To Mr. R. J. Oglesby, Governor of Illinois: Anent the fact that the progressive and liberty-loving portion of the American people are endeavoring to prevail upon you to interpose prerogative in my case, I feel impelled to declare, with my friend and comrade Parsons, that I demand either liberty or death. If you are really a servant of the people according to the constitution of the country, then you will, by virtue of your office unconditionally release me. Referring to the general and inalienable rights of men. I have called upon the disinherited and oppressed masses to oppose the force of their oppressors--exercised by armed enforcement of infamous laws, enacted in the interest of capital--with force, in order to attain a dignified and manly existence by securing the full returns of their labor. This--and only this--is the "crime" which was proved against me, notwithstanding the employment of perjured testimony on the part of the State. And this crime is guaranteed not only as a right, but as a duty, by the American constitution, the representative of which you are supposed to be in the State of Illinois. But if you are not the representative of the constitution, like the great majority of officeholders, a mere tool of the monopolists or a specific political clique, you will not encroach upon the thirst for blood displayed by the executioner, because a mere mitigation of the verdict would be cowardice, and a proof that the ruling classes which you represent are themselves abashed at the monstrosity of my condemnation, and consequently, of their own violation of the most sacred rights of the people. Your decision in that event will not only judge me, but also yourself and those whom you represent. Judge then! Cook County Jail, 30, 10, '87. LOUIS LINNG. P. S.--In order to be sure that this letter will come to your official notice, I will send you the original manuscript as a registered letter. L. L. CHAPTER XII. FIELDEN PENITENT. HIS LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR. SPIES' LAST LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY. WILLING TO DIE FOR HIS COMRADES. FIELDEN SUES FOR MERCY. Fielden's letter is as follows: CHICAGO, Ill., Nov. 5, 1887.--_The Hon. Richard J. Oglesby, Governor State of Illinois_--SIR: I Samuel Fielden, a prisoner under sentence of death, and charged with complicity in the conspiracy to bring about the Haymarket massacre, pray your excellency for relief from the death sentence and respectfully beg your consideration of the following statement of facts: