Title:
ALS of Melvin Purvis – WWII-Era Handwritten Letter to Wife “Rosanne” – PSA/DNA Certified (AE04544)

Description:
Offered here is a deeply personal Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Melvin Purvis, written in full in his hand and signed “Melvin” at the conclusion. The multi-page letter, dated November 17, 1943 (noted in manuscript), is penned on period paper and spans several pages with closely written, legible text in dark ink. The letter is headed with Purvis’s military designation: “Lt. Col. Melvin Purvis – 0329851, OMS Section – Natoua, APO 534, c/o Postmaster, New York, N.Y.”

The condition is consistent with wartime correspondence, showing expected mailing folds, light toning, and handling wear, but remaining highly readable throughout. The signature appears at the end of the final page, clear and strong.

Full Transcription:

“Dear Rosanne,
I wrote you two V-Mail letters today. I am worried to death about Melvin’s nose. Was it broken and how did he do it, and is he all right, and will his nose be all right? I don’t know much about it. Aunt Susie said in one letter you thought it was broken and in another letter she said you felt that it was not. Please let me know. I’m one way of reading it I felt it might not have been broken at all but I must know so please tell me quickly. I hope it wasn’t. But it drives me crazy not to get all the truth. You see, some of the letters I have received mention things as if they have been told to me in letters which I have not yet received. Letters have not arrived in the order in which they are mailed and this adds to my confusion and I am already overwhelmed with agony and aching. Your Mother did not mention anything about his nose and you did not either in your letter of October twenty third.

Today is Sunday and I am in my room wondering what you are doing. I am thinking of you as I am always and of the time when I can come home to you and hold you close in my arms. Being close to you forever will be the only thing that can ever take me away from this frightmarish period of my life. I can stand anything, my Rosanne, except not having you close by me. All my life has been that way because I have always loved you. You are my life, my everything. After I come back I shall consider everything in the light of how it might affect my being close to you. Nothing can or ever will take me away from you again. And while I am so miserable now I feel somehow that something will happen to bring me back to you before long. When I say long, though, I realize every moment I am away from you is interminable. Rosanne, I could not live without your loving me and I would not want to. I know you love me otherwise I should not go on but I must hear you say it or see it written over and over again. I know you did not want me to come and you must know that I did not want to be away from you but I still think that apart it is all over. You will be proud that I did. Our little boys will be proud and if I can make you and them proud of your husband and their father I believe my penance will be great. So many times I have been convinced that nothing could ever repay me for the loss of treasured moments with you and doubt that it could, if I knew how intense my longing for you was going to be, enter my mind. I know I would long for you and ache to see you and hold you in my arms but I have to tell you now that I did not realize it would hurt this bad. Maybe it is something to say that I am a Deputy Provost Marshal General at Natoua. Maybe it is an honor worth seeking but the price I pay in longing for you is mighty high and higher than I could have conceived. I remember your saying you had rather have me with you without honor than to have me away from you with it. I sometimes feel the same way but then I know that I must go on to make you proud and I must go on so that our two little boys can say their father did not dodge his part of the responsibility. Everything comes back to the only thing in my life and that is my love for you.

Please tell me what you are calling Philip Alston Wilson Jr. You did not mention it. Aunt Sue said ‘Alston’ in one of her letters. Your mother called him ‘Philip Alston’ in one of hers and I have called him ‘Little Philip’ in my letters to you. I have been thinking about it a great deal and right now I believe I like Philip Alston.

What do you think? Please tell me and also tell me more about him, the color of his eyes and everything. I would give anything to see him. I am so proud of his name. He will be too because he is not only named after a great man but he is of his blood.

I have written to Jim McLeod twice before but now after reading your mother’s letter telling me of his kindness and constant attention to you I shall write him again. I shall be thankful to him forever and thankful to the great God who guided his hand and mind in bringing you safely. Nothing will ever make me forget this. I was grateful before but my heart fills up again and again when I think of what he has done for me.

I shall write Floramay soon. I shall not forget her sweetness to you. Please give her my love. I hope she is fine.

Tell Melvin I think of him all the time and that I love him and am so proud of him. I long so to see him.

Tell Philip I appreciated his letter and that I shall write to him soon. I hope he is well. I hope St. George is all right. Remember me to him affectionately when you write him again. You have not sent me his address yet. When I receive it I shall write to him although it will take a long time for the letters to get to him.

Tell Dolly to take care of my three babies and that besides the pleasure she gets from doing this for me, her reward will be great in many other ways. Tell her I am depending on her.

Your Mother writes that the baby looks a little like me and a little like you. I just want him to be sweet like you, that’s all.

Your mother said it did not cry much. I hope he is all right. Did you send me the pictures? I wish I had them now.

There is only one thing for you to do and that is to stay in bed, get completely well, and take care of yourself till I get back. I love you more than anyone could ever love anybody else. I adore you.

Melvin”

Historical Context:
Melvin Purvis (1903–1960) is best known as the legendary FBI agent who played a central role in the pursuit and takedown of notorious Depression-era criminals such as John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson, and Pretty Boy Floyd. By World War II, Purvis had transitioned into military service, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving in administrative and intelligence capacities.

This letter, written in 1943 during the height of World War II, offers an intimate glimpse into Purvis’s personal life—far removed from his public persona as a hardened lawman. It reflects the emotional strain experienced by American servicemen separated from their families, as well as the deep sense of duty and sacrifice tied to wartime service. His references to his children, particularly concerns over his son’s injury and the naming of a newborn, humanize a figure otherwise remembered for his role in American law enforcement history.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Accompanied by a PSA/DNA Letter of Authenticity (Certification Number: AE04544), confirming the authenticity of the handwriting and signature. The document has been examined and deemed consistent with known exemplars of Melvin Purvis’s hand.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This remarkable ALS stands as both a historical and deeply emotional artifact—bridging the public legacy of Melvin Purvis with his private devotion as a husband and father during World War II. Rich in content, length, and sentiment, it offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a substantial and personal piece from one of America’s most iconic lawmen, captured during a pivotal moment in global and personal history.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.