions "unfortunate" and "careless" but argues that he is not disloyal, disobedient, or promoting his own welfare above that of the Army or national security.

Letter to the Commanding General, Third United States Army, from the defense counsel.

The Defense Counsel writes to the Commanding General, Third United States Army, requesting a continuance of trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr., citing the failure of the government to approve their request for top secret clearance as the reason. The defense counsel details how the clearance is vital to Nickerson's defense.

Letter to Walter Emmett Perry from Robert K. Bell.

The defense counsel believes that the Commanding General or Convening Authority is both the accuser and the reviewer in the proceeding. Bell asks Perry in this letter for any "citations" on that particular point.

Letter and draft of letter to Crump Garvin and C. F. Cordes from Robert K. Bell.

In this letter, Bell explains that the defense counsel still has not received approval for top secret security clearance, necessary to "properly defend the accused." Bell states that while the defense counsel would prefer not to request a delay of the proceedings, if the clearance is not granted, they may have no choice but to do so. The documents also include the original draft of the letter.

Letter to Ray H. Jenkins from Robert K. Bell.

After receiving a continuance in the Nickerson case, Bell writes to Jenkins about making new plans. He states that they are going to try to get any political assistance that they can and that he will be writing to a number of friends in Washington regarding the case.

Letter to Douglas H. McDonald from Robert K. Bell.

Bell responds to McDonald's letter from April 30, 1957. He discusses the Nickerson case and the recent call for witnesses by the trial counsel. He also discusses old aquaintances on a personal level and mentions his upcoming trip to Indianapolis, hoping to have lunch with McDonald while there.

Letter to the Commanding General, Third United States Army from the Defense Counsel.

This letter from the Defense Counsel requests a continuance of the trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson due to the counsel still waiting on a response to their request for top secret clearance for access to pertinent information for the trial and the delay of the release of the pre-trial investigation to the civilian defense counsel. A letter from John Nickerson follows, detailing how without top secret clearance, he is unable to provide his civilian counsel with "essential components of the real issues in my defense without divulging information that is now classified." Multiple copies are included.

Witness list as submitted to the Comannding General, Third United States Army.

In this letter, the Defense Counsel provides a list of witnesses for the defense in the case of John Nickerson.

Letter to William G. Barry from the Defense Counsel.

This letter requests a pre-trial conference be held on the 26th or 27th of April, 1957.

Witness list as submitted to the Comannding General, Third United States Army.

In this letter, the Defense Counsel provides a list of witnesses for the defense in the case of John Nickerson.

Letter and drafts of letter to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence from Robert K. Bell.

These drafts of the letter and final letter to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence requesting highly classified information to be made available to the Court in order to "insure a proper defense" in the Nickerson case. These documents also include a letter from Bell to Ray H. Jenkins asking him to read the draft of the letter before Bell sends it and also asks about traveling to Washington the following week.

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