Gambler and gangster. He was a trusted friend of racketeer Bugsy Siegel, whose West Coast gambling interests he acquired after Siegel’s death in 1947. Cohen lived extravagantly and liked publicity. A number of gangland killings were attributed to his mobsters. Cohen was twice convicted of income tax violations, serving a total of fourteen years in prison. Released from the Atlanta Penitentiary in 1973, he pronounced himself law-abiding, worked for prison reform and died of natural causes three years later. ALS signed “Mickey,” one page both sides, 8 x 10.5, May 26, 1966. A letter from prison to his friend Voy Kay in Hollywood. In part: “I am sorry to learn that you just aren’t feeling right…we are both just getting old. I also have some very rough days. I am terribly sorry to hear about your sister, and I hope that she snaps out of it (with God’s or who ever is up above Blessings)…Just take care of yourself, and get to feeling real good again. As you must be around…if and ever I do get back out and into the world again…” Learning that his friend is making a trip east, Cohen continues “And don’t worry about your not stopping off to see me here in this despicable nut house, and paradise for freaks of the worst kind, as I can understand, and as much as I so would love to see you, I don’t blame you for not planning on stopping by here. I fact I am not proud to have any one see me here, and my condition…” On the lower left of the reverse, he has also signed “Meyer Harris Cohen, 14738H.” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, in Cohen’s hand. Also accompanied by a wire photo of Cohen in custody. In fine condition, with a few small stains at left edge on the front, a vertical fold through the first stroke of the signature. R&R COA.
