Italian-born fish peddler, he and Nicola Sacco were charged with armed robbery and murder in Massachusetts. On April 15, 1920, the paymaster and a guard at a South Braintree shoe factory were murdered for 15,776. Sacco and Vanzetti, both anarchists, were arrested. Although the prosecution could not trace the money to the defendants, they were convicted in July 1921. Despite legal appeals and protests by many Americans, including Felix Frankfurter, the pair were sentenced to death and electrocuted on August 22, 1927. Exceedingly rare ALS, one page, 6 x 9, May 19, 1924. Letter, written from prison, to his lawyer, Fred H. Moore of Boston. In full, 'From this morning I will begin a fast which will only end after the final pronunciating of [Presiding Judge] Webster Thayer, or with my death.' In fine condition, with light overall toning, several partial punch holes to top edge, two horizontal mailing folds and bold legible text and signature. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
