American gangster (born 1913) who was a trusted associate of racketeer Bugsy Siegel. After Siegel’s death in 1947, Cohen acquired Siegel’s West Coast gambling interests and lived extravagantly. After two convictions for income tax violations and a total of fourteen years in prison, Cohen pronounced himself law-abiding, worked for prison reform, and died of natural causes in 1976. ALS, one lightly lined page, 7.75 x 10.25, May 25, 1967. Cohen writes to “Very Dear Friend Voy.” In full: “I was terribly dissapointed [sic] that you didn’t come to my mother’s funeral. In fact Voy, I really can’t understand it. Your always most welcome letter was here waiting for me, when I got back. And I got your kind and most appreciated condolence card yesterday. I am not going to try to answer your letter right now Voy, so please forgive me.” After signing as “Your friend always, Mickey,” Cohen adds his full name, “Meyer Harris Cohen,” and prison number. Matted and framed (without glass) with an unsigned photo to an overall size of 18.75 x 12.5. Faint vertical mailing fold touching signature, otherwise fine, clean condition. R&R COA.
