Description:

Robert Stroud, "Birdman of Alcatraz" ALS Re: Morphine Hangover

A handwritten letter from notorious criminal Robert Stroud concerning a morphine hangover. 1p, measuring 7.75" x 10.25", Alcatraz, California, dated July 17, 1950. Signed three times, the first as "Robert Stroud" at the top of the first page above the preprinted recipient's address panel, the second as "Bob" at the conclusion, and "Robert Stroud #594" below his conclusion. Written from the U.S. Federal Penitentiary at Alcatraz in black ink on blue-lined cream paper to his half-sister Mamie E. Stroud. Robert writes of a recent attack and a morphine hangover he is suffering from. He also advises Mamie on how to avoid dehydration in the hot weather. PSA Slabbed and Graded, measuring 9.5" x 13" overall. With flattened folds and small ink smudges at the corners. Boldly signed, and very fine overall.

Reading in part:
"I have your letter of the 10th and am glad to know that you are well. I am o.k. at the moment, but I have a bad hangover. Saturday night I had the worst attack I have had since January, and the[y] had to keep me full of morphine for about thirty hours. I think that I am all right now, but I have a terrible hangover, as I always do have for several days after one of those attacks. I am glad that it is not so hot there, and hope that it does not get too hot; but if it does, always put about half a teaspoonful of salt in each quart of drinking water, just enough so that you can taste it. You see, when you sweat too much you loose [sic] salt, and that is what causes you to feel bad, your head to ache, and water to sicken you when you drink it. If there is a little salt in the water you drink, it won't sicken you, you can drink, and will feel better…"

Stroud was transferred to Alcatraz Prison in mid-December 1942 and remained there until 1959. He was frequently in solitary confinement or the hospital due to his aggressive behavior and various ailments.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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