Blood in the Water
Page 76
28. S. Thran, “Attica Coverage Sloppy, Incomplete,” St. Louis Journalism Review 2, no. 7 (December 1971), 5.
29. Edmond Pinto, “The Attica Report: An AP News Special,” Dorothy Schiff Papers, Box 4, New York Public Library.
30. Ibid.
31. Ibid.
32. Ibid.
33. J. Linstead, “Attica/Where Media Went Wrong,” Chicago Journalism Review 4, no. 11 (November 1971), 9.
34. Levin and Garrett, “Attica Chronology,” Draft, New York Post, Dorothy Schiff Papers, Box 4, New York Public Library.
35. Dorothy Schiff, Internal Memorandum to Paul Sann, Subject: “Our 45-page Attica ‘Chronology,’ ” Dorothy Schiff Papers, Box 4, New York Public Library.
36. Ibid.
37. Dorothy Schiff, Note to Paul Sann, Subject: “Attica Prisoners,” November 26, 1971, Dorothy Schiff Papers, Box 4, New York Public Library.
38. Isaacs, “Attica Report: Whose Credibility Is in question?,” as reproduced and referred to during hearings: House of Representatives, 92nd Cong., 2nd sess., Congressional Record 118 (September 13, 1972), 30549.
39. Michael A. Baden and Judith Adler Hennessee, Unnatural Death: Confessions of a Medical Examiner (New York: Random House, 1989), 211.
40. McKay Report, 461.
41. Baden and Hennessee, Unnatural Death, 211.
42. Ibid.
43. Ibid.
44. Ibid.
45. Edland Memorandum to Howe, September 22, 1971.
46. Ibid.
47. Ibid.
48. Baden and Hennessee, Unnatural Death, 212.
49. A Dr. Muhtseen Veznedaroglu also conducted one of the autopsies, that of a hostage, but it is unclear whether he too was at this meeting. See: McKay Report, 458. Regarding the meeting, see: Edland Memorandum to Howe, September 22, 1971.
50. Edland Memorandum to Howe, September 22, 1971.
51. Baden and Hennessee, Unnatural Death, 212.
52. Ibid.
53. Ibid., 213.
54. In 2012 when this author and filmmaker Christine Christopher began reexamining the death of L. D. Barkley they asked Dr. Gene Richard Abbott, the pathologist who originally autopsied Barkley, to review the records again in light of Baden’s claim. Unequivocally Abbott said that there is no way, based on the evidence in this autopsy and his original study of that body, that this was a “tumbling” or accidental shot.
55. McCandlish Phillips, “Prison Chaplain at Guards Funeral, Asks Separate Facility for Revolutionaries,” New York Times, September 17, 1971.
56. Letter to Dr. Edland, undated and unsigned, John Edland Personal Files, in author’s possession.
57. Lawrence Van Gelder, “Worst Day of My Life,” New York Times, September 15, 1971.
58. As quoted in: Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,” 18.
59. See examples of how this story was also picked up around the country: Holland Evening Sentinel (Holland, Michigan), September 17, 1971, and Coshocton Tribune (Coshocton, Ohio), September 17, 1971.
60. William Farrell, “Rockefeller Lays Hostages’ Deaths to Troopers Fire,” New York Times, September 17, 1971.
61. “Amnesty: Governor Contradicted,” New York Post, September 15, 1971. Also see: Nelson Rockefeller, Press Conference Transcript, September 15, 1971. Printed reports and studies, 1955–1958, 1975–1982, New York (State), Governor, B0294-82, Container 1, New York State Archives, Albany, New York, 68–71.
62. Nelson Rockefeller, draft of speech for New York State County Officers’ Assoc. Annual Banquet, Monticello, New York, September 16, 1971, Canceled. Also see: Persico, Memorandum to the Governor, Subject: “County Officers Speech, September 16, 1971,” September 15, 1971. Both in: Nelson A. Rockefeller gubernatorial records, Speeches, Series 33, New York (State), Governor (1959–1973: Rockefeller), Rockefeller, Nelson A. (Nelson Aldrich), Record Group 15, Box 85, Folder 3465, Rockefeller Archive Center, Sleepy Hollow, New York.
63. Len Katz, New York Daily News Internal Memo, Dorothy Schiff Papers, Box 4, New York Public Library.
64. Nelson Rockefeller, Statement to Press following Edland revelations, Transcript, in: Bernard S. Meyer, Final Report of the Special Attica Investigation, October 27, 1975, New York State Archives.
65. James A. Wechsler, “A Superb Job?,” New York Post, September 17, 1971, Willoughby Abner Collection, Box 16, Folders 16–27, Walter Reuther Library.
66. Ibid.
67. Frank Lynn, “Lindsay Criticizes Governor on Attica,” New York Times, September 18, 1971, Dorothy Schiff Papers, Box 4, New York Public Library.
68. Ibid.
69. Philip D. Carter, “High Officials Absent as Attica Buries Hostages,” Washington Post, September 16, 1971.
70. Ann Driscoll, Testimony, Attica Task Force Hearing, May 9–10, 2002, 146.
71. Carter, “High Officials Absent as Attica Buries Hostages.”
72. Ibid.
73. Joseph Lelyveld, “Findings Shock Families of Hostages,” New York Times, September 15, 1971.
74. Francis X. Clines, “Attica Residents Inclined to Doubt Autopsy Findings,” New York Times, September 17, 1971.
26. FUNERALS AND FALLOUT
1. Francis X. Clines, “Attica Residents Inclined to Doubt Autopsy Findings,” New York Times, September 17, 1971.
2. David Shipler, “Lack of Data on Inmates’ Fates Scored by Prisoners’ Families,” New York Times, September 15, 1971.
3. “Racial Strife Is Hinted in Attica Prison Violence,” Hayward, California, The Daily Review, September 14, 1971.
4. Howard Coles, WSAY Radio Program, CD #23, Howard Coles Collection, Rochester Museum and Science Center, Rochester, New York.
5. Jack Slater, “Three Profiles in Courage,” Ebony, March 1973.
6. Traycee Barkley, sister of slain Attica inmate L. D. Barkley, conversation with author, Rochester, New York, July 14, 2011.
7. Slater, “Three Profiles in Courage.”
8. Barbara Campbell, Inmates’ Kin Critical: For Families of Inmates, Word Is Late,” New York Times, September 18, 1971.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. As quoted in a publication authored by James A. Hudson, Slaughter at Attica: The Complete Inside Story (New York: Lopez Publication, 1971). Copy in the personal archives of Jamie Valone.
12. Campbell, “Inmates Kin Critical.”
13. Vincent Mancusi, Western Union Telegram, to John Edland September 17, 1971, John Edland Personal Files, in author’s possession.
14. Listing of where bodies were to go: John Edland Personal Files, in author’s possession.
15. Illegible, possibly “Hawk,” Memo to Mancusi, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, Box 84, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.
16. “The Attica Prisoners’ Statement,” Georgia Straight 5, Perkins Bostock Library, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, p. 17.
17. Murray Schumach, “Slain Attica Leader Is Eulogized,” New York Times, September 20, 1971.
18. Ibid.
19. “Remember Attica, Remember Attica, Remember Attica,” Memorial Service of Slain Attica Inmates, Franklin Florence Papers, Box 7b, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, University of Rochester Library, Rochester, New York; Schumach, “Slain Attica Leader Is Eulogized.”
20. Eric Pace, “Another Attica Prisoner Dies, Bringing Toll to 42,” New York Times, September 26, 1971.
21. Ibid.
22. Ibid.
23. Ibid.
24. “Blacks Here Have Plans to Bury Any Bodies Unclaimed at Attica,” New York Times, September 19, 1971.
25. “Attica Dead Honored, Families Aided at Apollo Benefit Headlined by Aretha Franklin and Sponsored by Urban League,” New York Amsterdam News, December 25, 1971, B8.
26. “Cornell University Students Collect $700.00,” New York Amsterdam News, December 25, 1971, B7.
27. “Attica Fund Gives $1,964 to Families,” Democrat and Chronicle (Ro
chester, New York), November 7, 1971.
28. “Fact Sheet #2 from Attica,” Attica guard newsletter, September 16, 1971, Lieutenant H. Steinbaugh Papers, in author’s possession; “Thank You from Families,” full-page ad in the Attica Pennysaver, September 29, 1971, Lieutenant H. Steinbaugh Papers, in author’s possession.
29. “Thank You from Families.”
30. Philip D. Carter, “High Officials Absent as Attica Buries Hostages,” Washington Post, September 16, 1971.
31. McCandlish Phillips, “Prison Chaplain at Guards Funeral, Asks Separate Facility for Revolutionaries,” New York Times, September 17, 1971.
32. “Guard’s Burial Delayed,” New York Times, September 17, 1971
33. “6 Attica Hostages Buried: Families Are Not Present,” New York Times, September 19, 1971.
34. David K. Shipler, “Guards Come from Afar,” New York Times, September 18, 1971.
35. “Fact Sheet #2 from Attica.”
36. Shipler, “Guards Come from Afar.”
37. Ibid.
38. McCandlish Phillips, “Tragedy Weighs Heavy on Townsmen,” New York Times, September 15, 1971.
39. Phillips, “Prison Chaplain at Guards Funeral, Asks Separate Facility for Revolutionaries.”
40. “A Guard Dies, Raising the Attica Toll to 43,” New York Times, October 10, 1971.
41. William M. Kunstler, Letter to Mrs. Ann Valone, October 26, 1971, Mrs. Ann Valone Papers.
42. Ibid.
43. Ibid.
44. Ibid.
45. Ibid.
46. Ibid.
47. “Oswald Pays Visit to Attica Widows,” Courier Express (Buffalo, New York), November 16, 1971, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.
48. June Fargo, Testimony, Attica Task Force Hearing, May 9–10, 2002, Rochester, New York 23–24.
49. Ibid.
27. PRODDING AND PROBING
1. Herman Schwartz, Personal Diary, September 12, 19, 24, 1971. In author’s possession.
2. Schwartz, Personal Diary, September 12, 19, 24, 1971.
3. “Lawyers to Meet Attica Prisoners,” New York Times, September 17, 1971.
4. Schwartz, Personal Diary, September 12, 19, 24, 1971.
5. State of New York, Executive Chamber, Press Release, September 14, 1971, Nelson A. Rockefeller gubernatorial records, Press Office, Series 25, New York (State), Governor (1959–1973: Rockefeller), Record Group 15, Box 49, Folder 1066, Rockefeller Archive Center, Sleepy Hollow, New York.
6. Annette T. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975,” Pamphlet, Charter Group for a Pledge of Conscience, New York City, December 1975.
7. Schwartz, Personal Diary, September 12, 19, 24, 1971.
8. Richard A. Fowler, Bureau of Staff Development, “Summary and Evaluation of the Monitoring Operation at Attica State Correctional Facility from 9/14/71 to 11/12/71,” Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, Box 84, New York State Archives, Albany, New York. Also see: “Fact Sheet #2 from Attica,” September 16, 1971, Lieutenant H. Steinbaugh Papers.
9. Schwartz, Personal Diary, September 12, 19, 24, 1971.
10. Goldman Panel to Protect Prisoners’ Constitutional Rights, Report, New York State Archives.
11. Ibid.
12. James D. Bradley, MD, Letter to Russell Oswald, November 17, 1971, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 15855-90, Box 84, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.
13. Dr. Lionel Sifontes, Interview by FBI agents Vincent Plumpton Jr. and Sylvester B. Smith, October 20, 1971, FOIA request #110797 of the New York State Attorney General’s Office, FOIA p. 000053.
14. Ibid., FOIA p. 000054.
15. Ibid.
16. Ibid., FOIA p. 000056.
17. As quoted in Jeremy Levenson, “Shreds of Humanity.” Also see: original data in: Goldman Panel to Protect Prisoners’ Constitutional Rights, Report, New York State Archives.
18. McKay Report, 464.
19. Richard A. Fowler, Bureau of Staff Development, “Summary and Evaluation of the Monitoring Operation at Attica State Correctional Facility from 9/14/71 to 11/12/71,” New York State Archives, 7.
20. “Two Groups Term State Attica Panels ‘Whitewash’ Units,” New York Times, October 4, 1971, Dorothy Schiff Papers, Box 4, New York Public Library.
21. Austin MacCormick, Letter to Nelson Rockefeller, December 2, 1971, Nelson A. Rockefeller gubernatorial records, Ann C. Whitman, Gubernatorial, Series 35, Whitman, Ann, New York (State), Governor (1959–1973: Rockefeller), Record Group 4, Box 13, Folder 283, Rockefeller Archive Center, Sleepy Hollow, New York.
22. Ibid.
23. Goldman Panel to Protect Prisoners’ Constitutional Rights, Report, New York State Archives, 4–5, 10–11, 12.
24. Rubenstein, “Attica, 1971–1975.”
25. Goldman Panel to Protect Prisoners’ Constitutional Rights, Report, New York State Archives, 18.
28. WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?
1. James Foreman, Postscript, The Making of Black Revolutionaries: A Personal Account (Washington, D.C.: Open Hand Publishing, 1985).
2. Angela Y. Davis, “Lessons: From Attica to Soledad,” New York Times, October 8, 1971.
3. John Darnton, “Nixon Repeats Support for Governor’s Action,” New York Times, September 17, 1971; Barry Straus, “March Commemorates Prisoners; Mayor Refuses Permit for Paraders,” Cornell Daily Sun 87, no. 12 (September 17, 1971); Daniel Margulis, “Cornell Students Demonstrate,” Cornell Daily Sun 87, no. 10 (September 15, 1971).
4. Richard Phalon, “800 in Albany Protest the Attica Assault,” New York Times, September 24, 1971.
5. Ibid.
6. “Demonstrators in Albany Oppose Attica ‘Massacre,’ ” The Cornell Daily Sun 87, no. 17 (September 24, 1971); Phalon, “800 in Albany Protest the Attica Assault.”
7. Rockefeller, Deposition, Meyer Commission, August 8, 1975, 8746, FOIA request #110818, FOIA p. 000550.
8. Russell G. Oswald, Commissioner, Department of Correctional Services, Memorandum to Nelson A. Rockefeller, Governor, Subject: “Activities Report—December 16, 1971–January 14, 1972,” January 19, 1972, Nelson A. Rockefeller gubernatorial records, Departmental Reports, Series 28, New York (State), Governor (1959–1973: Rockefeller), Record Group 15, Box 2, Folder 32, Rockefeller Archive Center, Sleepy Hollow, New York.
9. Rockefeller, Deposition, Meyer Commission, August 8, 1975, 8746, FOIA request #110818, FOIA p. 000550.
10. Russell G. Oswald, Commissioner, Department of Correctional Services, Memorandum to Nelson A. Rockefeller, Governor, Subject: “Activities Report, February 10, 1972 through March 10, 1972,” Nelson A. Rockefeller gubernatorial records, Departmental Reports, Series 28, New York (State), Governor (1959–1973: Rockefeller), Record Group 15, Box 2, Folder 32, Rockefeller Archive Center, Sleepy Hollow, New York.
11. “3 Held in Protest Against Governor,” New York Times, December 15, 1971.
12. Phalon, “800 in Albany Protest the Attica Assault.”
13. John Darton, “Protesters Staging Rallies as Prison Dispute Widens,” New York Times, September 16, 1971.
14. Ibid.
15. “Teach-Ins on Prison Set for 28 College Campuses,” New York Times, October 5, 1971.
16. John Darnton, “Protests Mount, Prayers Offered,” New York Times, September 18, 1971.
17. Eric Pace, “ ‘Sick’ Crank Calls Harass Widows of Attica Guards,” New York Times, September 29, 1971.
18. Official Call Log, Headquarters, New York State Police, Albany, September 9, 1971, 6:30 p.m.
19. Ibid., September 10, 1971, 10:43 p.m.
20. Murray Schumach, “Unfounded Rumors Still Cause Fear and Uncertainty at Attica,” New York Times, September 18, 1971.
21. Murray Schumach, “Memories of Riot Are Evident as Attica Village Board Meets,” New York Times, Se
ptember 25, 1971.
22. Official Call Log, Headquarters, New York State Police, Albany, September 9, 1971, 2:45 p.m.
23. Oswald, Memorandum to Rockefeller, Subject: “Activities Report—November 1, 1971–December 15, 1971,” Nelson A. Rockefeller, Gubernatorial. Series 28. Departmental Reports. Department of Correction, 1960, 1963–1964, 1970–1971. Record Group 15, Series 28. Box 2. Folder 31. Rockefeller Archive Center. Sleepy Hollow, New York.
24. Herman Schwartz, Personal Diary, September 12, 19, 24, 1971.
25. Oswald, Memorandum to Rockefeller, Subject: “Activities Report—October 1, 1971–October 31, 1971,” Rockefeller Archive Center.
26. Peg Savage Gray, “1971 Prison Disturbances,” April 20, 1972, Report compiled for the Select Committee on Crime, House of Representatives, Congress of the United States, Investigation and interview files, 1971–1972, New York (State), Special Commission on Attica, 159855-90, Box 90, New York State Archives, Albany, New York.
27. Ibid.; Alton Slagle, “Medic: Guns Killed Hostages,” New York Daily News, September 15, 1971.
28. Gray, “1971 Prison Disturbances.”
29. Ibid.
30. “N.Y. Guards Threaten to Lock Cells,” Washington Post, September 23, 1971.
31. Gray, “1971 Prison Disturbances.”
32. Ibid.
33. Howard K. Smith, “Riot Occurred Earlier This Week,” CBS Evening News, September 24, 1971.
34. Jerry Wurf, AFSCME President, “Attica,” The Public Employee, October 1971, Willoughby Abner Collection, Box 16, Folder 16-27, Walter Reuther Library, 2.
35. Ibid.
36. “AFSCME Demands Reforms in N.Y. Prisons—NOW!!,” The Public Employee, October 1971, Willoughby Abner Collection, Box 16, Folders 16–27, Walter Reuther Library, 8; Wurf, “Attica,” 2.
37. Bill Hamilton, AFSCME Public Affairs Director, “We Tried to Tell Them but Got No Response,” The Public Employee, October 1971, Willoughby Abner Collection, Box 16, Folder 16-27, Walter Reuther Library, 8.
38. Russell G. Oswald, Commissioner, Department of Correctional Services, Memorandum to Nelson A. Rockefeller, Governor, Subject: “Activities Report, February 10, 1972, through March 10, 1972,” Rockefeller Archive Center.