Since President Ronald Reagan’s letter to President George H.W. Bush, every hand-off of power has included a gracious note left in the Oval Office — regardless of political party. WASHINGTON - In 1989, President Ronald Reagan wrote a personal letter to his successor, President George H.W.
Bush, beginning a tradition representative of the country’s peaceful transition of power throughout history.Presidents have often reflected at the end of their time in office, dating as far back as George Washington who stated that he was "tired of public life" in regards to his decision not to seek a third term, according to the Associated Press.But historians say Reagan's is likely the first instance of a personal letter being passed between presidents.