RUDOLF HOESS (1901 - 1947) SS-Obersturmbannfuhrer and the longest-serving commandant of Auschwitz, tested and carried into effect the use of Zyklon B containing hydrogen cyanide, thereby allowing soldiers to murder 2,000 people every hour. He created the largest installation for the continuous annihilation of human beings ever known. Executed after trial in 1947. Especially rare T.L.S. as Commandant of Auschwitz, 1p. oblong 8vo., Auschwitz, Mar. 24, 1944, complaining of the quality of replacement guards sent to him from Lublin. In part: '...Re: Replacement quota from KGL Lublin...The teams and sub-leaders who arrived here from the camp there do not represent a replacement based on their previous training. Especially since the majority of those assigned are not suitable as soldiers. In consultation with SS-WVHA/Amtsgr.D, all unfit guards will be sent back to the KGL Lublin. The arrival of the remaining commands must be acknowledged with FS...' File holes at left margin, else fine. Interesting to note that Hoess refers to the facility as 'KGL Lublin' (SS Labor Camp Lublin) instead of as a 'KZL', or concentration camp, as at this point in time, mass gassings at Lublin (Majdanek) were occurring on a huge scale.