Published in the Chicago Inter Ocean on July 28, 1895, a letter from serial killer H.H. Holmes (Herman Webster Mudgett) to the former caretaker of his “Murder Castle”, Pat Quinlan, written 8 months after his arrest on November 17, 1894. The police believed the letter was a “blind”, written to Quinlan to try and throw them off Holmes’ track, as he knew it would be read by the authorities. The asterisks halfway through were meant to show where part of the letter was cut out. Quinlan would commit suicide by taking strychnine in 1914, leaving a note which read “I couldn’t sleep”. 

June 18, 1895 - Dear Pat: Among their other fool theories, they think you took the Pitezel boy to Michigan and either left him there or put him out of the way. I have always told them that I have never asked you to do anything illegal, but they are all bullheaded. 

Oct 12 I saw you at the factory, I think. Can’t you show where you were all the rest of the month? If they question you or threaten to arrest you, tell them anything there is about this or any other matter. They may want to know if you were in Cincinnati or Indianapolis about Oct 12. It is well for you to be about to know where you were working. 

I am awfully sorry, Pat, for I have always tried to make things easy for you. When Minnie killed her sister I needed you the worst way, but would not drag you into it. If the detectives go to New York, as I want them to, they would find where Minnie W. took them by boat. I have done no killing, Pat. One by one, they are finding them alive. Minnie W. will not come here as long as there is danger of her being arrested. A Boston man knows where she is, and her guardian, Morris H. Watt, will at the proper and safe time go to her.

 Let your wife write me anything you wish; not oftener than two times a month, directing “H. Holmes, County Prison, Tenth and Reed streets, Philadelphia.”

 * * * I cannot write many letters to you; I am doing all I can for all. Expect to hear shortly from you. Give my love to your wife and Cora. Tell her I have her picture in my room with me, and thank her for it. Tell her I have a tame mouse and spider to keep me company. 

My food is the worst part here. Clarence Phillips’ restaurant at its worst would be fine compared with it. I only eat once a day. 

Shall be out sooner than you expect. They kept Mrs. F shut up here for six months, when we would have let her out on bail. Made a fool of her. Write soon and free. Ask any questions you want to. Georgina is visiting her mother; went about two weeks ago.

With respects to all,

H.H.H.