Schlesinger Library

Box 00 W. Concord, Mass April 3, 1964

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Forgot to mention yesterday what brought me much pleasure and means such a great deal still: your warm Easter wishes. God love you for that and thank you indeed, brave friend---yes, in consideration of the record, it requires a little bravery and maybe then some to support this heretofore rather erratic tilter at windmills over the years. If now the windmills are more in line with things which need to be done, and toward which we may dredge up what it takes in terms of energy and dedication, then of course it's about time.

As you would understand, all of us here who know him are deeply gratified at Joe Flaherty's good fortune. He made a fine struggle and deserves a chance, and will certainly in my opinion do credit to those who have confidence in him -- which is only as it should be anyway. It was my privilege to have met Joe's fiancee, Fran Mckearney-- and I can recall still with admiration the quality of realness about her, a kind of solidity Joe needed and reacted to so well. Yes, I'm very happy for both of them. May the future write: and they lived happily ever after.

Now off to AA. Our lads have been speaking up in rotation in recent months and doing a good job of it. If we could only lasso them to a tree out there and keep them out once released, we might take a few bows; but hopefully, that will come later. Meanwhire, we are doing the best we can in the circumstances, particularly our excellent steering committee and several of the rank and file. The are still ribbing me about being among those present in church Easter Sunday, so I expect to surprise them and continue attendance from now on.

Good evening and good wishes.

Love

Jim Kerrigan