Collection of three one-page TLSs, all signed “J. Edgar Hoover,” dated from 1944–1961, all to FBI agent William Johnson. One letter, dated January 7, 1955, is marked “Personal and Confidential,” and reprimands the agent for an error. In part: “The attention of the Bureau has recently been directed to an instance of inadequate work performance on your part. Specifically, it has been observed that in the Summer of 1953 you prepared a summary of information pertaining to Leo Abram Bonnema in connection with suspected espionage activities at the military installation at Fort Monmouth…and at the Federal telecommunications Laboratories…it was actually the brother of the person you referred to who had listed Bonnema as a reference…As you are aware errors of this nature are most serious and tend to place the Bureau in an extremely embarrassing position. Therefore, you are being placed on probation.” In fine condition, with staple holes to top edges of two letters, and a copy of Johnson’s letter to Hoover paper clipped to the reverse. RR Auction COA.
