Typed Letter Signed

The publisher of the "Chicago Daily News" (from 1931) showed his versatility when he became a Republican presidential candidate briefly in 1936 and accepted FDR's appointment as Secretary of the Navy in 1940. TLS, 1p, 8" X 10½", Washington, DC, 1943 March 14. Addressed to Rose Bigman. Very good. Faintly age toned, with inoffensive staple hole at upper left. On "Department of the Navy" letterhead, Knox tells the secretary to then-household-name popular syndicated columnist and radio journalist Walter Winchell that "Receipt is acknowledged of... the check of Mr. Walter Winchell in the sum of $440.50 constituting the amount spent on Mr. Winchell's recent tour of duty which he is returning to the United States Navy....." and goes on to explain these funds will "be deposited to the credit of the appropriation 'Pay, Subsistence, and Transportation, Navy, 1943'...." Large and handsome signature in black ink. Winchell was a lieutenant commander in the naval reserve, and in February 1943 Knox told a house naval affairs committee that Winchell was considered inactive and would not be called to duty. Winchell was an outspoken critic of isolationists, and his broadcasts attacking public figures had caused controversy and criticism.Apparently he had returned to duty briefly and received some compensation before Knox retired him and he chose to return the pay he had received. Intriguing!