[NY POLICE DEPARTMENT HACK BUREAU; LESTER STONE; PROHIBITION ERA.] CHARLES GROSS (?). A single-page typed letter signed (sent from New York) that hints at favors and loyalties. Addressed to Walter Winchell at The New York Daily Mail, November 24th, 1934. 10" x 7 5/8." Condition: laid down on cardboard; toning; fold creases. Gross is writing to Winchell to thank him for suggesting he contact Lester Stone (Mayor Fiorello La Guardia's secretary/aide), whom he spoke with, and "also brought Mike Diamond [?] along." He notes that because Winchell paved the way, "Mr. Stone in turn smoothed the way to Captain [Thomas F.] Berkerey's office in the [New York Police Department] Hack Bureau," which licensed taxicabs and drivers. He further effuses on Winchell's "kind efforts in Mike's behalf," and appreciation of himself and "all the boys of the gang... there isn't one of us who wouldn't figuratively break a leg to place himself at your service..." and "A great big ORCHID to you" (using Winchell's catchphrase for kudos). An intriguing postscript expresses appreciation for the influence chain as being the "potency of that royal combination of Winchell-to-Stone-to-Berkerey." Further, a possible Chicago connection is suggested by the mention of a "Parmelee representative and a Driver's Brotherhood representative" (possibly the Parmelee Transfer Company, Chicago). PROVENANCE: THE HAROLD A. LAYER COLLECTION. From The Walter Winchell Files, Butterfield & Butterfield, 1990/91.