Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: A-F, 1949-1971. A-71, folder 591. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

[n.d.]

3. Tavis Davis

Negro prisoner - now serving a 10 year sentence at [forestry camp?] in South [Conn?]. I met him at Norfolk Prison where he was a member of the Unity Committee, [composed?] of 23 Negros and one white prisoner Jim Kerrigan co - founder of the Self Development Group [?] endorsed.

Tavis is 40 years old. His offense breaking into a liquor store and steeling 2 [?] of liquor

March 4, 1969

Dr. Miriam (Van) Waters 14 Clark Street Framingham, Massachusetts

My Dear. Friend Miriam:

Recieved your most welcome letter this evening and was as always happy to here from you. but most of all iam happy to know that you are fine and in good health. as always,

Please don't get me wrong but were you ever able to find your book? the one you said you were going to send me?,

Yes i mention in my last letter that i received a letter from Mr. Flaschner last Friday and he assured me that he would be up to see me on the 13th. of this Month which is next thursday. you know i will be very happy to meet him. yes i will explain the whole story to him and i feel that he will be able to help me with my situation,

This is my reason for thanking you (My friend) because without you this wouldn't have came about please try to understand that all the help that you give me will never be forgotten. never this you can believe when i say this. from the bottom of my heart i really mean it,

Iam not to warried about you coming up to visit me because i realize your circumstances. just you wait until the weather is better. please don't take any un-neccessary chances. itold Taylor what you said. and i guess that he will act as soon as possible,

Love. Your Friend With love and (esteem) For ever

Tavis Davis P.O. Box 43 Norfolk, Massachusetts 02056

[right margin] Mr. Franklin Flaschner attorney - has volunteered to help Mr. Davis Mrs. [Flasher?] was assistent to Claude Crass in his Van Waters - case

Negro

member of the Ethnic Committee

Sunday 8:20 am 3-28-71

P.O Box 207 South Carver Mass, 02566

Dear friend Miriam Received your sweet letter and was as always was happy too know that you are fine.

Yes I will forward too meeting your friend when she come up. I know that you would come up if you were able. So I'm greatful that you are sending her up. Yes I will finish up my sentence next year but I still feel that maybe the Board will give me a chance this year then if not they will just have too for get about me, because it would surely be stupid of me to take a Parole

2

Which I have too admit is a good temptation, brutal I have said when you have done so much time as I have in going on five years, and you have maybe six or seven months too go then you have too think seriously before you make that final decision, which Perhaps you will be sorry for later on in life especially if you are in a position which can causes you heart aches, this I don't need. Never,

Speaking of vacation well I guess I will take one but maybe first I will make sure that I have my self a good job. how ever as hard as jobs are too find now days I can't say only time will

(3)

answer that question, when did you say Richard & his family will be up too spend some time with you? It's nice to know that he is interested in his work, which is the best way because it is the only way for one too accomplished what he have in mind, as long as he took good care of his family which is first, no I have no secrets. Not that important you can feel free too ask me anything that you wish I will answer this I promise you,

I will close for now Your friend Tood with love + (Esteem) always,