Offered is an incredibly historically significant handwritten and signed letter from Charles Lindbergh, put to paper just hours after the kidnapping of his son from his East Amwell, New Jersey home on March 1, 1932. The letter is dated in the lower left "3/2/32," and was intended as a plea of cooperation for the phalanx of reporters that were gathering outside the famous aviator's home. The letter reads:
Due to the fact that our roads are blocked and communication made extremely difficult under present circumstances I am asking that everyone leave our farm. I am requesting your cooperation in the situation as it is of extreme importance to us. Charles A. Lindbergh
The heartfelt plea was read to reporters and other onlookers that were clogging the small country roads around the Lindbergh farm in order to make it easier to get information to and from the authorities concering their kidnapped child, Charles, Jr. The 20-month old baby had been taken just 12 hours earlier, on the night of March 1, while Mr. and Mrs. Lindbergh and several house staff were present. Tragically the baby was found dead on May 12, on the side of the road just miles from the Lindbergh farm, and after a 30 month long manhunt, Bruno Hauptmann was arrested with a large portion of the ransom money. Hauptman was eventually executed for the crime after one of the "trials of the century."
The offered artifact from what was called "the biggest story since the Resurrection" was saved by United Press International president Karl Bickel, to whom Lindbergh handed the note the morning after the kidnapping. The accompanying letter of provenance was handwritten by Bickel on a sheet of telegram paper on the morning he received Lindbergh's letter. As a newsman, Bickel immediately understood the historic importance of any item connected to this case. His letter reads:
Personally given to me early (8 a.m. approx) on morning after kidnapping in order get large body reporters off lawn so that possible communication with kidnappers could be made. Request agreed too. KAB"
The letter is accompanied by letters of authenticity from Beckett Authentic and RRAuctions. The Lindbergh letter measures 8 1/4 x 6 inches and presents with age-related toning and lighter edge area from earlier framing. Excellent condition. The Bickel note measures 8 1/2 x 6 inches and presents with moderate to heavy edge wear and areas of paper loss. Very Good to Excellent condition.