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Lot #67
Franklin D. Roosevelt

Roosevelt investigates the deadly 1929 Auburn Prison riot

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Estimate: $400+
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Description

Roosevelt investigates the deadly 1929 Auburn Prison riot

TLS, one page, 8 x 10.5, State of New York, Executive Chamber letterhead, December 14, 1929. Letter to Colonel George F. Chandler, in part: "This is to confirm my telephone conversation with you, asking you to proceed at once to Auburn Prison to act as my personal representative in conducting an investigation into the riot at Auburn on December 11, 1929. As my personal representative I ask that you go fully into the question of responsibility for the riot and into any conditions in Auburn Prison prior thereto, which may in any way have been responsible. May I request you also to investigate the actions of those prisoners actually engaged in the riot, as well as those who took no active part; the actions of the guards and of all officials of the Prison during and after the riot, and the conduct of the National Guard, State Troopers, City Police, and any others who cooperated in restoring order." In fine condition. On December 11, 1929, twenty inmates killed Principal Keeper George A. Dunford and took Warden Edgar Jennings and seven guards hostage, demanding safe passage from the prison. Upon the arrival of Troopers and an Army National Guard detail, the inmates barricaded themselves in a main hall. Eight inmates were killed during a night raid that freed Warden Jennings and four guards, and the remaining rioters were subdued later that morning. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts
  • Dates: #495 - Ended March 15, 2017





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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