American criminal and Depression-era outlaw (1901-1934) who was one of the most wanted bandits in Oklahoma during the 1920s and 1930s; known as 'Mad Dog' or the 'Tri-State Terror,' he co-led a gang with Harvey Bailey that included many fellow Cookson Hills outlaws. Scarce ALS signed “Wilbur Underhill #2337. Box #2,” one page both sides, lightly lined, 8.5 x 11, May 3, 1933. Written from the Kansas State Penitentiary, a letter to his mother and his sister, in part: "I just now come in off the yard, & I'm nearly froze. I walked so much that I'm hungry (again) a special T. Bone Steak & fried spuds wouldn't last long in front of me…Yes I read about them finding that little girl dead. I think that it is one of the most heinous crimes there is, and most generally the one's that does it (if murder isn't committed with it) they get off light, and are trusted prisoners when they get in prison. I think it is awful to mistreat a woman like that, and still worse, a mere child being treated like that, that's one crime that should have a death penalty. I may be considered a bad guy, but old Wilb would never think of doing a crime like that…And Mom, I won't lose hopes, when I write gloomy letters pay no attention to it, for my moods change fast. I may be in good spirits one hr. & at the bottom of despair the next, what makes me feel blue most, is that you & Dean are having such a hard time. I tried to raised you some money but failed, but I will try again." In fine condition, with several intersecting folds and right side of envelope missing portion. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in his own hand. On Memorial Day 1933, less than a month after writing this letter, Underhill and nine others escaped from the state prison using smuggled guns and taking the warden and two guards hostage.
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