7141 - Hans Frank Autograph Letter Signed from Nuremberg to His Wife: "What is the point of asking for forgiveness?"

Hans Frank Autograph Letter Signed from Nuremberg to His Wife: "What is the point of asking for forgiveness?" Nazi politician (1900-1946) who served as Governor-General of the occupied Polish territories; he instituted a reign of terror against the civilian population and became directly involved in the mass murder of Jews. ALS in pencil, in German, signed “Hans,” one page, 8 x 11.75, U.S. Government "Prisoner of War" letterhead, March 24, 1946. Handwritten letter to his wife Brigitte, sent from Nuremberg prison in the days before his twenty-first wedding anniversary. In full (translated): "Today, on the first Sunday of this spring, the celebration bells are ringing in my heart, and in deep loving thought I am standing beside you, to send you my most fervent good wishes for 2nd April, inspired by my sincerest feelings. Twenty-one years have passed since that day we were married. I never imagined that such a fate would rear up out of the shining hopes we then had. Let me be silent about all the hardships I have brought on you, for what is the point of asking for forgiveness? We have to take up the cross prepared for us, as God wills. It is over a sea of tears that my ship of life and yours, and that of our children and of our people, must all make their voyage. Love me still, because I am calling to you, as I did then. You wonderful little wife." Frank writes his full name and Nuremberg internment address at the bottom. In fine condition, with toning across the top. Seven months later, on October 16, 1946, Frank was hanged, convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Poles and Jews. The letter's language of sacrifice, faith, and forgiveness stands in stark contrast to a man whose own diary, entered into evidence at his trial, recorded his calls to 'rid yourself of pity' toward the people under his rule.