Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: G, 1965-1970. A-71, folder 597. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Richard Gingras

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Dear Dr Van Waters I received your letter of Christmas Eve today.

As my parents told you I was locked up because I was involved in fight with another inmate. I was locked up for Christmas & the following day I was given five days isolation & fifteen days lose of good time. But what meant the most to me was that I was moved from the minimum section which has a window in each cell to the maximum section, which has a window in each cell to the maximum section which has a very poor ventilation system. I can not understand why I should be made to suffer with a poor ventilation system when my lungs

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act up as a result.

As the program is set up here, it is a privilege to live in a cell with a window & after several months of waiting for such a cell, it can be taken from you for any infraction of a rule, such as fighting.

I have had two so called "infractions of the rules" since I have been liveing in the minimum section but one of them I never should have been locked up for. Two friends were about to fight when I jumped between them & told them to be wise & forget their differences but before they were apart one of the guards told all three of us to go to our rooms. This was cleared up when I seen the deputy,

only to be mentioned two weeks later when I was involved in the present scuffel.

I do not argue that I should have gone unpunished, for I was fighting. But I had asked that it be considered that I be given "room detention" rather than "Board Time" so that I would not loose my room with the window. Even if it would be 30 days "room detention" which is much greater than 5 days isolation. The deputy did however give me one consolation - he left the solid door of the "Board Cell" open so that I could breathe easily.

I have changed my atitude toward life to large extent, all for the better,

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in the past year I have learned to controle my temper so that I no longer get excited to any degree. I am very disapointed that this whole situation came about & resulted in the loss of my cell with the window. I was locked in for Christmas which in itself hurt a great deal as one thinks much more when he is shut in a room all alone & even more when its Christmas & he thinks of his family & loved ones.

This is why I asked my parents if they would call on you, but not solely. If you think I was being greedy I apologise

God Bless You Love Always Dick

[March 20, 1970]

Richard Gingras 111 Beacon Street Worcester, Mass.

Dear Miriam Many times I wanted to write but I did not want to disturb you knowing how sick you have been. It has been only recently that I found out you have been feeling much better.

I am planning to visit Framingham again real soon and I am hoping that you may be well enough that I may visit for a short time.

Much has happened in my life from the time I have been home, which I will fill you in on when I see you next. One thing I would like to tell you about now is that I visited Lyam School for Boys last month and I fell I may be able to help some of the boys from returning to there. At any rate I have been giving the opertunity of trying to do so. At this date I am puting together a rock and roll band that I am sure the kids will like. When I become more fortunate with the personal I will ask that I be allowed to act more as a big brother to some of the boys whom do not have a Father and who ended up at Lyman because of this.

My Parole Off. has given me the green light to get my license and I am going to write in requesting it. I do hope I am allowed to get it as I really do need it.

Hoping everything has been much better for you and hoping to see you soon.

God Bless You Always

Love Dick