Name/Title
Holographic letter (re Lindbergh baby trial) to Florence Miller from Joseph Lanigan, Office of the Attorney General, New Jersey, February 17, 1935, with enclosures.Entry/Object ID
2002.186.0056Scope and Content
Two-page holographic letter signed to Florence Miller from Joseph Lanigan on the letterhead of the State of New Jersey, David T. Wilentz, Attorney General, February 17, 1935. Plus two enclosures and two envelopes.
Main text reads:
Many, many thanks for your note. You could have had a ticket any day - Row one, seat four - even had it been necessary to toss out Walter Winchell. the only requirement was a mink or sable coat - but things never break right.
Hoboken was represented by Father Toohey, Jack and the Mrs.; Jim and that girl friend; Joe and the wife; Haddon Ivins and Bill Rubal - all standees.
The only two persons ever sure of seats were Justice Trenchandt and Bruno.
However, I enclose a certificate, properly authenticated, certifying to your "eclat" and restraint, also a letter from the "fan" mail.
When I next see you, I'll give some the side-lights and the by-play.
With best wishes, always,
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Enclosure 1 is the certificate referred to in the main text. It is printed letterhead: The Lindbergh-Hauptmann Trial, Flemington N.J.; Office of Edward Jay Reilly, Chief Defense Council. At the left is a three-section extension ladder printed in red.
The typewritten text reads:
This is to certify that Miss Florence G. Miller, is the only person entitled to a seat at the trial of Bruno Richard Hauptmann, who did not exercise the privilege.
[signed] Edward J. Reilly.
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Enclosure 2 is the "fan" mail referred to in the main text. It is a typed single-leaf carbon letter signed from an M. Achenbach of Medina, N.Y and dated Jan. 31, 1935 to Joseph A. Langan (sic).
The text reads:
Just to inform you what we think of you and your methods in this part of the country.
What's all this stink about the Lindbergh baby? Other people have had their children kidnapped and nothing done. These other people have feelings.
Do you want the people to believe that Violet Sharpe was Innocent.? Do you honestly think for a moment that any lady member of the jury, being absolutely innocent of crime, would commit suicide when about be questioned by the police?
You seem to have poor opinion of the lady members of the jury.
Violet Sharpe was undoubtedly guilty and so made a quick get-a-way from the world.
Imagine so dinstinguished a diplomat as the late lamented Dwight Morrow being surrounded by such crooks as Violet Sharpe, Ollie Whately, and Isador Fisch; it is enough to make him turn in his grave.
But you say you are acting in the interests of society, what society? The '400'. Bah.
Yours truly,
[signed] M. Achenbach.
The envelope was addressed to Mr. Joseph Langan (sic), Hunterdon County Courthouse, Flemington, New Jersey. There was no return address. Postmark was Buffalo, N.Y.Acquisition
Accession
2002.186Source or Donor
Balogh, FrankAcquisition Method
DonationCredit Line
Gift of Frank BaloghArchive Details
Date(s) of Creation
1935Archive Notes
Early Create Date: 1935
Date(s): 1935
Level of Description: FolderGeneral Notes
Note
Display Value: Fair
Status: OK
Status By: dw
Status Date: 2003-04-03
