Condemned: Inside the Sing Sing Death House

Remains

From Autopsy Report by M.S.Misielewicz,May 19,1960: The body is that of a well developed, muscular, colored male about 33 years of age. The body lies on the table in the usual position after execution . The head is back, the mouth is open, the eyes are staring and the right leg is drawn up about half-flexion. There are the usual seared marks revealing 2nd and 3rd degree burns on the dorsal part of the neck, and 2nd and 3rd degree burns on the dorsal part of the right knee. The right eye is missing. There is an operative scar in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. Also, there is an operative scar of an old skin graft, donor area, measuring about 3 X 7 inches on the upper right thigh. Western Union telegram,collect,May 20,1960, toWarden Denno from Buffalo: SORRY TO ADVISE FAMILY IS FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO HANDLE BURIAL. THANK YOU. SIGNED MRS FLORENCE FLAKES. Remains From Autopsy Report,March 1,1951,11:15 P.M. (following electrocution at 11:02 P.M.): BRAIN: The brain weighed 1270 grams and is normal on sectioning . The brain and brain stem failed to show any pathology . On examination, the base and ball of the skull was stripped down and failed to show any significant remnant of a fracture. The dura is of normal color and thickness over the convexity. The cerebellum seen from the posterior surfaces is opaque and greyish in color. It has a boiled appearance. The whole brain is uncomfortably warm to the touch. 134 C O N D E M N E D Typical telegram from the warden to the family of the deceased,reporting death Remains 135 Eddie Lee Mays was the last person,the 695th,electrocuted by NewYork State. Personal Property Left Behind by Inmate Ethel Rosenberg, #110–510: 1 Jar “Mum” 9 Commissary receipts 4 Note books (small) 2 Note books (very small) 1 Plastic soap box 1 Small can talcum powder 2 Powder puffs 1 Plastic bag (small) 1 Box face powder 1 Lip stick 3 Small combs 3 Barettes 1 Emory board 1. Six hard covered books 2. One soft covered book “They Shall Not Die” 3. Two soft covered books of songs 4. Webster’s dictionary—hard cover 5. Two soft covered books, one French and one English 6. One soft covered book,“Give Us Your Hand” Segal 7. Carton marked with label saying:“Legal papers and clippings” 8. Hard backed photo class of ’38 P.S. 70 9. Shoe box of letters (from children, relatives), also telegrams, letters from Death House, Julius & Ethel Rosenberg 10. Carton with label saying:“Cards, receipts, old letters” 11. Manila Envelopes containing copies of “National Guardian” and “Jewish Life” (3) 12. Three candy boxes of newspaper clippings 13. Ten loose leaf page note books in a carton 14. Two hard covered note books 15. Carton containing: 2 nylon stockings, 1 lyle stockings, 1 tandress, 2 bras, 2 woolie pants, 6 sox 16. One small white box of clothing 17. Small box of hankies 18. One box tan sandals /s/ Thomas M. Farley, Chief Deputy For WILLIAM A. CARROLL, US MARSHAL, SDNY 136 C O N D E M N E D Personal Property Left Behind by Inmate Julius Rosenberg, #110–649: 1. July 4th, 1951 copy of Declaration of Independence 2. Cardboard with 6 of children’s pictures 3. 8 Photos of children in small folder 4. Two pictures of Ethel cut from newspapers 5. 1953 Calendar 6. 1 box containing commissary receipts 7. 1 box of letters 8. Bags containing other letters and greeting cards received 9. Records and various legal papers on appeal, etc. 10. Complete file of National Guardian 11. Material published from Committee to Secure Justice 12. Jewish Life Magazines 13. Boxes of newspaper clippings on his case 14. His book of letters both in English and French 15. One copy of French newspaper with his story in serial form 16. A complete listing of each and every visit with Ethel, Family and Lawyer 17. A complete accounting of monies received and spent 18. 7 personal books hardcover 19. Various papers and memoranda /S/ Thomas M. Farley, Chief Deputy For WILLIAM A. CARROLL, US MARSHAL, SDNY Remains 137 ...