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Warren Commission Hearings: Vol. IV - Page 367« Previous | Next »

(Testimony of Alwyn Cole)

Mr. Cole.
I now move to the combination of "l," the double "l's" in "Hidell" in 785. Here we observe that the second "l" is somewhat larger than the first, and we find from time to time in the standard writing where there are a pair of “l's" that the second is larger than the first, one example is chart A, item 5, the word "filled."
In the capital letter "B" of the word "Box" on 785, still in the upper left corner, we observe that the upper lobe of the "B," that is, the closed circular form near the top of the letter, is somewhat smaller than the lower lobe. These proportions I observed in the standard writing, one item is found on chart A, item 9, "B" of "Board."
In the capital "D" of "Dallas" on 785, the relationship of the capital loop, I mean the looped form at the top of that capital letter, is similar to that relationship which we found in "D's" of the standard writing, one item being On chart B, item 2, in the abbreviation "Dept.," and in that same item 2 the capital "D" of "D.C." along the bottom line.
Mr. Eisenberg.
Mr. Cole, on chart A-6 there is another initial "D." Would you say that bears the same conformation?
Mr. Cole.
Yes; it is similar, although the loop is not complete. The aspect of the cap loop, I would say, would be the same if the loop had been completed. It is not as complete there as it is in other examples.
In the word "Dallas," the terminal "s," still referring to 785, is modified from the conventional or copybook method of making that letter by being flattened out, forced far over on its side. In other words, it has an extreme forehand slant rather than standing up in a more vertical position which we would find in a copybook. The same is true of the terminal "s" in the word "Texas" in that area. Now this, too, is a habit found in the standard writings, one good example being chart B at the end of item 3, the' "s" of the word "this."
In the word "Texas" a very distinctive method of forming the letter "x" is observed. Now, this involves first the production, passing directly from the letter "e," first the production of a point or cusp, and then an underhand movement similar to that which would be required for the letter "u," then with the pencil on the paper another point or cusp is produced. The word is finished with the letters "as," and then the cross bar is made in such a manner that it runs along the side of the second cusp. In other words, the basic part of the "x" form, that is, the part which is connected to the other writings, is somewhat in the shape of a shallow "u." May I demonstrate that on a pad here?
Mr. Eisenberg.
Please, Mr. Cole.
Mr. Cole.
I have just drawn here an "x" diagraming the form observed on 785 which shows its production of a shallow "u" shape, with the cross bar striking across the second point of that "u" shaped form. This, I say, is highly distinctive, and it is found in the standard writing in several places.
Mr. Eisenberg.
Pardon me. Mr. Chairman, may I introduce that diagram as 786?
Representative Ford.
It may be admitted.
(Commission Exhibit No. 786 was marked and received in evidence.)
Mr. Cole.
This distinctive formation of the "x" is observed on chart B, item 4, in the word "Texas," also in the same chart B, item 13, in the word "Texas," and also item 12 on the same chart.
Mr. Eisenberg.
Mr. Cole, did you say there was no pen lift after finishing the second cusp, until the letters "as" are added?
Mr. Cole.
That is correct.
Mr. Eisenberg.
So that the "x" is not crossed, so to speak, until the entire word is completed?
Mr. Cole.
That is correct.
Mr. Eisenberg.
How distinctive would you regard this form as being?
Mr. Cole.
Well, I regard it as highly unusual and carrying a good deal of weight for identification purposes, because it is a wide departure from the copybook method or conventional method of making the letter, and it involves the addition of a part rather than an omission which might come from carelessness.
Still considering Exhibit 785 and inspecting the word "Air" of "Air mail," just under the stamp, I find a correspondence in the letter forms with the standard writing. Chart B, item 5, where the same word is reproduced, "Air."
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