(1894 - 1987) Nazi German Deputy Fuehrer and second in command after Goering, Hess was one of Hitler's closest confidantes and friends. In an unauthorized peace mission, Hess flew a German fighter to England and surrendered, purportedly attempting to ally Germany with Great Britain against Russia. His mission, of course, failed and Hess was imprisoned at Spandau where he was found hanged in 1987. Fine content T.L.S. on NSDAP letterhead, 2pp. 4to., Berlin, May 21, 1938 to OTTO MEISSNER (880-1953), Reichsminister and Minister of the Presidential Chancellery. Always a stickler for protocol, Hess sets forth strict instructions on the order of appearance of dignitaries at an important parade. He writes, in part: '...I recently received your letter...regarding the order of precedence at state events. Under point 10 of the order of precedence you published, the Corps Leader of the NSKK and the NSFK are listed behind the Inspectors General and before the Mayors of the Reich capital, etc. However, this classification does not reflect the actual position of the two Corps Leaders. Although they do not hold the rank of Reich Leader, both are nevertheless treated as such in the order of precedence at party events...place the NSKK and NSFK corps leaders under No. 8 behind the group commanders. Furthermore, under No. 10, I request that the High Presidents not mentioned in the current ranking be placed behind the Reich Governors, and the Gauleiters behind them. Most Gauleiters are, as is well known, Reich Governors or High Presidents and already rank in this position. However, there is no reason to place the remaining Gauleiters behind the commanding generals...I therefore recommend rearranging point 10 of the ranking as follows: '10. The State Secretaries, the Reich Governors, the High Presidents, the Gauleiters and State Ministers, German Ambassadors, Commanding and Arms Generals, the Inspectors General, the Mayors of the Reich Capital, the Capital of the Movement, and of Vienna, in order of seniority.' I would be grateful if you would inform the relevant authorities of the amendment I have proposed as soon as possible. I would also be grateful for a copy of your decree so that I can inform the relevant party offices accordingly. Heil Hitler!...' Rough margin costing perhaps a letter or two of the typed text, folds, else very good.