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COLLECTION Identifier: HOLLIS 601707

Sacco-Vanzetti case records

Overview

Bulk of the material pertains to the defense of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, anarchists who were tried and executed for murder, and includes "office testimony" not included in the published transcript.

Dates

  • Creation: 1920-1928.

Conditions Governing Access

Access to these papers is governed by the rules and regulations of the Harvard Law School Library. This collection is open to the public, but is housed off-site at Harvard Depository and requires 2-day advance notice for retrieval. Consult the Special Collections staff for further information.

Conditions Governing Use

The Harvard Law School Library holds copyright on some, but not all, of the material in our collections. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be directed to the Special Collections staff. Researchers who obtain permission to publish from the Harvard Law School Library are also responsible for identifying and contacting the persons or organizations who hold copyright.

Extent

28 linear feet (46 document boxes, 3 oversized boxes)

Scope and Contents

The approximately 2,000 items in this particular group of papers relating to the case of Commonwealth v. Sacco and Vanzetti span the years 1920-1928. The papers include correspondence, memoranda, reports, legal documents, research notes, newspaper clippings, printed material, photographs, blueprints, and memorabilia.

The material falls into two groups. The first and more extensive group consists of the Defense's Papers, the second group of the Prosecution's Papers. The groups include transcripts and stenographic records of examination of witnesses, hearings, arguments, trial records, motions for new trials, briefs, exceptions, and other court records. Correspondents include Herbert B. Ehrmann, Felix Frankfurter, Dudley P. Ranney, Judge Webster Thayer, William G. Thompson.

There are additional items which were received after the completion of the processing of these papers in 1969. These items consist of holograph letters, copies of letters and clippings, reprints, oversize items, and one microfilm of Sacco and Vanzetti material from the Hapgood Papers at the Lilly Library at Indiana University, Bloomington.

Additional Description

Historical/Biographical Information

1920
  • 15 April Parmenter and Berardelli murdered at South Braintree
  • 5 May Sacco and Vanzetti arrested
  • 6 May District Attorney Katzmann interviews Sacco and Vanzetti
  • 11 June to 16 August Indictment, trial, conviction, and sentencing of Vanzetti for 24 December, 1919, attempted holdup in Bridgewater.
  • 11 September Sacco and Vanzetti indicted for South Braintree murder.
1921
  • 31 May to 14 July Trial of Sacco and Vanzetti at Dedham.
  • 14 July Sacco and Vanzetti found guilty of 1st degree murder.
  • 5 November Motion for new trial on the weight of the evidence.
  • 8 November 1st Supplementary motion (Ripley) filed
  • 24 December Motion for new trial on weight of evidence denied.
1922
  • 4 May 2nd Supplementary motion (Gould) filed.
1923
  • 1 October Supplement to 1st motion (Daly) filed.
  • 5 November 5th Supplementary motion (Proctor) filed.
1924
  • 1 October Judge Thayer denies all motions.
1925
  • 18 November Medeiros sends confession to Sacco in Dedham jail.
1926
  • 12 May Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts affirms conviction of Sacco and Vanzetti and denial of 1st, 2nd, and 5th Supplementary motions.
  • 26 May 7th Supplementary motion (Medeiros) filed.
  • 23 October Judge Thayer denies Medeiros motion.
1927
  • 5 April Supreme Judicial Court affirms denial of Medeiros motion.
  • 9 April Judge Thayer sentences Sacco and Vanzetti to death.
  • 3 May Sacco and Vanzetti petition Governor Fuller for clemency.
  • 1 June Governor Fuller appoints Advisory Committee.
  • 3 August Governor Fuller denies clemency.
  • 6 August Motion for new trial based on judge's prejudice filed.
  • 8 August Judge Thayer denies motion.
  • 10 August Justice Holmes of U.S. Supreme Court denies petition for writ of habeas corpus.
  • 20 August Justice Holmes denies petition for writ of certiorari.
  • 22 August Justice Stone of U.S. Supreme Court denies petition for writ of certiorari.
  • 23 August Sacco and Vanzetti executed.
COPY OF DOCKET ENTRIES IN SACCO-VANZETTI CASE. GRAND JURY CASE. Docket No. 5545. Record Vol. - Page -Indictment reiurned September 11, 1920.Commonwealth vs. Nicola Sacco - Bartolomeo Vanzetti. Attorneys for defendant: Fred H. Moore, Wm. J. Callahan, J. J. and T. F. McAnarney. Offence - Murder Committed at Braintree - April 15, 1920.
  • 1920 September 8 Motion to impound exhibit (Buick car.)
  • 1920 September 11Indictment returned.
  • 1920 September 28 Habeas issued to State Prison for defendant Vanzetti. Defendants arraigned. Each pleads not guilty.Vanzetti remanded to State Prison without bail.Sacco remanded to custody of Sheriff without bail.
  • 1920 November 18 Appearance of Fred H. Moore and Wm. J. Callahan for defendants.
  • 1921 February 5 Order for special sitting beginning Monday March 7, 1921 for trial together of the two cases, Nos. 5545 and 5546, and that venires issue for 500 jurors.
  • 1921 February 14 Venires issued for 500 jurors to attend Monday March 7.
  • 1921 February 18 Return by sheriff of notice of special sitting.
  • 1921 February 23 Defendants motion for continuance filed.
  • 1921 February 26 Assignment for trial on March 7, vacated: motion to continue impounded.
  • 1921 February 28 Motion of defendants for continuance to May 31 and waiver of right to be admitted to bail prior to or during a full trial.Notice to excuse those summoned as jurors.
  • 1921 April 20 Order for special sitting beginning Tuesday, May 31, 1921, and order for issue of venires for 500 jurors.
  • 1921 April 25 Order fixing dates for attendance of jurors.
  • 1921 May 12 Venires issued, 175 to attend May 31, 175, June 1, and 150 June 2.
  • 1921 May 27 Habeas for defendant Vanzetti.
  • 1921 May 31 Sitting opened; Defendants placed on trial.Appearance of J. J. and T. F. McAnarney for Vanzetti.Motion of Sacco for separate trial.Demand of each defendant for bill of particulars.Demurrer of each defendant.
  • 1921 June 2 Order that Sheriff summon 200 talesmen to attend June 3.
  • 1921 June 3 Oral motion of defendants to challenge array of talesmen denied.
  • 1921 June 4 Jury sworn.
  • 1921 June 6 Defendants' motion for separate trial denied; each defendant. excepts.On motion of defendants that weapons and bullets be admitted for expert examination, the court orders that they be given into the custody of the sheriff for such examination but under no circumstances to go out of his custody.Waiver of each defendant of any right to accompany jury on view. Both sides request that view be taken. Walter H. Ripley appointed foreman of jury.
  • 1921 June 14 Deposition of Guiseppe Adrower opened and delivered to counsel for defendant.
  • 1921 June 16 Motion for view of car allowed.Waiver by defendants of right to accompany jury on view of car. Car impounded and placed in custody of sheriff.
  • 1921 June 29 Deposition of Adrower presented for filing.
  • 1921 July 1 Deposition of Adrower filed by leave of Court.
  • 1921 July 6 Waiver of defendats of right to view "Boda" Overland car.
  • 1921 July 8 Motion of Vanzetti for severance of trial.
  • 1921 July 14 Motion of defendant Sacco for verdict of not guilty, filed and denied.Motion of defendant Vanzetti for verdict of not guilty filed and denied.Verdict: Each defendant guilty of murder in the first degree.Time for filing defendants' exceptions extended to and including November 1, 1921, with consent of District Attorney.
  • 1921 July 18 Motion of Nicola Sacco for a new trial.Motion of Bartolomeo Vanzetti for a new trial.
  • 1921 Oct 31 Defendants' motion to extend time for filing exceptions.Order on motion extending time for filing exceptions to and including December 1, 1921.
  • 1921 November 8 Supplementary motion for new trial.
  • 1921 November 30 Motion to extend time for filing exceptionsOrder on motion ext. time for filing exceptions to and including December 20, 1921.
  • 1921 December 17 Order on motion to extend time for filing exceptions to January 15, 1922.
  • 1921 December 24 Affidavit of Sacco and VanzettiAffidavit of J. J. and T. F. McAnarneyAffidavit of Fred H. Moore and Wm. J. CallahanDecision on motions for new trial.
  • 1921 December 27 Time for filing exceptions to and appeal from order denying motions for new trial extended to and including January 14, 1922.
  • 1922 January 13 Motion of Sacco to extend time for filing exceptions to January 24, allowed
  • 1922 January 13 Motion of Vanzetti to extend time for filing exceptions to January 24, allowed.Motion of Sacco to extend time for filing exceptions and appeal to January 24, allowedMotion of Vanzetti to extend time for filing exceptions and appeal to January 24, allowed.
  • 1922 January 23 Order allowing defendants examination of Buick car.
  • 1922 January 24 Motion of Sacco to extend time for filing exceptions and appeal to and including Feb 10th allowed.Motion of Vanzetti to extend time for filing exceptions and appeal to and including February 10th allowed.
  • 1922 February 10 Bill of exceptions of defendant Nicola Sacco (Vol. 1)Bill of exceptions of defendant Bartolomeo Vanzetti. (Vol. 1)Order extending time for filing of completed bill of exceptions of defendant, Sacco, to and including February 20, 1922.Order extending time for filing of completed bill of exceptions of defendant, Vanzetti to and including February 20, 1922.
  • 1922 February 20 Order extending time for filing of completed bill of exceptions of defendant Sacco to and including February 25, 1922.Order extending time for filing of completed bill of exceptions of defendant Vanzetti to and including February 25, 1922.
  • 1922 February 25 Bill of exceptions, Sacco, Vol. IIBill of exceptions, Vanzetti, Vol. II
  • 1922 May 4 Second supplementary motion for new trial of Nicola Sacco
  • 1922 July 22 Third supplementary motion for new trial of Nicola Sacco
  • 1922 September 11 Fourth supplementary motion for new trial.
  • 1923 March 7 Affidavit of Lewis McHardy and 10 othersAffidavit of Louis PelserAffidavit of Jeremiah F. GallivanAffidavit of Erastus C. WhitneyAffidavit of Charles W. KnappenbergAffidavit of J. Hunter BlackAffidavit of Ethel W. LeeAffidavit of Wm. R. CorbettAffidavit of William MannAffidavit of Robert A. ConyAffidavit of Lola R. Andrews
  • 1923 March 8 Affidavit of Frederick G. KatzmannAffidavit of Harold P. WilliamsAffidavit of Frederick G. KatzmannAffidavit of Harold P. WilliamsAffidavit of Michael E. StewartAffidavit of Martin J. BarrettAffidavit of Wm. E. GrayAffidavit of Albert L. BrouillardHabeas corpus to State Prison for Vanzetti
  • 1923 March 9 Motion of Dist. Atty. for appointment of Assistant.Frederick G. Katzmann, appointed, oath taken and subscribed (defendant's exceptions saved)defendant's exceptions to refusal of court to rule on admission of certain statements in affidavit of J. J. McAnarney.Adjournment to March 16.
  • 1923 March 14 Habeas corpus to State prison for Vanzetti
  • 1923 March 16 Bill of exceptions of defendant Sacco on 1st supplementary Motion for new trial.Bill of exceptions of defendant Vanzetti on 1st Supplementary Motion for new trial.Appearance of Wm. G. Thompson and Arthur D. Hill, specially for the purpose of arguing Motion for new trial based on alleged misconduct of juror Ripley and others.Dr. Cahoon of Medfield State Hospital and Dr. Thomas of Foxboro State Hospital appointed by court to examine defendant Sacco as to his mental condition and to report to the court on Sat. A. M.
  • 1923 March 17 defendant Sacco ordered committed to Boston Psychopathic Hospital for care and observation pending determination of his insanity till and including March 31st, the Director of said Hospital to make written report of condition of said Sacco on Tuesday March 27, 1923, to presiding Justice, to the Dist. Atty. and to counsel for said Sacco.On Motion of counsel, A. D. Hill, Esq., supplementary Motion for new trial based on conduct of jurors continued.
  • 1923 April 16 Affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton filed
  • 1923 April 19 Order as to photographing exhibits.
  • 1923 April 20 Order for commitment of defendant Sacco to Bridgewater State Hosp.
  • 1923 April 23 Warrant for commitment to Bridgewater State Hospital
  • 1923 April 30 Fifth supplementary motion for new trial of Bartolomeo Vanzetti.Motion of Bartolomeo Vanzetti for leave to photograph exhibits in support of his fifth supplementary motion.On motion of Asst. Dist. Atty. (Mr. Keith) seconded by counsel for defence all pending motions ordered continued generally because of illness of Mr. Williams, Dist. Atty.
  • 1923 September 26 Affidavit of Gwendolyn S. Beamish in support of 2nd supp. Motion for new trialAffidavit of Frank J. BurkeAffidavit of Edward P. Burke in support of 2nd supp. Motion for new trialAffidavit of John J. HeaneyAffidavit of Roy E. GouldAffidavit of Thomas DoyleAffidavit of Thomas DoyleAffidavit of Wilbur F. Turner in support of 1st supp. Motion for new trialAffidavit of Wilbur F. Turner in support of 5th supp. Motion for new trialAffidavit of Wilbur F. Turner in support of 5th supp. Motion for new trial (Book)Affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton in support of 1st supp. Motion
  • 1923 September 29 Habeas for defendant Vanzetti
  • 1923 October 1 Affidavit of Charles Van AmburghAffidavit of Wm. E. HingstonAffidavit of Jos. W. KeithSupplement to First Supp. Motion for new trial
  • 1923 October 3 Second supp. affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton in support of first supp. Motion
  • 1923 October 16 Affidavit of Augustus H. Gill, in support of 5th supp. mo for new trialAffidavit of Albert H. Hamilton
  • 1923 October 20 Habeas for defendant Vanzetti
  • 1923 October 22 Affidavit of William H. Proctor
  • 1923 October 23 Supp. affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton and Supp. Album of Photographs to supp. affidavit.Affidavit of Marjory L. and Ethel W. LeeAffidavit of Robt. Reed in support of 4th Supp. MotionAffidavit of Fred H. Moore in support of 4th Supp. Motion19 Affidavits, reports of interviews and put in by defence and ord. impounded.
  • 1923 October 24 Supplementary affidavit of August H. Gill2nd Supplementary affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton
  • 1923 October 25 Affidavit of Charles J. Van AmburghPhotographic exhibits
  • 1923 October 26 Album (with 2nd supp. affidavit of A. H. Hamilton)
  • 1923 October 29 Supp. affidavit of Charles J. VanAmburghAffidavit of Merton A. RobinsonSupp. Affidavit of Merton A. RobinsonAffidavit of Nils Ekman (with 24 photos 1-12 A-L)
  • 1923 October 31 Affidavit of F. G. Katzmann (5th supp. Motion)Affidavit of H. P. Williams (5th supp. Motion)
  • 1923 November 5 defendant's supp. motion for new trial.
  • 1923 November 12 2nd supp. affidavit of C. J. VanAmburg to 5th supp. mo for new trial
  • 1923 December 7 Supp. affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton
  • 1924 March 25 Decision - In re substitution of gun barrels
  • 1924 March 27 Defendants' appeal to S. J. C. from decision of date March 25, 1924.Defendant's notice to Dist. Atty. of appeal from decisionMotion of defendant Sacco for ext. of time for filing exceptions in connection with Court's decision: Dist. Atty's assent, - time ext. to April 12, 1924.Motion of defendant Vanzetti for ext. of time for filing excep. in connection with court's decision: Dist. Atty's. assent, - time ext. to April 12, 1924.
  • 1924 April 5 defendant's claim of exceptions.
  • 1924 October 1 Decision on defendant's requests for rulings on 1st supp. Motion for new trial.Decision on defendant's requests for rulings on 5th supp. Motion for new trial.Memo and decision denying 1st supp. (Ripley) Motion for new trialMemo and decision denying 2nd supp. Motion for new trial (Gould affidavit)Memo and decision denying 2nd supp. Motion for new trial (Pelser affidavit)Memo and decision denying 3rd supp. (Goodridge) Motion for new trialMemo and decision denying 4th supp. (Andrews) Motion for new trialMemo and decision denying 5th supp. Motion for new trial (Hamilton aff.)Memo and decision denying 5th supp. Motion for new trial (Proctor affidavit)Order ext. time for claiming, saving or filing excep. on Motion for new trial until October 8, 1924.
  • 1924 October 2 Defendants exceptions allowed.
  • 1924 October 4 Defendant's appeal
  • 1924 October 7 Order ext. time for claiming, saving or filing except. to and including October 15, 1924.
  • 1924 October 11 Ord. ext. time for filing claim of excep. and bill of except. to and including November 7, 1924.
  • 1924 October 21 Defendant's claim of exceptionsSupplementary appealOrd. ext. time for filing claim of excep. and Bill of excep. to and including October 23, 1924.
  • 1924 October 23 Withdrawal of appearance of Arthur D. HillOrd. ext. time for filing claim of excep. and Bill of excep. to November 7, 1924.
  • 1924 October 28 Appearance of Richard H. Wiswall for defendants
  • 1924 October 29 Defendant's substituted claim of exceptions
  • 1924 November 3 Defendants further claim of exceptions
  • 1924 November 7 Ord. ext. time for filing claim of excep. and bill of excep. to and including November 21, 1924.
  • 1924 November 8 Withdrawal of appearance of Fred H. Moore.
  • 1924 November 19 Defendants' supplementary bill of exceptions.
  • 1924 November 21 Motion of defendants to extend time for filing claim and bill of exceptions to memo, and decisions denying 2nd, 3rd, and 4th supp. motions for new trial.
  • 1924 November 21 Order ext. time for filing claim and bill of exceptions on 2nd, third, and 4th supp. motions for new trial to and including December 1, 1924.
  • 1924 November 25 Appearance of Wm. G. Thompson for defendant Sacco.Appearance of Wm. G. Thompson for defendant Vanzetti.
  • 1924 November 26 Defendants claim of exceptions.
  • 1924 December 1 Defendant's bill of exceptions to decision on 2nd supplementary motion for new trial.
  • 1924 December 9 Withdrawal of appearance of J. J. and T. F. McAnarney for defendant Vanzetti.
  • 1925 March 21 Substitute bill of exceptions of defendant Vanzetti on First supp; motion for new trial.
  • 1925 May 11 Correction of errors and omissions in Bill of Excep. allowed September 13, 1924 and printed, but not yet entered in the S. J. C.Sub. bill of excep. of Bartolomeo Vanzetti on first supp. Motion for new trial filed March 21, 1925, allowed in new draft.Defendants bill of excep. to decision on 2d supp. Motion for new trial filed December 1, 1924, allowed.Defendants supp. bill of excep. filed November 19, 1924, based on denial of 1st and 5th supp. motions for new trial, allowed.
  • 1925 November 10 Correction of original Bill of Exceptions
  • 1926 May 13 Rescript received: "Exceptions overruled. Verdict to stand."
  • 1926 May 26 Motion to impound filed and allowedMotion for new trialAffidavit of William G. ThompsonAffidavit of James F. WeeksAffidavit of J. J. McAnarneyAffidavit of Nicola SaccoAffidavit of Amleto Fabri
  • 1926 May 28 Affidavit of Wm. G. Thompson
  • 1926 June 10 Affidavit of Herbert B. CaffreyAffidavit of Celestino F. MadeirosAffidavit of Edward G. Lennon
  • 1926 June 11 Affidavit of Henry E. ConnorsAffidavit of Edward J. NooneAffidavit of Ellsworth C. JacobsAffidavit of John T. McKayAffidavit of John S. Mendonca and Elwin H. HauverAffidavit of Peter C. CannonInterrog. of James F. Weeks at State Prison May 27, 1926 by Wm. G. Thompson
  • 1926 June 12 Affidavit of John J. RichardsAffidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann
  • 1926 June 15 Motion (filed by Comlth.) for termination of time in which defendants may file affidavits in support of motion for new trial.
  • 1926 June 16 Affidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann and John J. Richards
  • 1926 June 17 Motion filed by Com. June 15, 1926, allowedAffidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann
  • 1926 June 21 Affidavit of Mrs. Mary MatthewsAffidavit of Oliver J. Curtis (with exhibit "A")Affidavit of Henry A. PlettAffidavit of John P HanleyAffidavit of Albert C. ThomasAffidavit of Elisha H. CohoonAffidavit of Charles E. LinscottAffidavit of William P. KelleyAffidavit of Dudley P. RanneyAffidavit of Winfield M. Wilbar and Dudley P. RanneyAffidavit of Michael F. FlemingAffidavit of Albert C. CrockerAffidavit of Samuel H. CapenAffidavit of Michael F. FlemingAffidavit of Arthur D. TimminsAffidavit of Dudley P. Ranney
  • 1926 June 18 Defendant's memorandum on motion to limit time for filing affidavits in support of Motion for new trial and order of court limiting such time to June 30, 1926.
  • 1926 June 25 Affidavit of Lester S. CornellAffidavit of Rubin GalkinAffidavit of Charles E. LinscottAffidavit of Charles E. Linscott
  • 1926 June 26 Affidavit of Herbert B. EhrmannAffidavit of Albert L. CarpenterMotion of defendant to further extend time and from June 30 to July 8, filed and allowed with consent of Dist. Atty.
  • 1926 June 28 Appearance of Herbert B. Ehrmann for defendants
  • 1926 June 29 Affidavit of Dudley P. Ranney
  • 1926 June 30 Affidavit of Lewis L. WadeAffidavit of John F. Carney
  • 1926 July 1 Affidavit of Barney B. MonterioAffidavit of May B. MonterioAffidavit of Patrick J. McGovernAffidavit of Nicola SaccoAffidavit of Frank J. Burke
  • 1926 July 2 Affidavit of Joseph Morell
  • 1926 July 3 Affidavit of Edward J. MillerAffidavit of Daniel E. GearyAffidavit of John RuzzamentiAffidavit of Fred J. Weyand
  • 1926 July 7 Affidavit of Edward J. Noons
  • 1926 July 8 Affidavit of Mary Splaine WilliamsDefendants Motion to further extend time for filing affidavits from July 8 to July 16 filed and allowed with consent of Dist Atty.Deposition of Celestino Madeiros
  • 1926 July 9 Affidavit of Pauline GrayAffidavit of Pasquale MorrelliAffidavit of Louise KellyAffidavit of Nellie GannonAffidavit of Minnie KennedyAffidavit of Lawrence Letherman
  • 1926 July 10 Affidavit of John J. Richards and Wm. J. Carroll
  • 1926 July 13 Affidavit of Michael Franklin
  • 1926 July 15 Affidavit of Herbert B. EhrmannAffidavit of Chester H. GowardAffidavit of Herbert C. DowAffidavit of Harvey A. Baker
  • 1926 July 16 Affidavit of Alice PeckhamAffidavit of Patrick J. PyneAffidavit of John J. RichardsAffidavit of Wm. G. ThompsonAffidavit of F. G. KatzmannAffidavit of Michael E. StewartStipulation
  • 1926 July 19 Affidavit of Wm. G. Thompson, filed by consent of Dist. Atty.
  • 1926 July 22 Affidavit of Henry Epstein filed by consentAffidavit of N. O. Simard filed by consentAffidavit of Donato Dibona filed by consentAffidavit of Thomas Theodore Driver by consentsupp. Affidavit of Thomas Theodore Driver by consent
  • 1926 July 24 Affidavit of Robert C. Karnes filed by Comlth.
  • 1926 July 27 Affidavit of Charles J. VanAmburgh by Comlth.Affidavit of Dudley P. Ranney by Comlth.
  • 1926 July 30 Affidavit of James E. Burns, filed by consent of Dist. Atty.
  • 1926 September 13 Affidavit of Lincoln Wadsworth filed by defenceAffidavit of George HattonStatement of June 10, 1926 by Dudley P. Ranney to Wm. G. ThompsonCopy of letter Wm. G. Thompson to U. S. Atty. Gen.
  • 1926 September 14 Telegram to Wm. G. Thompson to B. J. Day, Commr.Record of Madeiros from Bristol Superior Court.
  • 1926 September 15 Stenographic report of Dr. Cohoon and Dr. Thomas interview with Madeiros on April 8, 1926.Defendants requests for rulings
  • 1926 September 17 Copy of letter Thompson to Ranney
  • 1926 October 9 Affidavit of Wm. G. Thompson filed by consent of Dist. Atty.
  • 1926 October 23 Decision denying motion for new trialRulings on defendant's exceptions.
  • 1926 October 25 Defendants' claim of exceptionsDefendants Motion for ext. of time for filing bill of exceptions until noon of Sat. October 30, 1926 filed and allowed by the court with consent of Dist. Atty.
  • 1926 October 26 Defendants additional claim of exceptions.
  • 1926 October 28 Defendants bill of exceptions.
  • 1926 November 4 Defendants motion to amend bill of exceptions.
  • 1926 November 13 Defendants motion to amend bill of exceptions allowed.Defendants amended bill of exceptions allowed.
  • 1927 April 6 Rescript received "Exceptions overruled."
  • 1927 April 8 Habeas (Vanzetti)
  • 1927 April 9 Return of service of habeas.Sacco - sentenced to suffer punishment of death within week beginning July 10, 1927.Vanzetti - sentenced to suffer punishment of death within week beginning July 10, 1927.
  • 1927 April 26 Certified copy of record of conviction and sentence delivered to the Governor.Warrants for execution made out, signed and delivered to Sheriff.Copies of Warrants transmitted to Warden of State Prison.
  • 1927 August 6 Appearance of Arthur D. Hill for DefendantsDefendants' Motion to revoke sentence and for new trialAffidavit of Elias FieldAffidavit of John Nicholas BeffelAffidavit of Herbert B. EhrmannAffidavit of Robert BenchleyAffidavit of Eliz. R. BernkopfAffidavit of Lois B. Rantoul
  • 1927 August 8 Motion to revoke sentence and for new trial denied as to prayer for new trial.
  • 1927 August 9 Denial of Motion for revocation of sentence and stay of execution.
  • 1927 August 10 Denial of Motion for revocation of sentence and stay of execution.1927 August 10 Copy of warrant for respite of execution of Sacco to August 10, 1927.1927 August 10 Copy of warrant for respite of execution of Vanzetti to August 10, 1927.
  • 1927 August 11 Defendants exceptions filedDefendants exceptions allowed
  • 1927 August 13 Copy of warrant for respite of execution of Sacco to August 22, 1927.Copy of warrant for respite of execution of Vanzetti to August 22, 1927.
  • 1927 August 20 Rescript received - "Exceptions overruled".
A True Copy of Docket Entries.Attest: WILLARD E. EVERETT, Asst. Clerk.
COPY OF DOCKET ENTRIES IN SACCO-VANZETTI CASE. GRAND JURY CASE. Docket No. 5545. Record Vol. - Page -Indictment reiurned September 11, 1920.Commonwealth vs. Nicola Sacco - Bartolomeo Vanzetti. Attorneys for defendant: Fred H. Moore, Wm. J. Callahan, J. J. and T. F. McAnarney. Offence - Murder Committed at Braintree - April 15, 1920.
1920 September 8
Motion to impound exhibit (Buick car.)
1920 September 11
Indictment returned.
1920 September 28
Habeas issued to State Prison for defendant Vanzetti.
Defendants arraigned. Each pleads not guilty.
Vanzetti remanded to State Prison without bail.
Sacco remanded to custody of Sheriff without bail.
1920 November 18
Appearance of Fred H. Moore and Wm. J. Callahan for defendants.
1921 February 5
Order for special sitting beginning Monday March 7, 1921 for trial together of the two cases, Nos. 5545 and 5546, and that venires issue for 500 jurors.
1921 February 14
Venires issued for 500 jurors to attend Monday March 7.
1921 February 18
Return by sheriff of notice of special sitting.
1921February 23
Defendants motion for continuance filed.
1921 February 26
Assignment for trial on March 7, vacated: motion to continue impounded.
1921 February 28
Motion of defendants for continuance to May 31 and waiver of right to be admitted to bail prior to or during a full trial.
Notice to excuse those summoned as jurors.
1921 April 20
Order for special sitting beginning Tuesday, May 31, 1921, and order for issue of venires for 500 jurors.
1921 April 25
Order fixing dates for attendance of jurors.
1921 May12
Venires issued, 175 to attend May 31, 175, June 1, and 150 June 2.
1921 May 27
Habeas for defendant Vanzetti.
1921 May 31
Sitting opened; Defendants placed on trial.
Appearance of J. J. and T. F. McAnarney for Vanzetti.
Motion of Sacco for separate trial.
Demand of each defendant for bill of particulars.
Demurrer of each defendant.
1921 June 2
Order that Sheriff summon 200 talesmen to attend June 3.
1921June 3
Oral motion of defendants to challenge array of talesmen denied.
1921 June 4
Jury sworn.
1921 June 6
Defendants' motion for separate trial denied; each defendant. excepts.
On motion of defendants that weapons and bullets be admitted for expert examination, the court orders that they be given into the custody of the sheriff for such examination but under no circumstances to go out of his custody.
Waiver of each defendant of any right to accompany jury on view. Both sides request that view be taken. Walter H. Ripley appointed foreman of jury.
1921 June 14
Deposition of Guiseppe Adrower opened and delivered to counsel for defendant.
1921 June 16
Motion for view of car allowed.
Waiver by defendants of right to accompany jury on view of car. Car impounded and placed in custody of sheriff.
1921 June 29
Deposition of Adrower presented for filing.
1921 July 1
Deposition of Adrower filed by leave of Court.
1921 July 6
Waiver of defendats of right to view "Boda" Overland car.
1921 July 8
Motion of Vanzetti for severance of trial.
1921 July 14
Motion of defendant Sacco for verdict of not guilty, filed and denied.
Motion of defendant Vanzetti for verdict of not guilty filed and denied.
Verdict: Each defendant guilty of murder in the first degree.
Time for filing defendants' exceptions extended to and including November 1, 1921, with consent of District Attorney.
1921 July 18
Motion of Nicola Sacco for a new trial.
Motion of Bartolomeo Vanzetti for a new trial.
1921 Oct 31
Defendants' motion to extend time for filing exceptions.
Order on motion extending time for filing exceptions to and including December 1, 1921.
1921 November 8
Supplementary motion for new trial.
1921 November 30
Motion to extend time for filing exceptions
Order on motion ext. time for filing exceptions to and including December 20, 1921.
1921 December 17
Order on motion to extend time for filing exceptions to January 15, 1922.
1921 December 24
Affidavit of Sacco and Vanzetti
Affidavit of J. J. and T. F. McAnarney
Affidavit of Fred H. Moore and Wm. J. Callahan
Decision on motions for new trial.
1921 December 27
Time for filing exceptions to and appeal from order denying motions for new trial extended to and including January 14, 1922.
1922 January 13
Motion of Sacco to extend time for filing exceptions to January 24, allowed
1922 January 13
Motion of Vanzetti to extend time for filing exceptions to January 24, allowed.
Motion of Sacco to extend time for filing exceptions and appeal to January 24, allowed
Motion of Vanzetti to extend time for filing exceptions and appeal to January 24, allowed.
1922January 23
Order allowing defendants examination of Buick car.
1922 January 24
Motion of Sacco to extend time for filing exceptions and appeal to and including Feb 10th allowed.
Motion of Vanzetti to extend time for filing exceptions and appeal to and including February 10th allowed.
1922February 10
Bill of exceptions of defendant Nicola Sacco (Vol. 1)
Bill of exceptions of defendant Bartolomeo Vanzetti. (Vol. 1)
Order extending time for filing of completed bill of exceptions of defendant, Sacco, to and including February 20, 1922.
Order extending time for filing of completed bill of exceptions of defendant, Vanzetti to and including February 20, 1922.
1922 February 20
Order extending time for filing of completed bill of exceptions of defendant Sacco to and including February 25, 1922.
Order extending time for filing of completed bill of exceptions of defendant Vanzetti to and including February 25, 1922.
1922 February 25
Bill of exceptions, Sacco, Vol. II
Bill of exceptions, Vanzetti, Vol. II
1922 May4
Second supplementary motion for new trial of Nicola Sacco
1922 July 22
Third supplementary motion for new trial of Nicola Sacco
1922September 11
Fourth supplementary motion for new trial.
1923 March 7
Affidavit of Lewis McHardy and 10 others
Affidavit of Louis Pelser
Affidavit of Jeremiah F. Gallivan
Affidavit of Erastus C. Whitney
Affidavit of Charles W. Knappenberg
Affidavit of J. Hunter Black
Affidavit of Ethel W. Lee
Affidavit of Wm. R. Corbett
Affidavit of William Mann
Affidavit of Robert A. Cony
Affidavit of Lola R. Andrews
1923 March 8
Affidavit of Frederick G. Katzmann
Affidavit of Harold P. Williams
Affidavit of Frederick G. Katzmann
Affidavit of Harold P. Williams
Affidavit of Michael E. Stewart
Affidavit of Martin J. Barrett
Affidavit of Wm. E. Gray
Affidavit of Albert L. Brouillard
Habeas corpus to State Prison for Vanzetti
1923March 9
Motion of Dist. Atty. for appointment of Assistant.
Frederick G. Katzmann, appointed, oath taken and subscribed (defendant's exceptions saved)
defendant's exceptions to refusal of court to rule on admission of certain statements in affidavit of J. J. McAnarney.
Adjournment to March 16.
1923 March 14
Habeas corpus to State prison for Vanzetti
1923March 16
Bill of exceptions of defendant Sacco on 1st supplementary Motion for new trial.
Bill of exceptions of defendant Vanzetti on 1st Supplementary Motion for new trial.
Appearance of Wm. G. Thompson and Arthur D. Hill, specially for the purpose of arguing Motion for new trial based on alleged misconduct of juror Ripley and others.
Dr. Cahoon of Medfield State Hospital and Dr. Thomas of Foxboro State Hospital appointed by court to examine defendant Sacco as to his mental condition and to report to the court on Sat. A. M.
1923 March 17
defendant Sacco ordered committed to Boston Psychopathic Hospital for care and observation pending determination of his insanity till and including March 31st, the Director of said Hospital to make written report of condition of said Sacco on Tuesday March 27, 1923, to presiding Justice, to the Dist. Atty. and to counsel for said Sacco.
On Motion of counsel, A. D. Hill, Esq., supplementary Motion for new trial based on conduct of jurors continued.
1923 April 16
Affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton filed
1923 April 19
Order as to photographing exhibits.
1923 April 20
Order for commitment of defendant Sacco to Bridgewater State Hosp.
1923 April 23
Warrant for commitment to Bridgewater State Hospital
1923April 30
Fifth supplementary motion for new trial of Bartolomeo Vanzetti.
Motion of Bartolomeo Vanzetti for leave to photograph exhibits in support of his fifth supplementary motion.
On motion of Asst. Dist. Atty. (Mr. Keith) seconded by counsel for defence all pending motions ordered continued generally because of illness of Mr. Williams, Dist. Atty.
1923 September 26
Affidavit of Gwendolyn S. Beamish in support of 2nd supp. Motion for new trial
Affidavit of Frank J. Burke
Affidavit of Edward P. Burke in support of 2nd supp. Motion for new trial
Affidavit of John J. Heaney
Affidavit of Roy E. Gould
Affidavit of Thomas Doyle
Affidavit of Thomas Doyle
Affidavit of Wilbur F. Turner in support of 1st supp. Motion for new trial
Affidavit of Wilbur F. Turner in support of 5th supp. Motion for new trial
Affidavit of Wilbur F. Turner in support of 5th supp. Motion for new trial (Book)
Affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton in support of 1st supp. Motion
1923 September 29
Habeas for defendant Vanzetti
1923 October 1
Affidavit of Charles Van Amburgh
Affidavit of Wm. E. Hingston
Affidavit of Jos. W. Keith
Supplement to First Supp. Motion for new trial
1923 October 3
Second supp. affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton in support of first supp. Motion
1923 October 16
Affidavit of Augustus H. Gill, in support of 5th supp. mo for new trial
Affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton
1923 October 20
Habeas for defendant Vanzetti
1923 October 22
Affidavit of William H. Proctor
1923 October 23
Supp. affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton and Supp. Album of Photographs to supp. affidavit.
Affidavit of Marjory L. and Ethel W. Lee
Affidavit of Robt. Reed in support of 4th Supp. Motion
Affidavit of Fred H. Moore in support of 4th Supp. Motion
19 Affidavits, reports of interviews and put in by defence and ord. impounded.
1923 October 24
Supplementary affidavit of August H. Gill
2nd Supplementary affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton
1923 October 25
Affidavit of Charles J. Van Amburgh
Photographic exhibits
1923 October 26
Album (with 2nd supp. affidavit of A. H. Hamilton)
1923 October 29
Supp. affidavit of Charles J. VanAmburgh
Affidavit of Merton A. Robinson
Supp. Affidavit of Merton A. Robinson
Affidavit of Nils Ekman (with 24 photos 1-12 A-L)
1923 October 31
Affidavit of F. G. Katzmann (5th supp. Motion)
Affidavit of H. P. Williams (5th supp. Motion)
1923 November 5
defendant's supp. motion for new trial.
1923 November 12
2nd supp. affidavit of C. J. VanAmburg to 5th supp. mo for new trial
1923 December 7
Supp. affidavit of Albert H. Hamilton
1924 March 25
Decision - In re substitution of gun barrels
1924March 27
Defendants' appeal to S. J. C. from decision of date March 25, 1924.
Defendant's notice to Dist. Atty. of appeal from decision
Motion of defendant Sacco for ext. of time for filing exceptions in connection with Court's decision: Dist. Atty's assent, - time ext. to April 12, 1924.
Motion of defendant Vanzetti for ext. of time for filing excep. in connection with court's decision: Dist. Atty's. assent, - time ext. to April 12, 1924.
1924April 5
defendant's claim of exceptions.
1924October 1
Decision on defendant's requests for rulings on 1st supp. Motion for new trial.
Decision on defendant's requests for rulings on 5th supp. Motion for new trial.
Memo and decision denying 1st supp. (Ripley) Motion for new trial
Memo and decision denying 2nd supp. Motion for new trial (Gould affidavit)
Memo and decision denying 2nd supp. Motion for new trial (Pelser affidavit)
Memo and decision denying 3rd supp. (Goodridge) Motion for new trial
Memo and decision denying 4th supp. (Andrews) Motion for new trial
Memo and decision denying 5th supp. Motion for new trial (Hamilton aff.)
Memo and decision denying 5th supp. Motion for new trial (Proctor affidavit)
Order ext. time for claiming, saving or filing excep. on Motion for new trial until October 8, 1924.
1924October 2
Defendants exceptions allowed.
1924October 4
Defendant's appeal
1924 October 7
Order ext. time for claiming, saving or filing except. to and including October 15, 1924.
1924 October 11
Ord. ext. time for filing claim of excep. and bill of except. to and including November 7, 1924.
1924 October 21
Defendant's claim of exceptions
Supplementary appeal
Ord. ext. time for filing claim of excep. and Bill of excep. to and including October 23, 1924.
1924 October 23
Withdrawal of appearance of Arthur D. Hill
Ord. ext. time for filing claim of excep. and Bill of excep. to November 7, 1924.
1924 October 28
Appearance of Richard H. Wiswall for defendants
1924October 29
Defendant's substituted claim of exceptions
1924 November 3
Defendants further claim of exceptions
1924 November 7
Ord. ext. time for filing claim of excep. and bill of excep. to and including November 21, 1924.
1924 November 8
Withdrawal of appearance of Fred H. Moore.
1924November 19
Defendants' supplementary bill of exceptions.
1924 November 21
Motion of defendants to extend time for filing claim and bill of exceptions to memo, and decisions denying 2nd, 3rd, and 4th supp. motions for new trial.
1924 November 21
Order ext. time for filing claim and bill of exceptions on 2nd, third, and 4th supp. motions for new trial to and including December 1, 1924.
1924 November 25
Appearance of Wm. G. Thompson for defendant Sacco.
Appearance of Wm. G. Thompson for defendant Vanzetti.
1924 November 26
Defendants claim of exceptions.
1924 December 1
Defendant's bill of exceptions to decision on 2nd supplementary motion for new trial.
1924 December 9
Withdrawal of appearance of J. J. and T. F. McAnarney for defendant Vanzetti.
1925 March 21
Substitute bill of exceptions of defendant Vanzetti on First supp; motion for new trial.
1925 May 11
Correction of errors and omissions in Bill of Excep. allowed September 13, 1924 and printed, but not yet entered in the S. J. C.
Sub. bill of excep. of Bartolomeo Vanzetti on first supp. Motion for new trial filed March 21, 1925, allowed in new draft.
Defendants bill of excep. to decision on 2d supp. Motion for new trial filed December 1, 1924, allowed.
Defendants supp. bill of excep. filed November 19, 1924, based on denial of 1st and 5th supp. motions for new trial, allowed.
1925 November 10
Correction of original Bill of Exceptions
1926 May 13
Rescript received: "Exceptions overruled. Verdict to stand."
1926 May 26
Motion to impound filed and allowed
Motion for new trial
Affidavit of William G. Thompson
Affidavit of James F. Weeks
Affidavit of J. J. McAnarney
Affidavit of Nicola Sacco
Affidavit of Amleto Fabri
1926 May 28
Affidavit of Wm. G. Thompson
1926 June 10
Affidavit of Herbert B. Caffrey
Affidavit of Celestino F. Madeiros
Affidavit of Edward G. Lennon
1926 June 11
Affidavit of Henry E. Connors
Affidavit of Edward J. Noone
Affidavit of Ellsworth C. Jacobs
Affidavit of John T. McKay
Affidavit of John S. Mendonca and Elwin H. Hauver
Affidavit of Peter C. Cannon
Interrog. of James F. Weeks at State Prison May 27, 1926 by Wm. G. Thompson
1926 June 12
Affidavit of John J. Richards
Affidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann
1926 June 15
Motion (filed by Comlth.) for termination of time in which defendants may file affidavits in support of motion for new trial.
1926 June 16
Affidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann and John J. Richards
1926June 17
Motion filed by Com. June 15, 1926, allowed
Affidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann
1926 June 21
Affidavit of Mrs. Mary Matthews
Affidavit of Oliver J. Curtis (with exhibit "A")
Affidavit of Henry A. Plett
Affidavit of John P Hanley
Affidavit of Albert C. Thomas
Affidavit of Elisha H. Cohoon
Affidavit of Charles E. Linscott
Affidavit of William P. Kelley
Affidavit of Dudley P. Ranney
Affidavit of Winfield M. Wilbar and Dudley P. Ranney
Affidavit of Michael F. Fleming
Affidavit of Albert C. Crocker
Affidavit of Samuel H. Capen
Affidavit of Michael F. Fleming
Affidavit of Arthur D. Timmins
Affidavit of Dudley P. Ranney
1926 June 18
Defendant's memorandum on motion to limit time for filing affidavits in support of Motion for new trial and order of court limiting such time to June 30, 1926.
1926 June 25
Affidavit of Lester S. Cornell
Affidavit of Rubin Galkin
Affidavit of Charles E. Linscott
Affidavit of Charles E. Linscott
1926June 26
Affidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann
Affidavit of Albert L. Carpenter
Motion of defendant to further extend time and from June 30 to July 8, filed and allowed with consent of Dist. Atty.
1926 June 28
Appearance of Herbert B. Ehrmann for defendants
1926June 29
Affidavit of Dudley P. Ranney
1926June 30
Affidavit of Lewis L. Wade
Affidavit of John F. Carney
1926 July 1
Affidavit of Barney B. Monterio
Affidavit of May B. Monterio
Affidavit of Patrick J. McGovern
Affidavit of Nicola Sacco
Affidavit of Frank J. Burke
1926 July 2
Affidavit of Joseph Morell
1926 July 3
Affidavit of Edward J. Miller
Affidavit of Daniel E. Geary
Affidavit of John Ruzzamenti
Affidavit of Fred J. Weyand
1926 July 7
Affidavit of Edward J. Noons
1926 July 8
Affidavit of Mary Splaine Williams
Defendants Motion to further extend time for filing affidavits from July 8 to July 16 filed and allowed with consent of Dist Atty.
Deposition of Celestino Madeiros
1926July 9
Affidavit of Pauline Gray
Affidavit of Pasquale Morrelli
Affidavit of Louise Kelly
Affidavit of Nellie Gannon
Affidavit of Minnie Kennedy
Affidavit of Lawrence Letherman
1926 July 10
Affidavit of John J. Richards and Wm. J. Carroll
1926July 13
Affidavit of Michael Franklin
1926July 15
Affidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann
Affidavit of Chester H. Goward
Affidavit of Herbert C. Dow
Affidavit of Harvey A. Baker
1926 July 16
Affidavit of Alice Peckham
Affidavit of Patrick J. Pyne
Affidavit of John J. Richards
Affidavit of Wm. G. Thompson
Affidavit of F. G. Katzmann
Affidavit of Michael E. Stewart
Stipulation
1926 July 19
Affidavit of Wm. G. Thompson, filed by consent of Dist. Atty.
1926 July 22
Affidavit of Henry Epstein filed by consent
Affidavit of N. O. Simard filed by consent
Affidavit of Donato Dibona filed by consent
Affidavit of Thomas Theodore Driver by consent
supp. Affidavit of Thomas Theodore Driver by consent
1926 July 24
Affidavit of Robert C. Karnes filed by Comlth.
1926July 27
Affidavit of Charles J. VanAmburgh by Comlth.
Affidavit of Dudley P. Ranney by Comlth.
1926 July 30
Affidavit of James E. Burns, filed by consent of Dist. Atty.
1926 September 13
Affidavit of Lincoln Wadsworth filed by defence
Affidavit of George Hatton
Statement of June 10, 1926 by Dudley P. Ranney to Wm. G. Thompson
Copy of letter Wm. G. Thompson to U. S. Atty. Gen.
1926 September 14
Telegram to Wm. G. Thompson to B. J. Day, Commr.
Record of Madeiros from Bristol Superior Court.
1926 September 15
Stenographic report of Dr. Cohoon and Dr. Thomas interview with Madeiros on April 8, 1926.
Defendants requests for rulings
1926 September 17
Copy of letter Thompson to Ranney
1926 October 9
Affidavit of Wm. G. Thompson filed by consent of Dist. Atty.
1926 October 23
Decision denying motion for new trial
Rulings on defendant's exceptions.
1926October 25
Defendants' claim of exceptions
Defendants Motion for ext. of time for filing bill of exceptions until noon of Sat. October 30, 1926 filed and allowed by the court with consent of Dist. Atty.
1926 October 26
Defendants additional claim of exceptions.
1926October 28
Defendants bill of exceptions.
1926November 4
Defendants motion to amend bill of exceptions.
1926 November 13
Defendants motion to amend bill of exceptions allowed.
Defendants amended bill of exceptions allowed.
1927 April 6
Rescript received "Exceptions overruled."
1927 April 8
Habeas (Vanzetti)
1927 April 9
Return of service of habeas.
Sacco - sentenced to suffer punishment of death within week beginning July 10, 1927.
Vanzetti - sentenced to suffer punishment of death within week beginning July 10, 1927.
1927April 26
Certified copy of record of conviction and sentence delivered to the Governor.
Warrants for execution made out, signed and delivered to Sheriff.
Copies of Warrants transmitted to Warden of State Prison.
1927 August 6
Appearance of Arthur D. Hill for Defendants
Defendants' Motion to revoke sentence and for new trial
Affidavit of Elias Field
Affidavit of John Nicholas Beffel
Affidavit of Herbert B. Ehrmann
Affidavit of Robert Benchley
Affidavit of Eliz. R. Bernkopf
Affidavit of Lois B. Rantoul
1927 August 8
Motion to revoke sentence and for new trial denied as to prayer for new trial.
1927 August 9
Denial of Motion for revocation of sentence and stay of execution.
1927 August 10
Denial of Motion for revocation of sentence and stay of execution.
1927 August 10 Copy of warrant for respite of execution of Sacco to August 10, 1927.
1927 August 10 Copy of warrant for respite of execution of Vanzetti to August 10, 1927.
1927 August 11
Defendants exceptions filed
Defendants exceptions allowed
1927 August 13
Copy of warrant for respite of execution of Sacco to August 22, 1927.
Copy of warrant for respite of execution of Vanzetti to August 22, 1927.
1927 August 20
Rescript received - "Exceptions overruled".

SERIES DESCRIPTION

  1. Series I. Commonwealth v. Vanzetti (Bridgewater Trial), 1919-1921, n.d.

    Papers pertaining to Vanzetti's trial for an assault committed at Bridgewater. Papers include indictments, docket entries, jury lists, detectives' reports, trial transcripts, examinations of jurors, bills of exceptions.

    Boxes 1-2

  2. Series II. Defense Papers, 1910-1919; bulk 1920-1927

    Presumably donated by defense attorney Fred H. Moore, this series includes affidavits, correspondence, court documents, trial transcripts, et.al. Papers are arranged as follows:

    • 1. Defense papers: general Includes jury lists, indictments, and transcripts, Boxes 3-4
    • 2. Materials re: Investigation of Western Mob Mostly correspondence between Thomas Doyle and Fred H. Moorel; somereports by Doyle, Box 5, folders 1-45
    • 3. Materials re: Investigations of Orciani, Boda, Coacci, Carbonieri, Bostock,Manning, and Ray Box 5, folders 46-70
    • 4. Insanity Matters Correspondence, testimony, and documents relating to Sacco and Vanzetti's state of mind Box 6, 1921-1925, n.d.
    • 5. First Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Ripley motion Affidavits, motions, briefs, clipping, decision re: first supplemental motion for a new trial (Motion based on defense's claim of an improper exhibit, viz. three revolver cartridges displayed in the jury room by Jury Foreman Walter Ripley), Box 7, 1921-1923, n.d.
    • 6. Second Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Gould-Pelser Motion Correspondence, interviews, affidavits, et. al. re: second supplemental motion for a new trial (Motion based on witnesses' statements and charges of forced testimony and intimidation) Box 8,1921-1924, n.d.
    • 7. Third Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Goodridge Motion. Motions, exhibits, correspondence, affidavits, reports, memorabilia, et. al. re third supplemental motion for a new trial (Motion based on Moore's attempts to discredit a witness who had a criminal record and shady reputation) Boxes 9-12,1892-1923, n.d.
    • 8. Fourth Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Andrews motion Affidavits, exhibits et. al. re: fourth supplemental motion for a new trial (motion based on varying testimony witness Lola R. Andrews and charges of undue influence by the prosecution) Box 13, 1888-1922
    • 9. Fifth Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Hamilton-Proctor Motion Transcripts, notes, affidavits et. al. re: fifth supplemental motion for a new trial (motion based on disputed ballistics testimony) Boxes 14-16,1923-1927 (bulk 1923-1924); n.d.
    • 10. Materials re: other relevant cases Transcripts, et. al. re: other court cases, including that of Celestino Madeiros (relation of some cases to Sacco-Vanzetti is unclear) Box 17, folders 1-6, 1920-1926, n.d.
    • 11.Bills of Exceptions Defendants' Bills of Exceptions Box 17, folders17-7, 17-8, and unfoldered, Box 18, 1927, n.d.
    • 12.Transcripts of Hearings on Motions for New Trial, Sentencing of Sacco and Vanzetti 1926-1927, Box 19, 1926-1927, n.d.
    • 13.Papers pertaining to the Governor's Advisory Committee Affidavits, briefs, correspondence, reports, Governor's decision, Box 20,1927
    • 14. Court Petitions et. al., 1927 Briefs, petitions, papers in Norfolk Superior Court, papers in U.S. Supreme Court, Box 21, 1927
    • 15. Files of Arthur D. Hill Correspondence et. al., 1925-1927, n.d., Box 22

    Boxes3-22

  3. Series III. Prosecution Papers, 1921-1927

    Bulk of materialconsists of correspondence files of Assistant District Attorney D.P.Ranney. Box 25 pertains to the motion for a new trial based on aconfession by Celestino Madeiros

    Boxes 23-27

  4. Series IV. Transcripts, 1921-1927, n.d.

    Bound volumes of trialtranscripts, a few of which are annotated by attorneys. Box 37contains bound volumes of the defendants' bills of exceptions.

    Boxes 28-37

  5. Series V. Correspondence, 1921-1938, n.d.; bulk 1921-1929

    Boxes38-41

    Box 38 contains Sacco's correspondence with variouspeople.

    Boxes 39-40 contains Vanzetti's correspondence andother writings by Vanzetti.

    Box 41 contains correspondence ofthe Sacco-Vanzetti Defense Committee.

  6. Series VI. Printed Materials, 1927, 1964, n.d.

    Printed materialsrelative to the Sacco-Vanzetti case.

    Boxes42-43

  7. Series VII. Miscellaneous visual materials. This series consists of miscellaneous visual material that was likely exhibit material for either the prosecution or defense.

Boxes 3-22
  1. 1. Defense papers: general Includes jury lists, indictments, and transcripts, Boxes 3-4
  2. 2. Materials re: Investigation of Western MobMostly correspondence between Thomas Doyle and Fred H. Moorel; somereports by Doyle, Box 5, folders 1-45
  3. 3. Materials re:Investigations of Orciani, Boda, Coacci, Carbonieri, Bostock,Manning, and Ray Box 5, folders 46-70
  4. 4. Insanity Matters Correspondence, testimony, and documents relating to Sacco and Vanzetti's state of mind Box 6, 1921-1925, n.d.
  5. 5. First Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Ripley motion Affidavits,motions, briefs, clipping, decision re: first supplemental motion fora new trial (Motion based on defense's claim of an improper exhibit,viz. three revolver cartridges displayed in the jury room by Jury Foreman Walter Ripley), Box 7, 1921-1923, n.d.
  6. 6. Second Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Gould-Pelser Motion Correspondence, interviews, affidavits, et. al. re: secondsupplemental motion for a new trial (Motion based on witnesses' statements and charges of forced testimony and intimidation) Box 8,1921-1924, n.d.
  7. 7. Third Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Goodridge Motion. Motions, exhibits, correspondence, affidavits, reports, memorabilia, et. al. re third supplementalmotion for a new trial (Motion based on Moore's attempts to discredita witness who had a criminal record and shady reputation) Boxes 9-12, 1892-1923, n.d.
  8. 8. Fourth Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Andrews motion Affidavits, exhibits et. al. re: fourth supplemental motion for a new trial (motion based on varyingtestimony witness Lola R. Andrews and charges of undue influence by the prosecution) Box 13, 1888-1922
  9. 9. Fifth Supplemental Motion for a New Trial: the Hamilton-Proctor Motion Transcripts, notes, affidavits et. al. re: fifth supplemental motion for a newtrial (motion based on disputed ballistics testimony) Boxes 14-16,1923-1927 (bulk 1923-1924); n.d.
  10. 10. Materials re: other relevant cases Transcripts, et. al. re: other court cases, including that of Celestino Madeiros (relation of some cases to Sacco-Vanzetti is unclear) Box 17, folders 1-6, 1920-1926, n.d.
  11. 11.Bills of Exceptions Defendants' Bills of Exceptions Box 17, folders 17-7, 17-8, and unfoldered, Box 18, 1927, n.d.
  12. 12.Transcripts of Hearings on Motions for New Trial, Sentencing of Sacco and Vanzetti 1926-1927, Box 19, 1926-1927, n.d.
  13. 13.Papers pertaining to the Governor's Advisory Committee Affidavits, briefs, correspondence, reports, Governor's decision, Box 20, 1927
  14. 14. Court Petitions et. al., 1927 Briefs,petitions, papers in Norfolk Superior Court, papers in U.S. Supreme Court, Box 21, 1927
  15. 15. Files of Arthur D. Hill Correspondence et. al., 1925-1927, n.d., Box 22

Physical Location

Harvard Depository

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Harvard Law School has no correspondence relating to a donor of this particular group of Sacco-Vanzetti papers, nor any reference as to dates when these papers were presented to the school. It has been suggested that the defense's papers were turned over to the school by the late professor Merrick Dodd, or by Fred H. Moore, counsel for the defense, and that the prosecution's papers were given to the school by Dudley P. Ranney, Assistant District Attorney.

Existence and Location of Copies

The Sacco-Vanzetti Case Files is available on microfilm; see the HOLLIS record for more information.

Researchers are required to use the microfilm copy of the collection.

Related Material:

  1. Sacco-Vanzetti Trial Newspaper Clippings, April-November 1927 (Hollis 4395371)
  2. Newspaper articles on the Sacco-Vanzetti trial and execution (Hollis 14675218)

Materials in the Art Collection on Sacco-Vanzetti

Foldered materials:
  1. 1. bullet shell
  2. 2. "Sacco's cap" (presented to the Harvard Law Library as such,but is not authentic)
  3. 3. Box containing 4 guns
  4. 4. Box containing bullets

Processing Information

Processed in 1969.
Link to catalog

Subjects

Related Names

Administrative Information

Title
Sacco-Vanzetti Case Records, 1920-1928: Finding Aid.
Author
Harvard Law School Library, Cambridge, MA 02138
Language of description
und
EAD ID
law00030

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Harvard Law School Library, Historical & Special Collections Repository

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Harvard Law School Library's Historical & Special Collections (HSC) collects, preserves, and makes available research materials for the study of the law and legal history. HSC holds over 8,000 linear feet of manuscripts, over 100,000 rare books, and more than 70,000 visual images.

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