Jacques MESRINE embraced his life as an outsider in the world of organized crime.

Jacques Mesrine (1936.1979)

Autographed letter signed to his mistress Jeanne Schneider.

Two pages in quarto.

[Fleury-Mérogis prison. October 22, 1976].

" I think I always knew I would end my life in prison. I wanted this kind of life, I have no regrets..."

Imprisoned in Fleury-Mérogis, Jacques Mesrine accepts his life as an outcast of organized crime.

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"Good evening, little girl. No letter tonight, but I did get one from Sabrina [his daughter Sabrina Mesrine] who tells me she's staying with Michel Mouly because the lawyer lost her husband, who was dying, and needed the room. Since the little girl is coming tomorrow, I'll know more about it then. But if you could be free, I'd have her live with you (if you wanted). So many worries with these kids… but she seems to be making an effort. So I'll be patient about the rest. I also received a letter from Mury, who skips words as always… but takes care with her handwriting. I wrote her a letter yesterday. I also received a note from my 'friend' Francine… I know you don't like it! But I don't have to hide it from you. I have enormous respect and friendship for her. It's up to you to be a woman and not make a big deal out of it. This girl has her love life… but Mister Jack does!" He is and always will be "my friend." And it's good that you're a little jealous (sic), it proves to you that your old pirate is still going strong… even if he's not free in every sense of the word. Because I haven't forgotten that you're my wife, and while many women have shared my bed, only one has managed to keep my heart: "YOU"... so, jealous or not… I prefer to smile and love you.

I had a visit from Master Malinbau. The women told him you were on edge waiting for that damned freedom… yes, the answer isn't coming quickly… But patience, do you know what I've been up to… I bought myself a new radio… yes, I'm treating myself. It's definitely better than my old one. Here, I'll give you the six horses in the trifecta I'm seeing: " FAROV, " "SLOW-FOX," "MISTFUL," "BELLA-BELLA," "MIGRATEUR," "MIRASSI." One of the first two is, in my opinion, going to finish in the money. Want to know my bet? I won't know the name of my horse until tomorrow. But I have a method, which, the more I do the calculations, seems infallible. It takes a lot of money to put it into practice, but the return is guaranteed: "1 billion" a month. The salary of a "DR"… well, a bit more (sic), and tax-free (sic). You know I'm very good at probability calculations… except when it comes to calculating the risks of my life! … and even then, I think I always knew I'd end up in prison… unless I escape? I wanted this kind of life, I have no real regrets, except for the harm I've done to the kids by not being there . But that can't be paid for with years in prison… just knowing it hurts sometimes. And you, little girl! Always waiting… it's so long! I hope so? Well, I always hope for you. Your pirate is giving you sweet kisses on the lips. I love you, my little one. Nothing else matters. Goodnight, kitten. You and I, "always," your VIEJO Bandido & Tuyo.