Midwestern armed robber and contract killer during the Prohibition era (1893-1940) who is considered a prime suspect in the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929. ALS signed “Dane,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, December 5, 1939. Written from Marquette State Prison, a letter to Jennie Crossman, in full (spelling and grammar retained): "'Twas so nice of you to answer my letter so soon, and you may be assured I was looking for it. I'm enclosing herewith check for $50.00 and will get the things for Charlotte and send them as soon as possible. I want to apologize in advance for being a rather poor shopper but will do the best I can. I'll send goolashes with the other things. Mrs. C. you need not offer any explanation about conditions and it is nothing that should embarass you. As for me I regard it as a very happy priveledge, for you see Xmas at its best here is very dull and you see this helps me have a better day of it. There is a family in Marquette of over one hundred children (The Orphanage) and each year I'm permitted to send each of them something. This year I'm sending 2 belts for each of the boys and a small rosary purse to each of the little girls. And I always send a check to the B. H. Good Fellows Fund, so all added up I have a pretty good Xmas. We are limited now to one letter each week but you may assure Charlotte that I'll get one off to her as often as I can. Mrs. C. I think the idea of Stephen getting a job with Disney in L. A. is fine and perhaps you could get him started through that fellow Brown from B. Harbor who has made such a success there. Please let me know Mrs. C. what will take care of your needs from month to month—also if you have any debts that are due. I should like to know more about Charlotte health and what you are doing toward bringing about her recovery. Try to write me each week for a while, even though I'm unable to write that often. I'll get a letter off to Charlotte within a week. In the meantime be cheerful and keep up your courage." Burke incorporates his signature into the upper address field, "F. Dane." In fine condition. Accompanied by a copy of Burke's funeral expenses submitted to Mrs. Jennie Crossman, as well as the original mailing envelope, which is addressed in Burke's own hand.
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