This letter is addressed to John R. Brinkley II. Brinkley, a self-proclaimed doctor, was born July 8, 1885. He is best known for his practice of xenotransplantation of goat testicles in an attempt to cure issues related to the prostate or sexual function, and he became wealthy doing so. But that is not where his self-proclaimed achievements ended. Brinkley was the founder of his own radio station, KFKB, which broadcast everything from gospel readings, to music, to comedy, and Brinkley also threw his hat into the political ring in Kansas where he attempted to become governor. While he was unsuccessful in these attempts, he nearly won twice, and he is still famous for being one of the first to use radio in a political campaign. The letter is signed “dear mama,” and throughout the letter, the author provides no indication of who they may be. Brinkley’s biological mother, Sarah Burnett gave birth to Brinkley out of wedlock when she was 24; at the time, his father was married to Sarah T. Mingus, Burnett’s aunt. Burnett, died in 1891 when Brinkley was only five years old, and he was thereafter raised by Sarah, whom the family referred to as “Aunt Sally.” Sarah (Aunt Sally) died Dec. 26, 1906 at the age of 68 when Brinkley was 21. Brinkley would settle briefly in Chicago, working for Western Union as a telegrapher, but not until 1907, a year after “Aunt Sally’s” death, which makes it unlikely, though not impossible, that the author of the letter was Sarah Mingus. The contents of the letter suggests that “mama” may possibly have been one of Dr. Brinkley’s patients, though references to Brinkley’s family and friends suggest a more familial relationship. The author includes information about weight loss and fever, as well as information concerning a baby’s health, but no indication if it is her baby or a common acquaintance’s. It also mention “Dr. Jones,” a professional partner of Brinkley’s, and refers to Brinkley as Doctor, and Brinkley’s family commonly addressed him as such. The author is likely related to, or a family friend of, the Jones or Brinkley family. One of the ambiguities of this document is its date. No date appears on the manuscript except for the day, Tuesday. Given the reference in the letter to blooming tulips, it was likely written sometime between March and May, prime blooming season for most tulips. At the end of his life, John Brinkley’s luck had run out. He was eventually stripped of his fraudulent medical license in multiple states, lost his radio stations, and had many lawsuits filed against him due to his medical malpractice. He, along with his wife and six other associates, was sued for mail fraud by the federal government. Brinkley would never see a trial for his mail fraud, however, as his health was rapidly declining. After suffering three heart attacks and a leg amputation, John R. Brinkley died on May 26, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas. This contents of letter reflects the popular belief in Brinkley’s medical acumen, with the author ranging widely on their own and family medical issues such as weight loss and fever. It reinforces our understanding of Brinkley as a well-respected physician, at least in certain communities.