Description:

J. Edgar Hoover
Washington, DC, ca. May 27 and September 5, 1969
FBI Director Hoover Pair of Letters, Civil Rights Protests, He Manages a Hectic Washington and "increase in crime"
TLS

Two typed letters signed by J. Edgar Hoover on Federal Bureau of Investigation letterhead. Each letter is one page, 7.25" x 9.5" and written from Washington, D.C. Dated May 27 and September 5, 1969, Hoover writes to Elizabeth B. Ehrman of Atherton, California sharing his observations of the beauty of the gardens in bloom, while referencing the state of heightened unrest in D.C. Both letters are signed, "Edgar" and are near fine with a single horizontal mail fold at center.

Hoover opens the May 27, 1969 letter apologizing for "being tardy in acknowledging your last letter." He continues: "I always say that things are hectic in Washington, but I believe lately it has been even more so than usual. Your letter was very much appreciated." Spring of 1969 was a very turbulent time for Hoover. D.C. had become the epicenter of antiwar activism. The previous month on April 5-6, tens of thousands of protesters descended on the National Mall and near the White House. He was also dealing with the new Nixon administration who wanted stronger action against antiwar groups and Black radicals. His strained relations with Attorney General John Mitchell only added to his burdens.

A second letter dated September 5, 1969 laments being able to take only a short vacation: "With the increase in crime and the corresponding increase in the Bureau's work, I am fortunate to get away for even a few days. My early return to Washington was compensated by the fact that my roses were blooming profusely. The garden seems to grow more beautiful each year. Your observations on the political scene were most interesting and I enjoyed reading them. As you pointed out, there are advantages and disadvantages to your idea."

Although there had been an increase in crime, Hoover conflated antiwar student dissent and Black civil rights activity with lawlessness and violence. He cites "an increase in crime," but he was almost certainly invoking a broader sense of social breakdown that, to him, included protests and dissent.

A great pair of letters written by the FBI director (then in his mid-70s) as he was trying to keep control over a country (and an agency) that was changing faster than he could manage.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.25" x 9.5"
  • Medium: TLS

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