J. Edgar Hoover TLS to Walter Winchell [Herbert Corey; Lindbergh Case]

J. Edgar Hoover TLS to Walter Winchell [Herbert Corey; Lindbergh Case]:

HOOVER, JOHN EDGAR (1895-1972). A single-page typed letter signed “John” by J. Edgar Hoover, on FBI Director letterhead with embossed stamp, to Walter Winchell, 115 Central Park, West, New York, April 17, 1936. 9″ x 6 1/2″ (frame 9 1/2″ x 7″). Condition: Good; loose; fold creases; some staining at corners/edges. Hoover first thanks Winchell for forwarding a letter from newspaper correspondent Herbert Corey. He then notes of Corey, who that year had published the book Farewell, Mr. Gangsters, America’s War on Crime, in part: “Herbert is a real fellow. I have learned this because in connection with the writing of his book he lived with us here in the Bureau for nearly six months. I hope that his book does receive a real public interest because it is a true portrayal of the FBI activities.” Hoover then writes that he has spoken before the newspaper editors of America at a Washington convention, and that he “pointed out, without, of course, mentioning the names specifically, how a well-known columnist had refrained from printing a truly national and international scoop on the Lindbergh case for twenty-four hours in order not to harm the investigation…” NOTE: Neil Gabler references/quotes this letter in his biography, Winchell (Gabler 1994:208), in his discussion of Winchell and Hoover’s mutually beneficial relationship during the investigation of the Lindbergh kidnapping and murder, and the subsequent trial of Bruno Hauptmann.  PROVENANCE: THE HAROLD A. LAYER COLLECTION. From the Walter Winchell Files, Butterfield & Butterfield, 1990/91.