Schlesinger Library

[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

[Letterheaded]The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Dpeartment of Correction State Office Building Government Centre 100 Cambridge Street, Boston 02202

John A. Gavin. Commissioner

March 31, 1967

Dr. Miriam Van Waters 14 Clark Street Framingham, Massachussetts

Dear Doctor:

Received your letter regarding Raoul Larocque and noted its contents. Raoul is very well known to me, having had him at Walpole for several years and suffered through some of his episodes and given him repeated advice on improving himself. He poses a real problem in trying to get him a parole or discharge, as it invariably brings up his record of disciplinary actions, some of which were most serious.

There is little information I can give you at this time other than to say I intend to see him when I am next at Walpole, and hope that my interivew with him will indicate some path which can be followed to insure his return soon to the community. His family has been of little help, and he will need strict supervision at all times when he is given the opportunity for release.

No more than yourself my heart says one thing for Raoul but my commonsense dictates otherwise. However, I will be glad to talk to this young man and hope some solution is offered.

Sincerely yours,

John A. Gavin Commissioner

JAG/dh

Raoul Larocque

May 31. 67

Dearest Friend

I have received your letter also a letter from my mother and she wrote me a real wonderful letter and she was very sorry about my parole. She also got your letter thanks alot. I am now back in population and I had my radio given back to me. I feel a lot better.

I had a long talk with the priest and he had a talk with Mr Gavin the Commissioner and they both were a little upset over my parole upset. But the priest said that the Commissioner can get me a reconsideration a little later depending on my good record.