February 2015 Auction Ends Thursday, February 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/26/2015
Pair of letters written by Ruby Darrow, wife of famed attorney Clarence Darrow, written during the infamous Massie Trial in 1932. Darrow came out of retirement to defend Thomas Massie for the ''honor killing'' of Joseph Kahahawai, a black man who allegedly raped Massie's wife. First letter is addressed to law professor Dr. Forrest R. Black: ''Dear Mr. Black: While waiting for the jury's 'not guilty' (nicht wahr?) find time for few matters aside from errand that brought and absorbs us -- yet. C.D. [Clarence Darrow] has written no letters and probably will not -- here -- but was glad to get yours and to learn that you like the book, of course, and that your article will appear which we await with interest...He has closed the case here magnificently and seems not a shade the worse for the experience: and we both are 'sold' to your Kentucky-ian, 'Tommy' Massie. No finer fellow ever sat in a witness chair for himself. I am presuming to suggest that Vanity Fair might like to accept the enclosed, clever enough to deserve it...will keep it as our secret: am not even telling C.D. -- and wife -- and everyone concerned. When verdict comes shall personally wire his mother -- Mrs. William Massie in Winchester, Kentucky. If you ever can, do please go see her and say that she has a son to be proud of...Mrs. C. Ruby Darrow / April 28th''. 4pp. letter on Alexander Young Hotel stationery measures 5.5'' x 8.5''. Second letter is written on Darrow's personal letterhead, dated 10 June 1932, soon after the trial, which delivered a verdict of manslaughter for Massie. Reads in part: ''Dear Friends: Do, please, exvuse [sic] this form of 'penmanship' -- in the congestion of the return after another absence, topped off with an illness of our own, -- pro tem -- making it easier to entertain and extend a fellow-feeling we find. As Mrs. Black's communication came in the door I was handing (with other mail) a newspaper-front-page-feature all about C-D's homecoming via Kansas City....Mr. Darrow picked up an infection somehow -- or generated it, or something -- and has been considerably out of commission this week...Mr. Darrow is as pleased as Mr. Black over the photograph incident, and will write soon as he is able to...'' Signed ''Ruby Darrow'', 1pp. letter measures 5.75'' x 8.5''. Both letters are very good.
Letters by Clarence Darrow's Wife Regarding the Massie Trial -- ''...we both are 'sold' to your Kentucky-ian, 'Tommy' Massie. No finer fellow ever sat in a witness chair for himself...''
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