Notorious criminal (1890-1963) who, while imprisoned, became a self-educated authority on birds and earned the nickname 'The Birdman of Alcatraz.' TLS, one page both sides, 8 x 10.25, March 17, 1939. Letter to his sister Mamie, written while imprisoned at Leavenworth Penitentiary. In part: "I lost my first three babies, but that is not surprising; it is a wonder that they hatched at all, since the eggs were laid in zero weather and the weather has been very unsettled recently. I have had seven other babies hatch and have some good eggs due off the first of next week. On the whole my birds seem to be settling down to work much better than last year, and I should have a good season. I had quite an argument with that fellow about those books, but it turned out ok. He would not handle the books but he did loan me the amount of money that I would have gotten out of them if he had handled them, and told me he would let me have more if I needed…Of course, he will get his money back, for I will pay him in birds as soon as the babies are old enough to sell…It would not do Emma any good to want a bird from me right now even if she did. I will not have any more to sell until the babies are big enough to ship, which will be in the summer or fall, I have good prospects for a fine year, however, and I should raise some wonderful babies." In fine condition. Accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from University Archives.
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