JOHN WAYNE GACY
(1942 - 1994) Notorious mass murderer of over thirty young men whom he buried beneath his home, executed after many appeals and postponements. Interesting content T.L.S., 2pp. 4to., Menard, Illinois, June 20, 1985, discussing a number of topics, including his failing health, his art, religion, and his life in prison. In part: "... I am getting ready for an art show for the end of June, so I have been busy taking care of it. I have cut back on the number of oil paintings I have been doing ever since they discovered that I have a form of Multiple Sclerosis... In prison you have nothing but time on your hands that is why back in 1982 I started drawing then painting, it kind of takes you out of this place for a few hours without leaving your cell... Since this M/S thing, I have been almost confined to bed, as the weakness of the muscles and involuntary nerve movements prevent me from walking normal. Now I have bouts of blurred vision and numbness on my entire right side, so I don't know how long I will be painting..." He continues: "...I guess your wondering who I like as painters. Well my favorites are two Michaelangelo, and Leonardo DaVinci, I would guess because they were both workaholic... While I am still learning after 300 paintings, I feel what little talent I have is a gift from God and what I do with it is my gift to God..." He discusses the public's perception of him: "...I have never been interviewed, nor will I allow it, yet news media people quote me all the time. So the public really never met the real John Gacy, just the news media monster they have put together..." He signs off with a P.S.: "... Why don't you fill me in on you background a little if you want to? Maybe it will help to know some of your interests. I would guess in the mid-twenties, but I have been wrong before. Take care for now." He signs his name in blue ballpoint: "J Gacy". Folds, slight toning at margins, else fine.