Robert Stroud, one of the nation’s most notorious killers better known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” was also a student of politics and a fan of Republicans.
In a handwritten letter made public to the Secrets before heading to auction, Stroud explained his political thoughts as he sat, likely in solitary confinement, on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay in 1952.
With a nod to the 1952 GOP ticket of Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon, he wrote, “I was personally very well pleased with the way the convention went. I think the Republicans have a winning team, and I sure hope that this marks a complete house cleaning. That is what this country needs … I think that Ike may do that …”
Stroud, known for being a self-taught, jailhouse ornithologist, noted that Nixon was the acquaintance of a mutual friend, making it possible that he would get a pardon after the Republican presidential team was elected. He didn’t and died in jail.
Bill Panagopulos, president of Alexander Historical Auctions, said the letter should bring $400 to $500 at his online auction in late January.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
