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Handwritten letter to Robert K. Bell from C. J. Gibson.

Gibson writes in reference to Bell's defense of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. Gibson mentions comparable cases and his experience with similar situations.

Handwritten letter to Robert K. Bell and his wife, Carolyn, from Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr.

Nickerson writes in reponse to the Bells' letter of November 26. Nickerson writes from his new location in Panama after he was sent there following his court-martial. He details life there and various aspects of his positions. He expresses that he wishes the Bells would visit. In his postscript, Nickerson explains why he has not written for so long.

Handwritten letter to Ray H. Jenkins from Jim G. Lucas.

Lucas writes that after spending a day with the trial lawyer, he has become convinced that Colonel Nickerson is a valuable asset to the nation's defense and to the Army. Lucas continues to provide information he knows relevant to the case.

Handwritten letter to Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. from Norbert Neumann.

Neumann calls Nickerson case a "personal matter" and writes that he is rooting for him and that he was the greatest Battalion Commander he had ever had.

Handwritten letter to Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. from Ben Messick.

Messick writes to encourage Nickerson in his case, stating that he is confident Nickerson did what he believed to be in the best interest of the Army.

Handwritten document regarding information for the case of John C. Nickerson, Jr.

This note states that according to "certain rules of evidence" established by the Federal courts, all information that is necessary for the case must be made available "regardless of the classification of the evidence."

General notes from the case of John C. Nickerson, Jr.

These handwritten notes include general information from the case of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. Topics include general information and assessment related to the missile program, particularly in the transfer of the program from Army to Air Force direction. It also includes notes on the postponement of the trial.

General Court-Martial Order No. 85.

This order outlines the charges brought against Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. and the specifications that come with each charge. It also details how Nickerson pled and the sentence associated with the charges. Nickerson was suspended from rank for one year, charged $1,500 per month for fifteen months, and was to be reprimanded. The sentence was adjudged on June 29, 1957.

Front page of The Huntsville Times from February 1, 1958.

Topics included on the front page of this newspaper include the Jupiter missile developed by the German Rocket Team and the announcement that it had circled the globe, and other various space topics.

Drafts of letter to the Commanding General, Third Army from the Third Army Advisory Committee.

In response to the "problem created at the Army Ballistic Missile Agency" that would eventually lead to Colonel Nickerson's referral to a court-martial, the Third Army Advisory Committee writes this letter to inform the Commanding General that one of them, Robert K. Bell, had consented to being Nickerson's attorney as they see Nickerson's actions as being in the best interest of the national defense and Army.

Direct and cross examination of a witness at the trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr.

This handwritten document contains notes for a witness examination by both the prosecution and defense during the trial of Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr.

Defense Notes on Nickerson Case.

Defense notes outline the charges against Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. and the accompanying specifications of each charge. It also outlines how Nickerson went about publishing the classified information through the newspaper journalist Drew Pearson. It includes an affidavit of John A. Baumann, the expected testimonies of Dr. Wernher von Braun, Dr. Charles Lundquist, Mr. Rudolph Schlidt, and Dr. Ernst Stuhlinger, correspondence related to the case, written statements, handwritten notes, and character letters.

Defense counsel's request for access to classified information.

This letter outlines the defense counsel's request for access to flassified information in reference to a previous letter received from the Office of the Commanding General, Third United States Army.

Correspondence from William Nichols to Robert K. Bell containing a letter from William G. Barry.

William Nichols writes to Robert K. Bell, enclosing a letter from Lieutenant Colonel William G. Barry. The enclosed letter requests William Nichols' presence at the Nickerson trial at an undetermined date. It states that a subpoena will be sent when a date is set.

Correspondence between William J. Waugh and Jesse M. Alverson.

Alverson writes to Waugh to submit a question to the asked at the next presidential press conference along with a follow-up question. The question regards the President's opinion on the missile program and Colonel Nickerson's actions. Waugh responds that the Washington bureau will do what it can to get her questions answered.

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.

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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."

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 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.

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.

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'.

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.

Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and Harry M. Ayers.

In response to Bell's February 13 letter from Edward Almond, Ayers informs Bell that he is attempting to find someone who would write a letter to newspaper publications in agreement with their opinion that Medaris is taking too much credit for his work. Bell responds that he is skeptical Ayers would find anyone as Medaris could make their life a "rather miserable existence".

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Correspondence between Robert K. Bell and Edward M. Almond.

These letters include information pertaining to the Nickerson case. Almond expresses desire to "get something in motion to subdue the unnecessary and trivial expressions of � General Medaris". The letters also mention various correspondence that was included in the exchange of information. Both men advocate for the "cause" of Colonel Nickerson's actions. Bell was Nickerson's attorney during his trial.

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 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 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.

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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 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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Correspondence between George Huddleston, Jr., Lieutenant General Edward M. Almond, and Carl Vinson.

Almond writes to Huddleston in an attempt to get Nickerson brought back from exile in Panama. Huddleston agrees with Almond in his response and says he will do his best to advocate for Nickerson's testimony on the missile program and will bring the matter to the attention of the Chairman, Honorable Carl Vinson. Huddleston's following letter of January 25, 1958 states that Carl Vinson does not believe having Nickerson as a witness is advisable. Huddlestone attaches a copy of Vinson's letter that explains this. Almond writes in response to the decision with his thoughts on the matter and believes that "all service officers will step gingerly in their testimony" so as not to "stick their necks out as General Gavin and Colonel Nickerson have already done."

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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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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."

Correspondence between David Bowman and Mary B. Dennis.

Bowman writes to the U.S. Army Judiciary Clerk of Court Office to request a copy of the transcript of the Nickerson court martial proceedings. Mary B. Dennis, Deputy Clerk of Court responds that a large portion is classified and asks if he wants that material reviewed towards declassification though it would be a lengthy process. She also guides him towards other "publicably available documents" regarding the case. The following letters from Dennis regards the review of the classified transcripts of the Nickerson case and more details about the record of the trial. Bowman's second letter includes a check to pay for the transcripts and the review of the classified material. Dennis writes several more letters regarding more classified prosection exhibits and that Bowman's request to review the classified material has been denied. The final letter is the memo that states that the review has been denied from Deputy Director Robert J. Monahan.

Correspondence between Colonel John C. Nickerson, Jr. and Margaret C. Brownlow.

Brownlow writes to give Nickerson the name of someone that would be interested in his case, Ray Jenkins, who would eventually join Nickerson's defense counsel with Robert K. Bell, along with two others. Nickerson responds, thanking Brownlow for the information. He expresses concern over financially securing Jenkins for his defense but hopes that Brownlow could still arrange a meeting in Knoxville, Tennessee. The third letter is a rough draft of Nickerson's response. Brownlow's second letter responds that she was able to get in touch with Ray Jenkins and left him with materials to read on Nickerson's case. Brownlow states she would get back to Nickerson as soon as he says "yes".

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