The Johnson Brothers — Part 1
A Magnificent Seven ‘fan fiction’
As fellow writer PurpleBookyWorm has convinced me that there is some merit in fanfiction, here is my first attempt at writing a short piece of fiction inspired by The Magnificent Seven. Overall I enjoyed writing this piece and even learnt a few things about 19th century letter writing in the process, and I will develop it further. Whether it is an accurate reflection of the character it concerns (Lee) is a different matter — I will address this in another post! Having read a few pieces on Archive of Our Own and having written this, I am developing an opinion on the value of fanfiction which I will write about soon.
Chris: I thought you were looking for the Johnson brothers.
Lee: I found them.
LEE THIS IS OUR 5TH LETTER TO YOU IN 8 WEEKS STOP NOW WE’RE IN FOLSOM PRISON BECAUSE OF YOU STOP HOW DAREE YOU TELL HIM WHERE WE WERE STOP IF WE EVERE GET OUT OF HERE (AND WE WILL) WE WILL FIND YOU STOP THE JOHNSON BROTHERS STOP
Messrs. Johnson and Johnson,
Folsom Prison,
Gentlemen,
Thank you for your letter, which was brought to me by your prison guard (my good friend) in a bottle. I must say that I am almost flattered that you have taken the time to write to me. Please accept my apologies for my not replying to you earlier, I am currently between addresses, as I’m sure you can understand.
May I kindly advise you that, should you wish to escalate this matter, it is best done so through the proper channels. In case you are not already aware, our mutual acquaintance Mr. C — has sadly passed away, and as I am unable to speak to you directly about the circumstances leading to your arrest, reasons for your imprisonment etc. (Mr. C — never told me anything) you ought to address all correspondence to his lawyer Mr. H — . I shouldn’t have to remind you that it was him who had you up in court, after all.
Yours respectfully,
Lee
To be continued…
Frou-Frou
