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Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063204; Q0000063205; Q0000063206; Q0000063207; Q0000063208; Q0000063209; Q0000063210; Q0000063211; Q0000063212
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
Northampton, MA
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Margaret Sasser
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
N/A; writes about misrepresentations of Alabama
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
NORTHAMPTON, Mass.
May [1] 2pm
19[33]
Gov. Benjamin Meek Miller,
Office of Governor-
Montgomery,
Alabama.
U.S. Veterans' Administrative Hosp.
Northampton, Mass.
May 1-'33-
My dear Mr. Miller-
Should old acquaintan-
ces be forgot? Its been a
long time since we knew
each other at the University.
Through the years I had
occasional news of you from
your brother than whom I
had no better friend.
Even so I would know
you now as Governor of our
State. I regret I have had
no opportunity to congratu-
late you. Though late my
wishes are none the less
sincere.
We have in common a
love for our State and an
ever readiness to serve her.
It is in the interest of my
State that I am writing.
During my sojourn in the
State of Massachusetts I have
been cordially and kindly
treated, but any criticism
of my State I cannot let
pass.
There has been much agi-
tation here regarding the
Scottsboro case which has been
so widely discussed.
I am enclosing a clipping
which is a report of a pub-
lic meeting which I attend
ed.
I was so indignant and
hurt that I could hardly
hold my tongue. But I did, and de-
termined to write to you.
It is a true report, except all isn't
told.
This man Harlow, professor of Theology
at Smith College ran for Congress last
fall on the Socialist ticket. Its possi-
ble that he is using this case as propa-
ganda. Anyway he presided, and
gave a most revolting story of the
Scottsboro case, and the first trial.
He told things that I do not believe.
The he introduced this negro, Davis,
and it is about his talk that I am
chiefly concerned. He said the South
was the land of oppression, and illus
trated. The clipping gives most of that.
But he kept repeating that a negro
in the South couldn't do this or that
or he would be lynched. His favorite
expression was "they lynch them
down there".
Then in a liquid, insinuating voice
he said "down there they burn them
at the stake". He went on to give a
vivid account of the negro tied to it
stake, soaked in gasoline, and slowly
burned, his cries being heard for
miles around.
I feel this should be taken up and
corrected. This negro Davis should
not be allowed to promulgate a false
story that is defaming to
our State.
In all my long life in Alaba
ma I never heard of a negro
being burned at the stake,
and if so atrocious a thing
had happened I undoubtedly
would have heard it.
This negro, no doubt finan
ced by the Socialist party,
is going from city to city
telling this story.
Wouldn't you like to have
your secretary write to Prof.
Harlow and tell him that
you expect him as a Christ
ian minister to stop this
negro from voicing such
an outrageous statement.
Of course I do not under-
stand why this case is not
dropped, there seems no foun-
dation for it, or justice in it.
But you no doubt have
your reasons, and I believe
in our Alabama men.
You have my sympathy in
the critical financial difficult
ies in Alabama, especially
the crisis that threatens the
schools. When we have made
such heroic efforts to bring
up educational standards,
and have been rewarded
with signal success, it
is most distressing to
have to curtail this work.
It is splendid the noble
sacrifice teachers have made,
and continued to teach
without salary.
I hope better times are not far off,
and you will reap the reward for
your earnest efforts.
With all good wishes I am
Sincerely yours,
Rose Garland Rives.
P.S.
May I suggest that you ask Raymond
Daniel of Temple Graves to write to
Prof Ralph Harlow of Smith College if
you do not care to have it come from
your office.
May 11, 1933
Miss Rose Garland Rives,
U.S. Veterans' Administrative Hospital
Northampton Mass.
Dear Miss Rives:
Your letter received and appreciated.
I understand you position and how
such misrepresentations distress you. There is
no way for us to correct mis-statements. Truth
and sober judgment will finally overcome it.
With best wishes I am
Yours sincerely,
B. M. Miller,
Governor
BMM:M
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SB_L_1933.05.01_0942
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004239, Folder 2, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Rose Garland Rivers in Northampton, Massachusetts, to Mr. Miller.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Rivers, Rose Garland
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944
Description
An account of the resource
Rose Garland Rivers, a university acquaintance of Governor Miller, encloses and explains a clipping that reports of African Americans being lynched or burned "down there." She asks Governor Miller to take this up and correct this false impression of the state. Governor Miller responds that he has no way to correct misstatements, but that they will be overcome.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1933-05-01
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--Massachusetts--Northampton
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
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Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Legal authorities
Women
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Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063227; Q0000063228
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
145 Munroe Street, Lynn, MA
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Margaret Sasser
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
Not guilty; move trial to Birmingham
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
Charles Ingram 2 LYNN
145 Munroe Street MAY 23 330 PM 1933
Lynn, Mass MASS.
Governor Miller
Montgomery, Ala.,
TEL. BREAKERS 1792 RES. TEL. JACKSON 499-M
Charles Ingram
Attorney
ROOM 48, WOODBURY BUILDING
145 Munroe Street
Lynn, Mass. May 23, 1933.
Governor Miller,
Montgomery, Ala.,
Dear Sir,
Common decency demands that you put a stop to the
persecution of the Scottsboro Boys. In particular, the fail-
ure to provide adequate medical attendance for Olen Montgom-
ery, whose eyesight is in jeopardy, would be difficult to
justify. From my understanding of the case it would seem that
justice requires a change of venue to Birmingham.
Yours truly,
Charles Ingram
Dublin Core
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Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SB_L_1933.05.23_0967
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004239, Folder 9, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Charles Ingram in Lynn, Massachusetts, to Governor Miller in Montgomery, Alabama.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Ingram, Charles
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944; Montgomery, Olen, b. 1914
Description
An account of the resource
Charles Ingram, an attorney, writes that the persecution of the Scottsboro Boys must be stopped. He argues that the lack of medical attention given to Olen Montgomery for his eye ailment is unjustifiable. Lastly, he urges the Governor to move the trial to Birmingham.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1933-05-23
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--Massachusetts--Lynn
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Legal authorities
-
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Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063066; Q0000063067; Q0000063068
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
Marion, AL
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Margaret Sasser
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
Uncertain; life imprisonment
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
May 25, 1932. Mr. J. A. Hendrix Merion, Ala. Dear Mr. Hendrix: Your letter of May 23 received and appreciated. Am always glad to hear from you. I often think of my good friends in Perry County. Wish I could see more of them. The matters mentioned by you will be given careful study by me. Am always glad to have the benefit of your good counsel. With kindest personal regards, I am Yours sincerely, B. M. MILLER. Marion, Ala May 23, 1932 Gov. B.M. Miller Montgomery, Ala Scottsboro Dear Sir: I am your friend and well wisher. I think you have done remarkably well in your office so far. I have confidence that you will continue to do so. Never before has that office regarded such an amount of eval judgment and courage. Frequently I hear the expression "Old Miller is so bull headed". Well if Bull headed means courage, and I think it does, we want you to be bull headed. I think you are perfectly right in your stand on the school question. The schools ought to be hell down to the amount of taxes collected for shool purposes. But that cant be down as long as a group of "Educators" are allowed to have control of the state financial affairs. Now that <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">that</span> They are going out to put the matter before the people wich the verdict (unintelligible) of prejudicing the people against the administration and state government a campaign of Education against then ought to be started right away in order that they may not require the state and tax payers further. I hear quite a number of people, not <span style="text-decoration: underline;">school</span> people of course, speak very favorably of the suggested closing down of the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">several</span> normal schools over the state claiming they are <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">not</span> a great unnecessary expense, not (unintelligible) at all. Here is a thing I feel would be a wise thing for you to do. Commute the death sentences of the Scottsboro negroes our to life imprisonment. A lot of ^ people are of the opinion that the sentence is rather harse and under the circumstances not justified. Of course there are people now who, if such action were taken, would attribute it to fear of some of the threats. That is why it would take more courage to commute then it would not to interfere. With best wishes, Your friend T.A. Hendrix No reply expected. (notes: shool -- school, wich -- which, harse -- harsh)
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SB_L_1932.05.23_0692
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004237, Folder 4, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from J. A. Hendrix in Marion, Alabama, to Gov. B. M. Miller in Montgomery, Alabama.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Hendrix, J. A.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944
Description
An account of the resource
J. A. Hendrix, a "friend and well wisher" of Governor Miller, congratulates the Governor on his performance in office so far and praises him for having great courage. He writes in detail that he agrees with the Governor on the "school" issue. He also asks the Governor to continue to have courage and to commute the Scottsboro Boys' sentence to life imprisonment, as the execution charges seem harsh and possibly not justified based on the evidence. Governor Miller's response to J. A. Hendrix thanks him for his "good counsel."
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1932-05-23
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--Alabama--Marion
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Legal authorities
Southern States
-
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Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063070; Q0000063071
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
Enid, OK
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Margaret Sasser
Affiliation
Organizational Affiliation for Individuals
Former state senator for the state of Oklahoma
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
Uncertain; encourages review of convictions
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices, Organization
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
<u>Scottsboro</u> HARRY O. GLASSER
ATTORNEY AT LAW
ENID, OKLAHOMA
May 25, 1932
His Excellency, the
Governor of Alabama,
Montgomery, Alabama.
Sir:
Am enclosing herewith an editorial
clipped from the Manchester Guardian of Manchester,
England.
I sincerely trust that you will allow
the opportunity of a review of these convictions by
the United States Supreme Court.
Very respectfully,
Harry O. Glasser
HG:LV Harry O. Glasser
Former State Senator of
the State of Oklahoma
Still Time for Justice
The world has just been profoundly
shocked by a particularly senseless and
cruel example of political assassination ;
unless the Governor of Alabama intervenes
with a reprieve which will allow
a much-discussed case to be carried to
the Supreme Court of the United States
there is the gravest risk that all those
who care for lar, order, and the
decencies of civilised life will suffer
another horrid shock. Friday, June 24,
has been fixed for the execution
of seven negro youths, not one of
them older than twenty years, who were
tried at Scottsboro, Alabama, a year
ago on a charge of having raped two
white girls of bad reputation. In the
beginning nine negro boys were
arraigned on the same charge of rape,
after being arrested in the first place
on a charge of vagrancy arising out of
a fight with some white youths. The
charge of rape was added later when
two of the negros' travelling companions
were found to be white girls of
the looser sort. In the case of one
boy - aged fourteen - the jury could
not agree ; the remaining eight were
sentenced to death. One of them - a
child of thirteen when he was charged -
has been put back for another trial ;
the remaining seven, whose sentence
has been confirmed by the Supreme
Court of Alabama, are to die on
June 24. It is a tangled and evil tale
of negros, "poor whites," and racial
jealousy, complicated by this time with
Communist propaganda and disputes
over the conduct of such defense as
there has been. But the main point is
this ; that in no other civilised country
could such a trial have been held and
such sentences pronounced. Even a
month ago the "Times" New York
correspondent was writing :
Outside the South the case is very generally
regarded as an example of "legal lynching" ;
and even in the South there are many
who admit that the evidence against the
boys is as flimsy as it well could be, and
political grounds.
The truth is that if these seven boys
are done to death next month a
blacker chapter will have been written
in the history of the Southern States
than any which records the numerous
mob lynchings in those regions, for this
lamentable affair has every appearance
of mass lynching by legal process.
There is still time for the world of
restraint - not from the voice of mercy,
but from the voice of reason, justice,
and self-respect.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SB_L_1932.05.25_0702
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004237, Folder 5, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Harry O. Glasser in Enid, Oklahoma, to His Excellency in Montgomery, Alabama.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Glasser, Harry O.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944; Manchester Guardian
Description
An account of the resource
Harry O. Glasser, an attorney and former senator, hopes that Governor Miller will allow the Supreme Court of the United States to review the Scottsboro Boys' convictions and encloses a clipping from the Manchester [England] Guardian.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1932-05-25
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--Oklahoma--Enid
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Legal authorities
-
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Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063268; Q0000063269; Q0000063270
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
490 Riverside Dr., New York, NY
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Franky Abbott
Affiliation
Organizational Affiliation for Individuals
The Riverside Church (New York, N.Y.)
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
Not guilty; takes no stance in regards to retrial or release
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices, Organization
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
The Riverside Church
Riverside Drive at 122nd Street
New York, N.Y.
Ministers November 17, 1933.
HARRY EMERSON FOSDICK
EUGENE C. CARDER
C. IVAR HELLSTORM
The Honorable B. M. Miller,
Montgomery,
Alabama.
Dear Sir:
I hesitate to invade your time but we here in the North are
deeply disturbed over the reports in the newspapers about
the conditions that are likely to surround the trial of the
negro boys, now made famous in the Scottsboro case.
This concern of ours is not in any way critical of you or
the officers of the law involved in the matter. Upon the
contrary we profoundly sympathize with the difficulties which
this case involves everybody in. In particular, let me say
that I think one of the major tragedies in the whole matter
has been the fact that the defense of these boys has fallen
onto the hands of a Communist group, who are exploiting the
trial in the interest of their cause, and are deliberately
and I think disgracefully sacrificing to this propaganda
the welfare of the boys themselves. This, and many other
things, I could say in expression of my understanding of the
complexities of the situation. Nevertheless, we are des-
perstely hoping that the result will not be that the boys
themselves will become the scapegoats, and have visited
upon them a trial carried on in atmosphere that will make
the execution of justice almost impossible.
I take the liberty of writing this because personally I was
largely instrumental in sending Ruby Bates back to the first
trial where she was fearful of going on account of threats of
violence. I think I understand pretty well the shabby moral
background of Ruby Bates, and have none too much confidence in
her stability of mind, since, in the first trial, she needlessly
lied about me when she said that I had given her the dress she
wore. Nevertheless, my conversation with her as a Christian
minister convinced me that she did want on the major matter
to tell the truth concerning the innocence of the boys, that
she was profoundly distubred over carrying the responsibility of their condemnation through her false testimony in the
previous trial, and she left me convinced that the overwhelming
probabilities are that the boys themselves are not guilty.
All that I am pleading for, however, is that either the present
newspaper stories indicating that lynch law is about to assume
control over even the witnesses be denied, and any suspicion
of intimidation of witnesses be removed, or else that the
Governor B. M. Miller Nov. 17, 1933.
DR. H. E. Fosdick.
stability of the trial be assured by calling out the National
Guard.
I am taking the liberty of writing you thus with friendly
frankness because I am simply one of multitudes of sympathetic
people here who are not fanatical, who do not fail to under-
stand the situation in Alabama, who are, I think, level-headed
and conservative-minded about it, but who are deeply disturbed
by the present posture of events, and are hoping that every
possible means will be taken to avoid a miscarriage of
justice.
Respectfully yours,
Harry Emerson Fosdick
NOV. 20, 1933
Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick,
Riverside Drive at 122nd Street
New York, N.Y.
Dear Dr. Fosdick:
Your favor of November 17th with
reference to the Scottsboro case received.
I appreciate your interest and the
spirit of your letter.
I have of course kept in close touch
with the situation. The civil authorities in
whom I have every confidence, after careful in-
vestigation informed me that a military guard
was not necessary. I have, however, authorized
fifteen additional deputies, at the expense of
the State, to attend the trial and parties.
Knowing the actual conditions as I do, I believe
this ample protection.
With best wishes, I am
Yours very truly,
B. M. MILLER,
Governor.
BMM:M
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SB_L_1933.11.17_1065
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004240, Folder 8, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Harry Emerson Fosdick of the Riverside Church in New York, New York, to the Honorable B. M. Miller in Montgomery, Alabama.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Fosdick, Harry Emerson
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944; The Riverside Church (New York, N.Y.); Fosdick, Harry Emerson, 1878-1969; Christianity; Communism
Description
An account of the resource
Harry Emerson Fosdick, pastor of the historic, inter-denominational Riverside Church, writes to Governor Miller to express concern about Scottsboro and sympathies for the interference of self-interested communist groups who have complicated matters. He discusses his work with Ruby Bates prior to the 1931 trial in which he attempted to persuade her to tell the truth. Because of this work and Bates' subsequent 1933 testimony, he believes the Scottsboro Boys are not guilty and asks the Governor to disallow lynch law from assuming control in Alabama by calling out the National Guard. Governor Miller's response to Reverend Fosdick states that, after investigation, he believes that a military guard is not necessary.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1933-11-17
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--New York--New York
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
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Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Celebrities
Legal authorities
Religious adherents
-
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Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063021; Q0000063022
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
Fackler, AL
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Margaret Sasser
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
Guilty; state execution
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
<u>Scottsboro</u>
Fackler, Ala. R.I.
May 5, 1931.
Governor B. M. Miller,
Montgomery, Ala.
Dear Governor Miller: -
In regard to the negroes that were
tried in special term of Jackson Co. Circuit Court
for rape.
I served on the jury before whom the five
were tried.
When the first verdict was returned I
was in Davis' store, some <u>little</u> distance (<u>not a great
distance</u>) from the court house. I hears some <u>little</u>
commotion on the street in front of the store. On
going out I asked "why the fuss"? The answer, "The
verdict has been returned. The electric chair".
What I am wanting to make <u>plain</u> to you,
Governor, is that hearing this had no influence what-
ever on mu decision. We, the jury acted <u>solely</u>
according to the evidence produced. And had
the girls been black as ebony and the boys as
white as an Easter lily I would have acted just
as I did, and I am <u>positive</u> the other eleven would
have voted the same.
I have been requested to sign an affidavit
Over.
stating that I heard the cheering.
Again I say, I did hear some "fuss" in the street.
But this had nothing whatever to do with my decision
We acted <u>only according to the laws of our state.</u>
And the evidence that was produced.
We have good law if they <u>are inforced,</u> But
what account are they if <u>not</u> inforced?
And I believe, and will continue to until evidence
proves different, that we have a Governor
who will use his utmost power to see the laws
inforced to the point, and see that everyone
gets justice.
Governor is this not justice?
If we do not protect our women from such
brutality as this, what is to become of them; of us
for permitting it?
If only you could have heard the evidence
as it came from the lips of the state's witnesses!
(<u>inforcement</u>)
Yours for better law ^ and order.
T. Gaines Elkins
(note: inforced - enforced)
Dublin Core
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Identifier
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SB_L_1931.05.05_0356
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004234, Folder 24, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from T. Gaines Elkins in Fackler, Alabama, to Governor B. M. Miller in Montgomery, Alabama.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Elkins, T. Gaines
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944
Description
An account of the resource
T. Gaines Elkins, who had served on the jury, insists with the Governor that his decision was influenced in no way by outside forces, but was made based only on state laws and the evidence provided in the courtroom. He believes that the Scottsboro Boys have received justice.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1931-05-05
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--Alabama--Fackler
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
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Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Legal authorities
Southern States
-
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Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063256
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
42 Broadway, New York, NY
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Margaret Sasser
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
Not guilty; should have bail
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
DARLING & DALEY TELEPHONE DIGBY 4-9Z44
ATTORNEYS AT LAW 42 BROADWAY
NEW YORK, JULY 6, 1933
H. MAURICE DARLING
WILLIAM B. DALEY
Governor B. M. Miller,
Montgomery,
Alabama.
Dear Sir:-
I understand that under the law of Alabama de-
fendants awaiting trial are permitted bail except in capital
cases where the evidence of guilt is so strong as to justify
the presumption that a conviction would result. I under-
stand that in the decision of Judge Horton, he said:
"The testimony...bears on its face indications
of improbability and is contradicted by other
evidence and in addition thereto greatly pre-
ponderates in favor of defendant."
Under these circumstances, it would appear that
Patterson and the other Scottsboro defendants are entitled
to bail. Would you care to bring this matter to the at-
tention of the appropriate authorities of Alabama?
Yours respectfully,
H M Darling
HMD: MP
Dublin Core
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Identifier
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SB_L_1933.07.06_1013
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004239, Folder 16, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from H. M. Darling in New York, to Governor B. M. Miller in Montgomery, Alabama.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Darling, H. M.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944; Horton, James Edwin, 1878-1973; Patterson, Haywood, b. 1912
Description
An account of the resource
H. M. Darling, an attorney, writes that because under Alabama law bail is allowed to prisoners unless the evidence is strong enough to assuredly convict them, and because Judge Horton doubts the evidence, the Scottsboro Boys are entitled to bail.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1933-07-06
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--New York--New York
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
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Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Legal authorities
-
https://scottsboroboysletters.as.ua.edu/files/original/3b5cce56aa4f6e6e432c6bd3974bc2a6.jpg
6cf589bf23cedb272c599b5ad40fe396
Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063012
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
1236 Washington Street, Lincoln, NE
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Margaret Sasser
Affiliation
Organizational Affiliation for Individuals
State of Nebraska Senate Chamber
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
Not guilty; takes no stance in regards to retrial or release
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices, Organization
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
"Put God First In All Things"
[Man with hammer
with countryside
and hills behind] Scottsboro
To The Honorable State of Nebraska
B.M.Miller Governor SENATE CHAMBER
of Ala. FORTY-SIXTH SESSION
Lincoln 4/24/31.
To the Governor of the great state of Alabama, I am
taking this advantage to write you in the interest of these 9 [Nego]
Negro boys and men that are under the death sentence in your state. I have
I have studied the situation from News Papers information. I am to con-
fess that I do not believe your christian heart will permit such a thg
thing a thing to take place during your administration.
I am southern borned, and know something about the south
ern Negro. In the first place you will have to agree with me that the girls
-ernxNegroxxxInxthexfirstxplacx placed themselves in the wrong relationship,
secondly I doubt very much as to the truth of these Negroes forcing or even
xx trying to force these girls, but the girls would natually be in sympathy
with the white boys that were put out of the cars, and I see no good reason
why they would remain in the car with these Negro boys.
You know what and easy matter it is to convict a Negro
in your state for a crime he never committed, while the couts dec-
clare all men innocent until proven guilty, we have turned the thing around
when dealing with the Negro. I pause here to say I am a minister of the
gospel of Jesus Christ and am a firm believer in the teachings of the bible
Which say "Be not deceived, God is not mocked whatsoever a man soweth, that
shall he also reap". While this sentence come thru a court decision, you
hold it within your power as Governor to commute to life sentence.
If these Negro boys are Electrocuted under your admin-
istration, it will be a case without precedence in the U.S. and will leave
a black mark on the history of the State of Ala. that will always detract
from the high moral status of the Governor that permitted this act to be
Legislature, and I believe in justice and fair play to all men.
I remain your in His name. Rexv O.J.Burckardt
1236 Washington St.
Lincoln Nebr.
Ps. Some how I have been prompted to write you this letter
hoping that you may note the contents prayerfully, supposing such a
charge under like conditions was made against your own son, what xxxx
would be your decision in the case.
Rev. O.J. Burckhardt
Dublin Core
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Identifier
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SB_L_1931.04.24_0182
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004234, Folder 8, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Rev. O. J. Burckhardt, Lincoln, Nebraska, to the Honorable B. M. Miller Governor of Alabama.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Burckhardt, O. J., Rev.
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944; Christianity
Description
An account of the resource
Rev. Burckhardt writes that he believes in "justice and fair play for all men" and hopes that Governor Miller will treat the Scottsboro Boys as innocent until proven guilty, or else there will be "a black mark" on his administration and the state of Alabama. The letter is on State of Nebraska Senate Chamber letterhead.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1931-04-24
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--Nebraska--Lincoln
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
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Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Legal authorities
Religious adherents
-
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Text
Metadata types for Scottsboro Boys Letters
Q
The "Q" reference number from the Alabama Department of Archives and History (ADAH).
Q0000063118; Q0000063119; Q0000063120; Q0000063121; Q0000063122
Address
Street address of the sender. More detailed than Coverage field.
305 Broadway, New York, NY
Mediator
The individual responsible to choosing a particular piece of text.
Margaret Sasser
Stance
The sentiment of the letter - innocent or guilty.
N/A; warns that prosecutors are not impartial
Group
The type of group: organization, individual voices, or international locations
Individual Voices
Transcription
Transcribed or translated sound or text.
BREITBART & BRIETBART, CITY HALL 305 Broadway, APR 10
NEW YORK, N. Y. 1933
Governor of Alabama,
Montgomery, Alabama.
BREITBART & BREITBART TELEPHONES WORTH 2-1043-1044-6893
COUNSELORS AT LAW
BERNARD BREITBART
CHARLES BREITBART
305 BROADWAY
NEW YORK
April 10, 1933.
Governor of Alabama,
Montgomery, Alabama.
Honored Sir :-
I take the privilege of addressing this letter to you,
knowing that you are fair-minded, unprejudiced and the right kind
of a thinking Christian.
I have reference to the recent trial of Hayword Patterson,
the negro, in Decatur, Alabama, and in particular the report as
printed in The New York Times of April 8, 1933, at page 30 thereof,
concerning the remarks of Wade Wright, one of the prosecutors.
Mr. Wright is reported to have said :
" 'Show them', he said--pointing at the counsel
table at which were seated Samuel S. Leibowitz of
New York, chief defense counsel, and Joseph Brodsky,
counsel for the International Labor Defense, a
Communist affiliate--' show them that Alabama justice
cannot be bought and sold with Jew money from New York,' "
I think that these remarks are an insult to Jewry at large,
as well as to enlightened Christians.
I assure you, that I do not know any of the attorneys who
defended the accused, nor do I know any of the parties involved
and have no personal interest; but I do feel that the fair name of
your State has been defamed by the remarks of that public official
Wright-who is by no means "right".
I do not know whether you are by profession a lawyer, but
whether you are a lawyer or not, it is the law and common under-
standing of all right thinking individuals, that a defendant
accused of a crime should be given a fair and impartial trial; and
that a prosecuting attorney should refrain from any appeal to race,
color, religion, passion or prejudice. Wright violated all these
principles. I believe, that officials of his kind, should not be
permitted to hold office and I take the liberty of asking you to
see to it that Mr. Wright is removed from public office. Our late
President Grover Cleveland said that "Public Office is a Public
Trust". Certainly Mr. Wright has not properly performed the duties
of his trust. He has, by his actions forfeited his right to service
as a public servant.
I enclose copy of a letter which I addressed to Mr. Wright
and is self-explanatory.
Page 2
Governor of Alabama,
In concluding, may I reiterate , that it is not my purpose
to direct the conduct of trials in your State. However, I believe
it to be the duty of every fair-minded American citizen to protest,
in particular where a public servant does not conduct himself in
an honorable, fair and just way.
Very respectfully yours,
Bernard Breitbart
BB:HK
BREITBART & BREITBART TELEPHONES WORTH 2-1043-1044-6893
COUNSELORS AT LAW
BERNARD BREITBART
CHARLES BREITBART
305 BROADWAY
NEW YORK
COPY April 10, 1933.
Mr. Wade Wright
Circuit Solicitor of Morgan County,
Decatur,
Alabama.
Dear Sir :-
Since the commencement of the trial of Hayword
Patterson, I have read the account thereof, as reported in
The New York Times. In the issue of that paper of April 8,
1933, it is reported that in your summation to the Jury, you
said as follows :
" 'Show them, 'he said--pointing at the counsel
table at which were seated Samuel S. Leibowitz of
New York, chief defense counsel, and Joseph Brodsky,
counsel for the International Labor Defense, a
Communist affiliate--' show them that Alabama Justice
cannot be bought and sold with Jew money from
New York.' "
It has always been my understanding of the law that a
prosecuting attorney should be fair and just to a defendant,
particularly when such defendant is charged with a crime which
is punishable by death - that he should refrain from an appeal
to passion or race prejudice. You have violated these cardinal
principles. Likewise, you have insulted the good name of the
Jewish citizens of your State, as well as Jewry at large, by
casting aspertions against them.
I frankly tell you, that you are a disgrace to the noble
profession of the law, as well as to your State and Country. It
is people of your kind that engender hatred of one human being for
an another.
I assume that you are a Christian and while personally I
am of Jewish faith and belief, I am positive that the Christian
religion does not teach you to preach hatred or bigotry. If you
claim to be a good Christian, and I have my doubts about it, you
should bear in mind also, that Jesus was a Jew and by your remarks,
you have insulted Him, as well as millions of his followers.
I assure you, that I do not know the attorneys who defended
the accused, nor do I know any of those connected with the case as
principals or otherwise.
What a contrast between you and Judge Horton, who presided
Page 2.
Mr. Wade Wright,
in the case. The learned Judge conducted himself judicially and in
an unbiased manner. No wonder it is reported that Attorney General
Knight "fidgeted in his chair" when you made the remarks above quoted
and practically apologized for your conduct when he summed up! He
too, must have felt that you were guilty, because he distinctly told
the Jury that he does not appeal to their prejudice or passion, but
argued the case as a decent respectable lawyer should.
I can only remind you, that the Jew who has lived in your
State during the time of the Civil War was a loyal citizen and stood
shoulder to shoulder with the other citizens of Alabama in its fight;
that the Jew was loyal and steadfast in the cause of our country in
our late war, by giving his money freely, as well as his life; and
that good people everywhere consider the Jew an asset to the community
in which he lives.
I can bestow upon you the title and crown you as another
madman--Hitler.
I think that you owe it to yourself and to the good name of
the State of Alabama to resign from public office and extend an apology
to Jews, as well as the Christians for uttering the remarks quote.
Yours truly,
BERNARD BREITBART
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
SB_L_1933.04.10_0803
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Alabama Governor, Scottsboro Case appeals to the Governor, SG004238, Folder 2, Alabama Dept. of Archives and History
Title
A name given to the resource
Letter from Bernard Breitbart in New York, to Governor of Alabama in Montgomery, Alabama.
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Breitbart, Bernard
Subject
The topic of the resource
Scottsboro Trial, Scottsboro, Ala., 1931; African Americans--Civil rights--Alabama; African Americans--Imprisonment--Alabama; Miller, Benjamin Meek, 1864-1944; Patterson, Haywood, b. 1912; Wright, Wade; Leibowitz, Samuel L.; Publication of the New York Times Company
Description
An account of the resource
Attorney Bernard Breitbart quotes—from a write-up in The New York Times—a comment made by prosecutor Wade Wright that he argues is an insult to Jewish people. Breitbart writes that attorneys know trials must be impartial and that a prosecuting attorney should "refrain from any appeal to race, color, religion, passion, or prejudice." Breitbart asks that Governor Miller remove Mr. Wright from public office as he has broken public trust. He encloses a copy of a letter he sent to Mr. Wright.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1933-04-10
Coverage
The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant
United States--New York--New York
Language
A language of the resource
English
Type
The nature or genre of the resource
Text
Format
The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource
Letter
Rights
Information about rights held in and over the resource
This material is a government record from the records of the Governor's Office of the State of Alabama and are subject to the provisions of 36-12-40 Code of Alabama, Rights of citizens to inspect and copy public writings.
Legal authorities