CARYL CHESMAN (1921 - 1960) Convicted robber and rapist who gained fame as a death row inmate in California. His case attracted worldwide attention and helped propel the movement to ban capital punishment. Chessman's memoirs became bestsellers while he and ignited a worldwide movement to spare his life while he avoided eight execution deadlines. A last minute stay arrived too late as the warden received the call - misdialed the first time - after gas had already started to flood the gas chamber. Fine content T.L.S. 3pp. 4to. San Quentin May 6 1954 to California Gov. Goodwin Knight. Chessman poignantly seeks a reprieve in part: ""...If forfeiting my life would undo those crimes...I would die willingly. But it won't Governor...And vengeance is a futile thing. I know...there was tragedy in my life...I never got even Governor. Neither will society if it takes my life May 14...you don't know [if I'm innocent]...grant me the 91-day reprieve I seek I am positive...[I] can bring you convincing evidence that I am not the 'red light' bandit...I have begged for a lie detector test.I ask that you authorize one...subject me to a thorough psychiatric evaluation...I have a meaningful literary future...I can make up for the past..."". Chessman lists his literary works and suggests that the monies earned could be used for education of the needy. He closes expressing his faith that the governor will grant his request. Very good.