Ask the Scholar

Regarding the denial of the motion for a new trial by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and Judge Webster Thayer's determination to see them dead. (Page 3 missing.) Signed: "Paris il Nemico". Together with Vanzetti's autographed letter, in Italian, to comrades, friends, and workers, dated 30 June 1926. At head of both letters: "Guardando la realtà negli occhi per acrutarne le incognite e fare della storia". Translation: “Looking reality in the eye, so as to scrutinize the unknown and make history. “They told you that our case was in the hands of the great and honest Supreme Court of Massachusetts, that in the interest of our case, liberty and justice was not done in the courts, you be quiet and not protest – although you knew that justice was not done in the courts, you kept silent, your silence was interpreted as disinterest – we were denied a retrial – our enemies thinking us alone carried out their blood-thirsty desires . .. the people are destined to rise, but for now are chained to poverty, persecution, pain... The day after the death sentence, May 13, 1926, we wrote a letter which you called ‘The Testimony of the Deathbound,’ followed... if this had happened earlier justice would have been done.... 3 things the oppressor hold sacred; his money; his privilege, his skin [interrupted by missing page 3]. Experience tells us that the liberty of a prisoner condemned to death depends on the decision of the judge and the State/Federal executive powers. We will give you the highlights of the case, and then tell you what we think is needed to obtain final victory or honorable defeat. Do not delude yourselves. Although certain facts may give you hope for us, do not be deluded. Thayer means our death. Ask rather upon whom our life depend: Judge Webster Thayer. He wants us dead, will not protect our rights ..."