American Scene: 2 sheriff’s deputies dead, 2 hurt in shootout

The lot included other World War II-era documents and photographs taken by Navy veteran Bob York, who died in February at age 91.

Mr. Williams said the unidentified buyer purchased the dispatch as an investment and gift for his 31-year-old daughter. The new owner might also lend it to museums, as he has other pieces in his collection, Mr. Williams said.

The 112-word dispatch from President Harry S. Truman’s navy secretary said, in part: “All hands of the United States Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard may take satisfaction in the conclusion of the war against Japan.”

Mr. Williams said he had no idea how much the document might bring, though he hoped it would clear $7,000.

The winning bid was $20,500, plus a 10 percent buyer’s fee.

MISSOURI

Investigators: Cause of mosque fire unknown

ST. LOUIS — Investigators announced Thursday that they have been unable to determine the cause of a suspicious fire that destroyed a southwest Missouri mosque that was a previous arson target.

About three dozen investigators with the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri Division of Fire Safety, and Jasper County Sheriff’s Department had been in Joplin since the fire at the Islamic Society on Aug. 6. No one was hurt, but the building that served as a mosque for about 50 families was destroyed.

Investigators said in a joint news release that for now, the official cause is “undetermined,” though the investigation remains open.

• From wire dispatches and staff reports