A personal note written by Jackie Kennedy, widow of John F Kennedy, to Ethel Kennedy when her husband Robert Kennedy had recently been assassinated, has been seized by the FBI from Heritage Auction Galleries.

"You must be so tired," Jackie wrote. "I stayed up till 6.30 last night just thinking - and praying for you."

Max Kennedy, the son of Robert and Ethel, has said that they have never sold or given away the note, which has changed hands repeatedly, once for $25,000, since 2006 when it was first known to have left the family's possession. It is thought it may have been taken by a plumber.

An investigation is now being headed up by the FBI's Mark White, and the note will be returned to the family.

Kennedy memorabilia is naturally valuable (more so now that Ted Kennedy has died), and it's not surprising that such a personal piece, marking a historic tragedy would be worth a great deal, but it seems unlikely it will return to auction any time soon. 

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