1965 Prison letter signed by Mickey Cohen (Bugsy Siegel’s bodyguard)

Description

Rare 2-page, autograph letter signed by Mickey Cohen (twice as ‘Mickey Cohen’, twice as ‘Meyer Harris Cohen’), written from Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, dated Feb. 15, 1965. American gangster who began as Bugsy Siegel’s bodyguard, reportedly absent during Siegel’s assassination on Meyer Lansky’s orders. Cohen later vied for control of the Los Angeles mob, surviving multiple assassination attempts by rival Jack Dragna, including dynamite attacks and shotgun ambushes. He prevailed after Dragna lost police support and was imprisoned. Cohen faced crime hearings with confidence but was ultimately convicted on tax evasion, serving a decade in prison before reforming.

Addressed to Al Slaton in Texas, a former inmate who killed in self-defense and later dedicated his life to aiding ex-convicts and the mentally disabled at the Rose Garden in Temple, Texas—a charity still active today. Cohen writes, in part: ‘…if I can ever help you when I get out, don’t hesitate to call…many still inquire about me…I’m not exactly what the press portrayed…the book you mean is likely by Jim Vaus [a former associate turned Christian author of ‘My Father Was a Gangster’]…the book about me isn’t out yet, awaiting some resolutions…I’m preparing to leave for Los Angeles for an IRS civil suit…Give my best to Minister Wallace Chappell and others asking about me. Your friend, in your corner if you’re on the right path, Mickey Cohen…’ Light toning along folds, otherwise very good condition. Released in 1972, Cohen later advocated for prisoner rights after speaking out against prison abuse.