^Lot 1289 Audie Murphy

ALS, signed “Soldier,” on a 6 x 9 off-white sheet, no date, but circa 1948. Murphy writes a brief letter to “Skip,” most likely actress Wanda Hendrix, whom he would wed in 1949. In full: “I love you Skip—so please don’t invite any of your X’s to the wed—or let your mother—cause’n iffen ya do I wont be there. Man I’m bad—Love, Soldier.” On the reverse, Murphy pens a love poem entitled, ‘Close to Me,’ signed at the bottom, “A,” and inscribed at the top, “For Skip.” Poem reads, in part: “When you’re close to me my heart begins to sing—Melodies and Symphonies of Spring—Your laughing eyes—your tender sweet caress—your loyalty—adds to my happiness.” Show-through from writing on opposite side, a couple small separations along intersecting folds, and some scattered light toning, otherwise fine condition.