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Rare 1931 Typed Letter Signed of Untouchables Leader Eliot Ness
NESS, Eliot (1903-1957). Special Agent of the U.S. Justice Department. He was hired in 1929 and assigned to head its anti-Prohibition efforts in Chicago, Illinois. His goal was to end the criminal career of Al Capone which he did by securing evidence that led to Capone’s conviction for tax evasion. His efforts in frustrating Chicago organized crime during the 30’s and 40’s is legendary. He led a 9-man team known as “The Untouchables”, each man unbribable. Ness was also responsible for the downfall of Capone’s successor Frank Nitti and the capture of John Dillinger. In 1935, Ness was lured by the City of Cleveland to become their Safety Director, a position established to help and rid the police department of corruption. His efforts were successful and by the 1940’s, the Cleveland Police Department was a model of efficiency with criminal activity greatly curtailed. During WWII, he was Director of the Division of Social Protection of the Federal Security Agency in Washington, DC. Eliot Ness died in 1957, just months before his book The Untouchables was published. The book went on to become the basis for the extremely popular 1960’s TV series starring Robert Stack and the 1987 movie of the same name featuring Kevin Costner as Eliot Ness.
Typed letter signed on the stationary of Treasury Department, Department of Justice, Bureau of Prohibition, Office of Special Agent in Charge. Chicago, Illinois, September 1, 1931, to L.B. Chapman, Special Agent 2248 Transportation Building, Chicago. Ness writes to the agent that he is authorized to use his personal automobile on official government business in connection with the investigation of Case No. 122-B......you will be reimbursed for gasoline and oil....a copy of this letter should be attached to your expense account...” Signed in ink “Eliot Ness.” This letter was written during the time Capone’s seven-year reign as crime boss ended and he went to prison at the age of 33
Very minor chipping on some parts of the edges otherwise very good condition. Letters of Ness are very scarce not to mention the date on this letter is during the very active capture and conviction of Al CaponE..................... $1250.00
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