Lot 39
Criminals Robert Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz) & James Earl Ray and Lawmen Melvin Purvis & J. Edgar Hoover Four Signed Letters. Criminals and lawmen:
1.) Handwritten letter by Robert Stroud convicted of two murders but commuted by Woodrow Wilson to life in solitary confinement known as "The Birdman of Alcatraz". He writes to Marie E. Stroud a relative, where he discusses the hot weather both are enduring, the status of a book another party is writing and the economy of the time and favorable comments about Senator Joe McCarthy. Two pages recto and verso on notepaper 10 x 8" dated June 25, 1954 Alcatraz, California and twice signed; "Robert Stroud" at top of letter and "Bob" and it end of letter. In excellent, very legible condition.
2.) Typed letter signed by James Earl Ray to a Pauline Valentine thanking for offer to send him clothes but references a newly acted law that wearing outside clothing not allowed. He updates her on a book in the works about him and filing a petition on the King case. He then discusses about a deal regarding his painting three works for her and answers questions about the incarcerations regarding the shooters of President Reagan and John Lennon. Dated 6, September 1986 typed on ruled paper 9½ x 8" and signs "J. Ray". In excellent condition.
3.) Handwritten letter by Melvin Purvis to his wife Rosanne. After falling out of favor with J. Edgar Hoover given the attention Purvis enjoyed after spearheading the killing of Public Enemy Number One, John Dillinger, he entered the US Army as a captain and later joined the provost marshal's office as a major. This letter is written during this time where he writes a very romantic letter to his wife, and proud of the creation of an Army unit after carefully selecting who he thinks are the best. Dated August 23, 1943, Fort Custer, Michigan. 2pp 10½ x 8", very legible and in excellent condition. Also included is a signed check by Purvis dated March 4, 1943
4.) Typed letter signed by notorious FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover and ultimately a major antagonist of Melvin Purvis. Never mind Hoover forced Purvis out of the FBI, in 1940, Melvin was endorsed by a South Carolina congressman for a federal judgeship but did not get the post, as it was blocked by Hoover--the jealousy still raging after John Dillinger's death. In this letter dated September 28, 1951 Hoover writes to the son of a man he knows well on what it takes to be a "Good Citizen" without a hint of irony or self-awareness. "An individual must all times be respectful of the law. You can never start too early in life to be a fair, impartial and just citizen." Signed J. Edgar Hoover on Department of Justice letterhead.
All items in excellent condition. Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000
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| Realized $600 |
