William A. Pinkerton

TLS signed “Wm. A. Pinkerton,” six pages, personal Pinkerton's National Detective Agency letterhead, April 8, 1890. Lengthy letter to E. H. Hanson, care of G. N. Bartlett, discussing the progress of an ongoing case related to the theft of “a long diamond pin with gold head and spider…valued at from $250.00 to $400” and a “gentleman’s scarf pin,” which were stolen from Mr. E. H. Hanson and his wife while they traveled on a sleeper train named the ‘Hindostan’ from Denver to Chicago. After determining that the conductor was not the thief, Pinkerton explains that his efforts were then to track down the train’s “negro porter,” a man named N. Thomas, whom Pinkerton believes would soon try to pawn the pins. The letter, which contains an interview with the conductor, W. P. Black, who conveys another story of Thomas’s likely thievery, concludes with Pinkerton following Thomas to his home and then to the depot: “He did not go about town and made no effort to enter a pawn shop or jewelry store.” In fine condition, with a strip of toning along the top edge.