American government official (1904–1996) famously accused of being a Soviet spy. ALS, one page both sides, 5 x 8, April 24, 1957. Letter to editor William Cole. In part: “I am returning Mr. Safchik’s letter…My reply to Mr. S’s first 2 paragraphs of questions—my attorneys tell me that in certain circumstances the development of new evidence might make it possible to reopen my case. All leads possible to this end are being pursued as far as available money and man power will permit…Your judgment would be as good as mine on whether there has been any change in the climate of public opinion and on whether I would now obtain the fair trial I was denied in 1949–1950 and 1952…I am confident now as I have always been of eventual vindication. How far my book will help to bring this about is scarcely for me to say.” In fine condition. Two weeks after writing this letter, Hiss released his memoir, In the Court of Public Opinion, challenging in detail the prosecution's case against him. Indicting him for perjury in connection with a prior accusation of espionage, their strongest evidence came in the form of documents traced to his typewriter—in his book, Hiss argued that these documents had been forged. On May 7, the day of the release, International News Service correspondent Irwin Safchik published a column describing the book, directly quoting from this letter. RR Auction COA.
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