Jacques MESRINE, imprisoned, is impatient with his trial. 1976.

Jacques MESRINE (1936.1979)

Autograph letter signed to his mistress Jeanne Schneider.

Two pages in-4°.

[Fleury-Mérogis Prison]. October 19, 1976.

« According to my information, the trial in this case will proceed on its own and not with my "hold-ups" »

Mesrine, imprisoned in Fleury-Mérogis, is impatient for his upcoming trial.

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" My darling Nanou, how are you, my adorable Big One? You must not be sleeping well these days… This waiting is agonizing. I must tell you that I'm sleeping poorly too, because I hope I wasn't wrong to give you hope. Anyway, you'll have the answer this week. I didn't receive a letter today, but I have nothing to say, the mail is getting quite fast these days. You know, my angel, I can't wait for that damned answer to arrive, because it's unbearable for you. It's true that you're at the end of seven and a half years of your life… who can understand! From what I understand, the trial for this case will go ahead on its own and not with my 'hold-ups,' which will come first. None of this matters to me at all, but our case wouldn't go ahead until January or February. If you're free… we'll have time. But you have to be there and there!! Only God knows, 'and me' (sic)." Tonight my letter will be very short, because I don't feel like writing, my mind is completely blank. You know, here the cells may be nice and clean, but the food is terrible compared to La Santé prison… in the two months I've been here, I've only had meat that was actually red twice. Sometimes Sundays are okay, but the rest of the time it's "very ordinary," and there aren't any canteen meals like in other prisons, so I end up eating against my will. It's always the same thing. I'm going to have to go out for a meal! Hey, I think I'll apply for parole too… I dare you!

They might be wrong and accept it! Although! The day I ask for it… they won't refuse me. I've always had very convincing arguments (sic), but my freedoms are truly temporary… to tell you the truth, I don't care. Can you imagine Mury's joy if you go to see her in Rouen without warning her? What a face she'll make, and your bastard of a father!… you'll finally be able to thank him for everything he hasn't done. Yes, it's nice to dream. If you haven't ordered the shirts yet… wait for your temporary guardian's reply… because you won't be there to receive them. You see, my dear, I'm almost certain that this time you'll get out… I can feel it. It's the first time I've told you such a thing. No one has told me anything, but it's a hunch, like with Michou's 8 years. You tell me her husband wants to appeal, he's right! He'll get 20 years instead of 17. He did very well, and so did she… But let her decide for herself… it's none of your business, OK? What will your face be like if someone says "Jane Schneider, freedom," poor Nanou… you'll see how quickly you get used to being free. And then you'll have your old folks to keep you company. I'm supposed to see you on Thursday… barring unforeseen circumstances! My darling Nanou, I'll finish by planting sweet kisses all over you. Goodnight, kitten, I love you. Your very own old rascal.