Prisoner of War mail, by Ruggero Bacci, to Mrs. Minnie Bacci, September 26, 1941 - solo in inglese

This handwritten prisoner of war mail in Italian, was sent by Ruggero Bacci, and is addressed to his wife Minnie Bacci, on September 26, 1941.

Internee Bacci writes to his wife that he is sorry to hear about the ill health of her father, noting his advanced age. He also expresses confusion over the response of his "padrone" from whom he seems to have requested help. Apparently this person claims to be unable to assist. The "patron" noted may be Massimo Iacopo Magi, also active at the fascio and his employer at the Florentine Lighting Company -- see LICEA2012.0002.0035. Bacci tells his wife to use discretion in future conversations with "the patron".

Bacci also writes that he has heard nothing about his case. He asks his wife and sons to write frequently to remind the authorities of his internment and unjust suffering. He also reminds her not to waste money on lawyers and others who pretend to have influence. Bacci claims to have done no harm and never to have had any such intentions. He notes that he was born and will die an Italian, but loves, and always will, his adopted country. He does not think it is inherently disloyal but rather claims it is a "sacred duty" for all Italians -- to be proud of their ancestry and loyal to their adopted country.

Bacci was interned for almost three years. In his absence, his wife Erminia (Minnie) suffered a serious nervous breakdown and was hospitalized at length. Bacci's oldest son Aldo was forced to quit high school to help support the family. When his father was released and returned home, Aldo received notice that he was conscripted into the Canadian Army; however, he did not serve overseas.

This document forms part of a collection of documents and other materials on loan by the Bacci family.