Schlesinger Library

[Stamped]CENSORED SEP 2 1965 CORRESPONDENCE DEPT M. C. I WALPOLE[Stamped]

September 1, 1965 Box #100 S. Walpole, Mass.

Dr. Miriam Van Waters 14 Clark Road Framingham, Mass.

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Life sometimes takes strange twists and it certainly has for me during the past year.

Two years ago, as a member of the Marlboro Junior Chamber of commerce, I promoted and chairmaned a fund raising drive in behalf of a very worthy cause - Muscular Dystrophy. At that time I had the pleasure of meeting and working with members of the Framingham Chapter MDAA including yourself. Perhaps you now still recall or remember me.

Today I am incarcerated at Walpole State Prison. I made a grave mistake, I was convicted for counterfeiting, and I'm currently serving a 4-7 year term.

Being an outstanding penologist for many years, you fully understand what prison life is like. As for myself, adjusting to the life of an "inmate" has not been easy, especially since this marks the first time that I have ever been in trouble. However, I cannot escape the fact that I'm here and I must make the best of it.

Meanwhile, my first concern is that of keeping my family together. As you probably know, the State operates three forestry camps where certain prisoners are assinged to serve out their time. These camps offer greater visitation privileges than Walpole. This is especially true where children are concerned.

I have three children and my wife is expecting another this month. I don't want to harm them or create any mental blocks by having them continue to visit me here at Walpole. The children are all quite young and I don't think seeing walls, guards, steel doors, etc., does them any good. Therefore, I am writing to you in hopes that you might help me in getting transferred to the forestry camp at Carver, Massachusetts, as soon as possible.

I want to thank you again for your kind attention to this letter, until I hear from you, I remain.

Sincerely yours

Joseph Gnerre

Jospeh T. Gnerre