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Clarence Darrow Signature

The Clarence Darrow Letters

Eugene Debs to Clarence Darrow, February 1, 1922

In 1918 Eugene Debs was convicted of violating the Espionage Act because of his opposition to World War I. He was sentenced to 10 years in the Federal Penitentiary in Atlanta. Clarence Darrow worked on getting Debs pardoned or his sentence commuted. Republican President Warren G. Harding commuted Debs' sentence to time served and he was released on December 25, 1921. Harding's Attorney General Harry M. Dougherty was instrumental in obtaining the commutation. Theodore was Eugene Debs' brother.


Click on the image to view as a PDF. A transcription of the letter is on the right.

Office of
Theodore Debs
Terre Haute, Ind.
February 1st, 1922.




My dear Clarence Darrow:

Please let me thank you for Mrs. Debs and myself and all of my family for your beautiful telegram on my release and for the many other loving and inspiring words you uttered and the substantial services you rendered during my imprisonment, all of which will be gratefully remembered to the last of my days. I shall not attempt to tell you in what esteem I hold your precious friendship. You have served me and mine with heart and hand and we shall be happy if we may ever reciprocate in service your kindness and devotion. Mrs. Debs and I send you and Mrs. Darrow and all of your family all loving greetings and best wishes, in which Theodore and his wife join us with all their hearts. Believe me always, Yours faithfully,

Eugene V. Debs




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