Eight letters from James Earl Ray, 1974–1979. Included [Ray’s spellings and grammar retained]: TLS, signed “James Earl Ray,” one page, 8.5 x 14, August 6, 1973. Ray seeks information on the status of documents he has filed in a lawsuit. TLS, signed “James Earl Ray,” one page, 8.5 x 11, June 26, 1974. Ray writes to Mark Luttrell, Commissioner of Corrections in Nashville, seeking release from solitary confinement. TLS, signed “James Earl Ray,” two pages, 8.5 x 14, October 7, 1977. Ray writes to C. Murray Henderson, Commissioner of Corrections in Nashville, regarding a prison official’s public statement on his solitary confinement following an escape attempt. TLS, signed “James,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, March 20, 1978. Ray writes to courtroom sketch artist Anna Sandhu, whom he would marry in the following October, regarding his case. In part: “Since my arrest in the King case I haven’t taken anything for interviews because it apparently was not in my legal interest…. They (prison officials), all believe I am guilty and committed the offense for money…. Don’t … be nervous when you visit here. Naturally anyone would be a little nervous on their first visit…. There have apparently been six or seven [books] published about the case…. McMillan’s novel is evidently the most distorted and malicious….” ALS, signed “James,” three lightly lined pages, 8.5 x 13, April 17, 1978. Ray writes to Anna Sandhu. In part: “I hope you understtod me clearly when I mentioned ‘female impersonator’…. I wasn’t suggesting that if I were released I would start patrolling gay street—the nearest I would want to be to g street would be Chambliss…. In reference to your interpretation of love, I generally agree with you although I suspect males are just slightly less dependent on it than females…. I’m probably conceited enought to think I could do [painting], especially after 3 or 4 months of your technical assistance….” ALS, signed “James,” four lightly lined pages, 8.5 x 13, May 8, 1978. Ray writes to Anna Sandhu. In part: “Of course that is nonsense about ‘loving a woman will deprive men of their mental energy.’ I’m sure it would be just the opposite…. When I ask about ‘boyfriends,’ I’m just kidding you. That is your business anyway….” TLS, signed “James Earl Ray,” three pages, 8.5 x 14, February 1, 1979. Ray writes to Larry K. Woods of Atlanta magazine regarding an article published in the magazine. In part: “The January 1979 issue of … printed a tirade by William Bratford Huie touting the government/politicians version of the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr…. Several months ago the magazine printed a simular article by another ‘southern novelist,’ George McMillian … the only moral & literary difference between Huie & McMillian being that McMillian is a legman for a different intelligence agency…. The image Huie’s seeks to project is that he is carrying on some type ‘Human Rights’ struggle against thoes he terms Southern ‘Peckerwood’ politicians…. The hand-print taken from the alleged room M.L.K. was assaulted from and displayed on the January cover of Atlanta magazine as mine if false….” ALS, signed “James,” one page on the interior of a greeting card, September 26, 1979. Ray writes to his wife. In part: ”As I mentioned yesterday the interview was reschedules for today, about an hour from now…. If Hote ask about you I’ll tell her so but of course won’t tell her all of our private acts & or [sic] thoughts…. I’ll take your stocking off for you later, you won’t have too work them off.” In fine condition overall, with scattered light handling wear, soiling, and a few faint stains. R&R COA.
