Details:

Robert Franklin Stroud, famously known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz," autographed two-page typed letter (TLS), dated October 26, 1939, written while incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. Addressed to Miss Mamie E. Stroud of Metropolis, Illinois, the lengthy personal correspondence is typed on both sides of a single sheet and signed "Bob Stroud" in ink at the conclusion, above his typed name and prison identification number, #17431.

An exceptionally interesting letter offering firsthand insight into Stroud's life behind bars, his scientific research, literary ambitions, family relationships, and efforts to protect his intellectual property.

Stroud begins by discussing family health matters, including his mother's longstanding medical problems, before turning to the progress of a book manuscript and an ongoing dispute concerning the unauthorized publication of his copyrighted research.

Discussing an individual who had apparently reproduced portions of his work without permission, Stroud explains that he has contacted the offending writer and demanded an explanation. He expresses his determination to protect his intellectual property, declaring:

"I intend to make Powell pay in full."

Stroud also discusses the progress of his scientific investigations, particularly his research into animal anatomy and physiology. In a particularly interesting passage, he writes:

"I am still keeping busy studying mouse anatomy. I have been working for the last two weeks on the brain, and I have just today worked out a process for staining that gives me results something like what I want."

He continues by describing his observations of enlarged thyroid glands in laboratory mice, suggesting that the animals may have been affected by an iodine deficiency in the local water supply.

The letter also contains observations concerning birds and their molting cycles, reflecting Stroud's longstanding interest in ornithology and the scientific study of captive birds.

Stroud concludes the correspondence with a personal message of affection, signing "Bob Stroud" beneath the closing "A world of love."

Written in 1939, the letter predates Stroud's transfer to Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1942. Although popularly remembered as the Birdman of Alcatraz, Stroud conducted his extensive ornithological research while imprisoned at Leavenworth, where he was permitted to keep and study birds for many years.

Accompanied by a replica Alcatraz prison key, fashioned in metal with the word "ALCATRAZ" prominently displayed across its face.

The letter measures approximately 8 x 10 inches, comprising two typed pages on the front and reverse of a single sheet. Very good condition with original folds, light age toning, scattered minor staining, and handling wear.

Robert Franklin Stroud (1890–1963) was an American federal prisoner, self-taught ornithologist, and author who became internationally famous as the "Birdman of Alcatraz." Convicted of murder, Stroud spent more than five decades in federal custody, including lengthy periods of solitary confinement. While incarcerated at Leavenworth, he developed an extensive interest in the study of birds, conducting research into avian diseases and publishing works including Diseases of Canaries (1933) and Stroud's Digest on the Diseases of Birds (1943).

Transferred to Alcatraz in 1942, Stroud was no longer permitted to keep birds, although his reputation as an ornithologist continued to grow. His extraordinary life became the subject of Thomas E. Gaddis's biography Birdman of Alcatraz (1955), subsequently adapted into the celebrated 1962 motion picture starring Burt Lancaster. Stroud remains one of the most recognizable prisoners in American penal history.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11700 1419363-1