Love and kisses: Mobster Al Capone shows softer side in prison letter to son

He has a reputation as one of America’s most ruthless gangsters. But it seems even Al Capone had a softer side. The notorious racketeer’s tenderness is revealed in a three-page letter he wrote to his son from Alcatraz prison. In the note, being auctioned next week, he encourages his son, Albert “Sonny” Capone, to stay strong and not worry about him. He signs off: “Love & Kisses, Your Dear Dad Alphonse Capone #85”, which was his number at the infamous island prison.

Well heart of mine, sure hope things come our way for next year, then I’ll be there in your arms.

Al Capone’s letter to his son

The mobster ruled Chicago’s organised crime during the Prohibition era, amassing wealth and power, and became a celebrity in the city. He showed his ruthless streak when he had seven members of a rival bootlegger gang killed in the 1929 Valentine’s Day Massacre. He served seven years in prison for tax evasion but died from a stroke in 1947, aged just 48. His letter is believed to have been written in 1938, four years after Capone was transferred to Alcatraz. His son was then a student at the University of Miami in Florida

Junior keep up the way you are doing, and don’t let nothing get you down. When you get the blues, Sonny, put on one of the records with songs I wrote you about

Al Capone