The Torn Note Found in VWF's Briefcase

This note was found by Stephen Neuwirth of the WH OLC on July 26, 1993, six days after the death [188]. The USPP had examined the briefcase the note was eventually found in without discovering the note [692].

What Kind Of Shape Was It In When Found?

It was torn in 27 pieces [839] and one piece was missing. The typed transcript of the note is at 353; see also 2023 [see the sub-heading, "The Text Of The Note" below for a reproduction of the text of the note].

Was The Single Partial Print On The Note Ever Checked Out?

According to USPP Simonello, the partial palm print on the note was not compared to anyone else's prints [642]. The missing piece of the torn-up note was in the lower right hand part of the rectangular piece of paper.

One might ask how a note sheet can be torn in 27 pieces and leave no fingerprints on the paper at all except for a palm print. If the paper "took" the palm print why did it not also "take" the fingerprints of the fingers that grasped it tightly to tear it up? If a palm print was left, how unlikely is that no other prints were left? Is the paper consistent with a sheet that has been wiped clean of prints and had a palm rested on it after it was wiped clean? If so, why was the note wiped clean and who did it?

Did It Look Like A Suicide Note?

USPP Evidence Technician Simonello had seen other suicide notes and stated in his deposition "I said this doesn't sound like a suicide note [675]."

If this note was some sort of "suicide note," why would VWF tear up his own note? Is there a stylistic break between the third and fourth paragraphs?

How Did VWF Usually Dispose Of Worthless Pieces Of Paper?

According to Loraine Cline, VWF's legal secretary for six years at the RLF [in the words of her FBI interview]: He [VWF] was meticulous about keeping an accurate and complete calendar. With regard to how he handled trash, if he didn't need something he would crumple it up and pitch it in the wastebasket. He generally did not tear things up. She knew him to make lists of things -- not lists of things that were bothering him, but lists of things to do [1730].

The FBI And The AG [Attorney General]

One of the statements on the note was to the effect that the FBI had lied to the AG [Attorney General], but Lisa Foster did not think that VWF thought that the FBI had done so [1647]. William Kennedy, Associate White House Counsel, felt the same way. According to his FBI interview:

Kennedy said he was surprised to see the word "lie" in Foster's note. He said he and Foster had discussed the issue in terms of differences in interpretation versus a lie. Kennedy doesn't think the FBI lied, but just remembered things differently.

Granted, Kennedy is being interviewed here by the FBI, but it is surprising that VWF's wife and one of his closest associates were both surprised by the same line of VWF's note.

A photocopy of the original handwritten note has never been released, but is available for inspection.

The Text Of The Note

Here is the text of the note found torn into 27 pieces in VWF's briefcase (no signature and the 28th piece is missing) at the WH OLC six days after the death, as rendered in the Fiske Report [353] [there are wider margins below than in the Fiske Transcript]:

TRANSCRIPT OF NOTE

 	I made mistakes from ignorance, inexperience and overwork 
 
	I did not knowingly violate any law or standard of conduct 
 
	No one in the White House, to my knowledge, violated any law or standard of
    conduct, including any action in the travel office.  There was no intent to
    benefit any individual or specific group 
 
	The FBI lied in their report to the AG 
 
	The press is covering up the illegal benefits they received from the travel
    staff 
 
	The GOP has lied and misrepresented its knowledge and role and covered up a
    prior investigation 
 
	The Ushers Office plotted to have excessive costs incurred, taking
    advantage of Kaki and HRC 
 
	The public will never believe the innocence of the Clintons and their
    loyal* staff 
 
	The WSJ editors lie without consequence 
 
	I was not meant for the job or the spotlight of public life in Washington.
    Here ruining people is considered sport.