New York City mobster, had been involved in gangland wars for over thirty years when he was sent to the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary for a narcotics violation. There he found that his ex-boss Vito Genovese was running a crime ring of ninety ex-mobsters who were also imprisoned in the jail. He also learned that he was in disfavor with Genovese who believed that Valachi had informed drug agents about his narcotics operations. Valachi received from Genovese the Mafia’s traditional “kiss of death”—an embrace that marks the recipient for execution. In fear of his life, Valachi agreed to tell the Justice Department all he knew about the closely-kept secrets of the Costra Nostra. He spent months in Washington, protected by as many as two hundred federal marshals. Rare ALS signed “Joe,” one lined page, 8 x 12.5, July 19, 1965. A tender letter to his daughter, Dorothy Ball, written during the time Valachi spent in Washington, “singing” for the Senate Investigations Subcommittee. In full, “Well well, my sincerest congratulation. I wish you every happiness in the world, and it comes right from the heart. Of course send me the photo of both you and your husband, did you need to ask? Well you should know that I would be at the reception if I could. Was sure glad to hear you had a wonderful time, and more glad to hear that you have a fine husband. Of course you are a nice girl too, so he should thank the Lord for finding such a fine girl like you, and make sure that he reads this letter. Tell him I said lots of luck to him for marrying such a fine and beautiful girl. I am getting plenty of Sun and am smiling for both of you right now. Give my love to Maxine and Norma and of course all of their families. I don’t approve of you going to work, you should take the whole summer off. Nothing new on the book, but he still says everything will be in our favor. Dottie, I don’t care about people, what they think anymore since the article. I have made more friends. One thing I can say, you never lost faith in me. I feel the same about you and again I’ll tell you, your happiness is my happiness. Legs feel better. God bless you both, will be waiting for photo.” Top of letter bears his full signature, “Mr. Joseph Valachi,” in the return address area and is accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Cloth matted and framed, by the Gallery of History, with a photo of Valachi, a small name plaque, a biographical plaque and a plaque bearing the transcript of the letter, to an overall size of 38.5 x 21. In fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA. Oversized.
