J. EDGAR HOOVER (1895–1972)

This historic collectible features the authentic autograph of J. Edgar Hoover on an official Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Department of Justice letter dated January 18, 1943. Typed on original FBI letterhead and personally signed by Hoover as Director, the document represents an authentic piece of American governmental history from the Second World War, when the Bureau played a critical role in domestic security and counterintelligence.

J. Edgar Hoover served as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation for nearly five decades, becoming one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century American law enforcement. Under his leadership, the FBI evolved into a modern federal investigative agency whose methods shaped criminal investigation for generations. Official correspondence bearing Hoover's original signature remains highly desirable among collectors of historical documents and American political history.

The letter is addressed to John B. Meaghan, who had applied for appointment as an FBI Special Agent. Hoover writes:

"Receipt is acknowledged of your communication dated January 9, 1943, in which you inquire relative to the status of your application for appointment to the position of Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. I regret that I am unable to offer you any encouragement at this time relative to favorable action being taken in your case. However, your application is being retained on file for consideration in the event it is possible to utilize your services at some future date."

The document is presented in an artist-designed presentation and is accompanied by Hoover's well-known quotation: "Truthfulness is the key to raising a responsible citizen."

The authenticity of the autograph is confirmed by an international certificate of authenticity Global Authentic certificate GV 875239. This signed FBI letter represents an important addition to collections devoted to American history, the Second World War, federal law enforcement and historically significant autographed documents.