An exceptional and significant group of items related to Chief Justice Earl Warren and the Warren Commission. 1) TLS signed “Earl Warren,” one page, 8 x 10.5, Chief Justice chambers letterhead, December 7, 1964. Warren writes to James J. Rowley, Chief of the Secret Service. In full: “I want you to know how helpful Agent Elmer Moore was to me and to the other members of the Commission during the long period of our investigation of the assassination of President Kennedy. There was no task which he was unwilling to undertake or unable to perform. I would sum up my appraisal of him by saying that he rendered dedicated service to the cause. I though you would be interested to know of our opinion of his work....” 2) TLS signed “James J. Rowley,” one page, 8 x 10.5, Treasury Department letterhead, December 9, 1964. Rowley transmits the above letter to Elmer W. Moore. In part: “It is always a pleasure to receive such commendation concerning the work of special Agents of the Secret Service and your contributions to the Secret Service are deeply appreciated....” 3) Matte-finish 10.75 x 13.75 photo of Warren in his judicial robes, signed and inscribed in ink, “For Elmer W. Moore, with the best wishes of his longtime friend, Earl Warren, 11/27/62.” The photo is housed in its original frame measuring 11.75 x 14.75 overall. 4) A complete set of the original printing of The Report of the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, comprising 26 numbered volumes (plus the additional Report volume, summarizing the Commission’s findings) bound in gilt-stamped blue cloth, signed and inscribed in ballpoint on the front pastedown of the Report, “For Elmer W. Moore in appreciation of his assistance in the development of this report and with best wishes, Earl Warren, 10/2/64,” and signed and inscribed on the front free end page, “To Elmer W. Moore with warm regards and appreciation for all your help, J. Lee Rankin [general counsel of the investigation who redrafted and edited the voluminous report], 9-30-64.” The volumes include the complete witness testimony and reproductions of some 3000 exhibits, including the grim medical evidence that led the Commission to determine, controversially, that Oswald acted alone. Moore (1909–2001), a Secret Service agent for nearly four decades, spent a year on Harry S. Truman’s presidential detail. Following the assassination of JFK, Moore would play a central role in the investigation headed by Chief Justice Earl Warren. After Warren began to receive death threats, he specifically requested that Moore be assigned as his personal security detail. Moreover, Moore played a crucial role in the investigation itself, conducting interviews with Jack Ruby (an acquaintance), Ruby’s roommate, several employees of the Texas School Book Depository, and the doctors at Parkland Hospital who desperately attempted to save the president’s life. Indeed, the index of the report (Vol. XV) lists 11 separate citations for Moore. The items come directly from Moore’s family and have never before been offered for sale. The letters are in fine condition overall, with scattered light handling wear (a few wrinkles, edge dents, and staple holes; mailing fold to Warren’s signature). The photo, apart from a small, subtle crease, is clean and very fine. The volumes are fine overall, with very mild rubbing and shelf wear, scattered cracking to hinges (still firmly attached), and light staining to page with Rankin’s inscription. A remarkable relic from this dark chapter of American history with an association and provenance of first importance! Oversized. R&R COA.
