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Document 16323

MELVIN PURVIS. ALS: "Melvin Purvis" (twice) and "Melvin", 1½p, 8x10½. APO-750 Postmaster NYC (somewhere in Europe), 1944 March 9. To his wife, Rosanne. In part: "It was six months ago tonight that I left and came away from the only happiness I have ever known-you-To say that I have missed you is so inadequate when I have been the most miserable person in the whole world...I hope the two little boys are well. Tell them I love them and miss them all the time...Lawson wanting to put up a still on the place is amusing. The shortage of whiskey must be breaking his heart. I suppose the bootleggers and illicit distillers are having a hay-day - as well as a lot of other people who don't call themselves illicit...." On July 22, 1934, FBI Agents, led by Melvin Purvis, shot and killed Public Enemy Number One, John Dillinger, outside a Chicago movie theatre. Purvis, Director of the Chicago FBI office, also led the team of law enforcement officers who apprehended and killed Charles Arthur "Pretty Boy" Floyd that same year. Purvis, known as "Little Mel" for his stature (just under five feet tall), was reportedly forced out of his office the following year due to the jealously of J. Edgar Hoover over Purvis' nationwide attention. He pursued careers in law and broadcasting, and served as a Captain in U.S. Army Intelligence in the European Theater, WWII. In declining health by 1960, he committed suicide with the .45 automatic given him by colleagues when he left the FBI. Purvis has signed the letter: "Melvin", he signed his name as part of his return address: "Lt. Col. Melvin Purvis-0329851" and has signed at the top of the first page: "Melvin Purvis". Folds, horizontal fold touches the "ur" in Purvis in the first signature. Lightly creased. Nick at blank left of second signature page (all intact). Fine condition.

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