Schlesinger Library

CENSORED JUN 25 1955 CORRESPONDENCE DEP'T M. S. P

Jun 25, 1955

Dear Friend

Thanks so much for your kind regards conveyed to me by Jim Kerrigan

These are very exciting days for the men over here, the Wessell report coupled with to follow up action by Gov Herley has been served to lift the spirit and moreale to a sigh level, a level which I have not felt for a long time. I really believe much good for all concerned will come from it.

It was nice to hear you all, succeeding

Box 100 Charlestown, Mass. March 31, 1955

Dr. Miriam Van Waters Box 99 Framingham, Mass.

Dear Dr. Van Waters

It was my pleasure recently to have read "Prisoners Are People." Throughout the reading I thought of you, of course, because besides Mr. Scudder and yourself, the prison world is without giants, prophets, persons of courage and genius --and--yes--common sense! Tom Paine was right after all. Common sense is still the big thing -- as Miriam Van Waters and Kenyon Scrudder demonstrate so beautifully day by day.

You know, Dr. Van Waters I think your wonderful philosophy and thought and experience should be made public property --in book form. You have so much to say that is lovely and right --and that needs to be said. We mustnot let the monsters afflict us with sadism forever. Mr. Scudder has delivered a grand salvo against them. It is brave and fine. But I look for another salvo, a shot to be "heard round the world," from Framingham Dear lady, I promise you I will sell ten thousand copies of the book myself --to loyal Democrats and thinking persons in the Commonwealth, for I believe, like all the greats, you are more that a dedicated pioneer for kindness--you are a poet.

Good wishes and God's blessings, ever.

Respectfully yours,

Jim Kerrigan

James Kerrigan

[Stamped]CENSORED APR 1 1955 COREESPONDENCE DEPT M. S. P[Stamped]

Box 100 Charlestown, Mass June 10, 1955

Dr. Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent Womens Reformatory Box 99 Framingham, Massachusetts

Dear Doctor Van Waters

May I extend greetings and good morning to you in behalf of the men and for myself. We think of you often here -- and of course in consequence of recent developments, we hope for the best for you and the girls there. These are indeed heartening days.

Well, Dr. Van Waters, now to the point of this espistle. Please do note be alarmed, for the subject is money -- for our Chapel altar at the new prison. It is to be purchased by the men themselves. We thought, however, that a contribution from you in the amount of one dollar would enrich the significance and meaning and warmth and beauty of the altar for us. You are and have been so long our gracious friend. So we left the last dollar up to you -- we have the rest. If you wish to go along with the idea, kindly address your dollar (and it is the only solicited dollar, I assure you -- also the one we shall love best) to our great friend and counsellor, Chaplain Kellett. Thank you very, very much.

We certainly hope you will have a free morning to visit us at the new prison, as we expect to take up residence there this fall. It shall make us feel like country cousins in a sense, we prospective farmers and your charges with their cows and gardens. The milk is pretty good, I must say. If I could only manage somehow to drink half as much at home, I should be far, far better off. But it is difficult to resist other beverages in the summer, in the winter, and in between. Thirst can be an awful affliction.

With all good wishes, ever, I remain

Respectfully yours

Jim Kerrigan

James Kerrigan

P.S My brother John is in population here again, and told me to be sure and convey to you his best regards. Al Ferranti went home, June 6. Oh, yes--Jimmy Cook, Gene Budd, and a couple of hundred others will hang me if I forget to mention their regards to you.

[Written in pen] 22 months in solitary Returns Gods blessings!

[Stamped] CENSORED JUNE 25 1955 CORRESPONDENCE DEPT M. S. P.

Box 100 Charlestown, Mass June 24, 1955

Dr. Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent Box 99 Framingham, Massachusetts

Dear Doctor Van Waters:

Congratulations and bravo on your stout address on "Sounding Board," from the Cape, last evening. The men listened and loved it.

Now, of course, you are extremely kind and dear to have written such a lovely letter to me. I thank you. I cherish your lines. You made me very happy.

July, then! Wonderful as can be. Gene Budd, Cookie, and all of us shall be on hand. I passed along your regards to the men and they were delighted. It shall be good to see you again.

Thank you for your contribution to Reverend Kellett for our Altar. I liked that so much what you said about it being one of your "richest experiences." You know, Dr. Van Waters, I fear I am reformed, at long last--still, I cannot help wondering if I could plead amnesia, or something, if I should go up to Framingham and steal you, as I certainly should like to, sometime. Forgive me.

I appreciate your kind remarks with reference to my poor writing. Perhaps if I were a couple of shades less lazy, I might get out some of the lines that need to be gotten out. I expect to keep at it for the balance of the year, anyway.

John is so grateful for your good wishes and concern. Yes, he is on the right track and shall remain there. Things are looking up for the other lads, too, and of course that's gratifying and as it should be.

We were all lifted by Wilton Vaugh's fine column in the Boston Post recently, in which Mr. Vaugh gave expression to the opinion of many that you ought to be the Commissioner under the new concept. That is also as it should be, since the "new" concept has been your philosophy, and practice (within the limits set by lately discredited persons) for a long, long time. May God hasten the day when the Governor so commissions you, for the sake of the proposed program.

Best always to you and yours.

Most respectfully,

Jim Kerrigan

P.S. I enclose some recent thoughts. REgards from everybody here. Be seeing you next month.

[written in red pencil]Return

June, 1955

[Written] With good wishes to a [??] lady, a precious friend and a wonderful wonderful person, Dr Miriam Van Waters of Framingham [Written]

Commencement Song

Lover, lover, the way is fraught With many a bauble madly sought And many a cry and counterplot Against your art.

Over the world what foils for you, What black turned white and what false turned true, What ancient alarms resound brand new Before you start.

Lover, lover, the rose is best, The rose of service that's Heaven-blessed, Better than--well, than all the rest That falls apart.

After Passing a Derelict

Lord, the afflictions all of us inherit, Let them be mine at once: I shall not cry, But not the beaten look, the broken spirit; Lord, I should rather die.

Suffered like Dismas leave me, lacerated, Reft to the heart and spat upon, a sight, (Cadaver-cold upon the cross and hated) But never beaten quite.

Dungeon Solilquy

Enemy, this hour is not forever; I count my chains and yield, But only til tomorrow, some tomorrow Upon another field.

Enemy, I pity you this moment, Yet ah not then, not them! Take every spoil and may God keep you kindly Until we meet again.

Jim Kerrigan