My Grandfather's Letters from J. Edgar Hoover in 1940

I recently rediscovered two letters addressed to my grandfather from J. Edgar Hoover while sorting through my late mother's estate items. To my surprise, I found that these letters were not only signed correspondence from the director of the FBI at the time, but that I had come across a wealth of family history as well. It was well known in the family that my father had connections to the FBI, but after reading both letters I was interested to learn that it was my grandfather who had originally recommended his son for a position in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, using his prior ties to J. Edgar Hoover to do so. My father must have been in his early twenties at the time of the recommendation. Unfortunately, the letters are both from non-consecutive months in 1940 and I've since been unable to locate the correspondence that occurred in the months between the two, but they should still make for interesting reading.

[March 22nd, 1940]

Dear Lester,

I have received your letter of March 11th, and of course recall you quite well. I can scarcely believe, though, that so many years have elapsed since we used to play together.

With regard to your son's desire for employment, I am enclosing herewith an FBI application blank, together with statements of qualifications for the positions of Clerk and Special Agent. I note that he does not possess the qualifications for Special Agent, but I would suggest that he execute the application and return it so that we will have a record of his qualifications on file. I might state that practically all of the young men appointed to Clerical positions are potential Special Agent material; that is, most of them are attending law or accounting schools with a view to qualifying as Special Agents, and they are also required to meet rather rigid physical qualifications. I am afraid I cannot offer too much encouragement at the present time, but in any event I'd like to have your son return the application, and I will then be glad to give his case my personal attention.

With kind personal regards,

Sincerely,

J. Edgar Hoover

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[June 7th, 1940]

Dear Lester,

Many thanks for your fine letter of May 19th. I do hope, and believe, that your son will be happy in his association with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

I particularly want to express my appreciation, both personally and officially, for your grand spirit of patriotism as expressed in your letter. You may be assured that should an occasion arise in which I feel you might be able to render assistance I will be more than glad to let you know.

With expressions of my best regards and all good wishes, I am

Sincerely,

J. Edgar Hoover