TLS to "Emigration Authorities" in Washington. Chicago, 8 February 1924.

One page, 11 x 81/4 inches, on Johnson's illustrated letterhead.

In this letter, Black inventor and entrepreneur Paul E. Johnson (1892-1945) writes in support of one of his employees, German-born John Paetz, who "by reason of his thoroughly satisfactory service...is assured of permanent employment." Johnson assures the authorities that Paetz' wages are ample to provide for his family members, who are hopeful to join him in the United States from Germany. Johnson ends by writing, "If it is within your power to aid in securing the pass ports or other necessary documents to gain this family's admission to the country, we would greatly appreciate same."

Johnson was known for inventing and marketing therapeutic lamps, which administered light "in treatment of diseases" including tuberculosis, ulcers, anemia, etc., and also for industrial purposes including tanning leather, curing tobacco, sterilizing water, etc. The letterhead featured here specifically promotes Johnson's "'Universal' Electro-Physiotherapeutic Equipment," and "Sun-Ray Dry-O-Lites."

Johnson's plant on the West Side manufacturing district of Chicago was noteworthy for its diversity, according to a 1926 profile in Opportunity Magazine, which stated: "the personnel of his plant is selected according to merit and consists of workmen of Polish, Jewish, Negro, Swedish, German, and Irish extraction."