REAGAN, Ronald. Autograph draft signed ("Ronald") as Governor of California, to Dr Myron C. Cole, [Sacramento, CA.], 2 May 1967. 1 page, 8vo (8 3/8 x 4¾ in.), secretary's notations in upper margin, in fine condition.

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REAGAN, Ronald. Autograph draft signed ("Ronald") as Governor of California, to Dr Myron C. Cole, [Sacramento, CA.], 2 May 1967. 1 page, 8vo (8 3/8 x 4¾ in.), secretary's notations in upper margin, in fine condition.

"WE ARE DIVIDED ON THE ISSUE OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT"

An interesting letter, written by Reagan shortly after taking office as California's Governor, in which he responds to a minister who criticized his refusal to save a convict on death row. On 11 April, large crowds gathered outside Reagan's house in Sacramento to protest the new governor's refusal to grant clemency to Aaron Mitchell. Mitchell was accused of killing a Sacramento police officer and the guilty verdict brought a prompt sentence of death. Reagan decided to refuse clemency on the night before the execution, but the conclusion, made in the midst of Supreme Court hearings concerning the constitutionality of capital punishment, had been a difficult one (see L. Cannon, President Reagan, p. 444). On April 12, Mitchell was executed at San Quentin.

Here, Reagan responds to Cole's criticism of his decision: "I appreciate your letter more than I can say even if we are divided on the issue of Capital Punishment. Believe me my soul searching has been prolonged and in depth. My decision as I'm sure you know was not an easy one but is one of honest conviction. Please don't think it's based on lack of compassion because that is definitely not so. But even if I believed otherwise I'd feel bound by the laws of this state & my responsibility to base clemency or the refusal of it on the case & not my personal philosophy. I'd be grateful for your prayers in what are going to be some lonely moments."

Mitchell's execution was the only one carried out in California during Reagan's two terms as Governor.

Provenance: Kenneth Rendell, 1985.