Rare and historic letter signed by Sir Robert Anderson, Assistant Commissioner and head of the Criminal Investigation Department of the London Metropolitan Police, and the highest-ranking officer investigation the Whitechapel Murders, better known as the Jack the Ripper murders. The letter is dated September 1, 1888, which not only was Anderson's first day in his new position, but also THE DAY OF THE FIRST WHITECHAPEL MURDER!
In his autobiography, Anderson wrote, "I sometimes think myself an unfortunate man, for between twelve and one on the morning of the day I took up my position here, the first Whitechapel murder occurred." Anderson wrote this letter on that day.
In the letter, Anderson expresses thanks to Lt.-General Sir (George) Bryan Milman (1822-1915), Colonel of the Northumberland Fusiliers, who had sent him congratulations on his new position. Anderson's predecessor had insisted his promotion be kept quiet until he assumed the position, so it is interesting that Milman knew of it ahead of time.
Signatures of Anderson's are EXTREMELY RARE, as he was not exactly famous in the 19th century. This letter was part of a large, exhaustive collection assembled in the late 19th century. The last image I've posted is of the notation the collector made at the time. It is included with the letter for provenance purposes.
4.5" x 7". There is some glue residue on the top 1/3 panel on the blank back page, as the letter had been mounted into an album, else superior Very Good to Excellent condition.
I guarantee the authenticity of this autograph. If it fails to pass authentication at any time, return for a full refund, including your shipping costs. I've been buying and selling autographs for 30 years, I was a feature writer for Autograph Collector Magazine in the 1990, and I've been selling on Ebay since 2001.
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