ALS, one page, 7.25 x 10.5, personal letterhead, October 10, 1932. Handwritten letter to "Mrs. Preble," in full: "Thank you very much for your beautiful letter and your thoughtfulness in sending it. The Farmington of my book is the place where I was born and lived for twenty five years of my life. Its name is Kinsman and is located in North-Eastern Ohio. Scribner's has just brought out a new edition. A few months ago they published my autobiography. Referring to the debate: It is very common for people to believe that the representative of their side won. It is possible that he did, but I don't know how one could tell. I have been a freethinker nearly all my life but that in no way effects my feeling toward those of all or no religious beliefs. I hope you will not think less of me or my book after knowing this." He adds a handwritten postscript, signed "C.D.," in full: "My health did not seem to be affected by the Honolulu case." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope, addressed in Darrow's hand.
The "Honolulu case" that Darrow refers to in his postscript was the last he ever argued. In 1932, five Hawaiian boys were accused of kidnapping and assaulting the wife of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Thomas Massie. The jury deadlocked and the defendants were released. Lt. Massie, his mother-in-law, and two others were then accused of kidnapping and murdering one of the defendants, prizefighter Joseph Kahahawai. Darrow, a champion of unpopular causes, sailed to Honolulu to defend them, and the jury returned a verdict of manslaughter rather than murder.
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