Description:

J. Edgar Hoover
Washington, DC, January 3, 1958
Hoover on Hoover! J. Edgar TLS on Herbert Hoover: "…I am not related to ex-President Hoover"
TLS

A typed letter signed "J. Edgar Hoover" in blue ink at conclusion, sent to one Harold Hensel of New Jersey on Department of Justice stationary, Washington, D.C., January 3, 1958. Within, the FBI Director clarifies that there is no familial relation between himself and former President Herbert Hoover, a common misconception during their lifetime. 1p, measuring 8" x 10.5". Expected letter folds, with minor creasing throughout; areas of isolated soiling near far right edge. Otherwise, very good.

In full:

"I very much appreciate receiving the calendar which you sent me, and I also wish to sincerely thank you for your thoughtful message of birthday and New Year's Greetings. In answer to your question, I thought you might like to know that I am not related to ex-President Hoover. We are, however, very close friends, and he is certainly one of the greatest of living Americans.
I do hope that you and your family have a very happy New Year."

The two Hoovers first crossed paths in Washington in the early 1920s, while Herbert served as Secretary of Commerce during the Harding administration and J. Edgar was starting his career at the Justice Department. The public's confusion between the two men are evident in the many surviving letters they received, with the President getting crime-related inquiries often meant for the FBI Director. In this way, the Hoovers became frequent correspondents and undoubtedly garnered a mutual respect for the other.

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: 8" x 10.5"
  • Medium: TLS

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