(seq. 2)

July 12, 1954

Dr. Miriam Van waters, Superintendent
Women's Reformatory
Framingham, Mass

Dear Doctor Van Waters

Jimmy cook told me this morning of the gift
you addressed to my brother, John. Wonderful. John
will be delighted and I know he will value your autograph
as he holds you most highly indeed. So nice
of Jimmy to suggest it -- so typical too. He is a fine,
thoughtful lad. One of the many who do not belong
here at all. I am grateful to each of you.

Well, dear lady, the men are still talking
about your marvellous address at Chapel. You reduced
the symbol of the Trinity to terms at once understandable
and beautiful. We shall not forget. I did
intend to mention this later, but the impact of talking
with you for a moment lifted me out of all contact
with Box 100. I thought of Amherst and of that
lovely sensitivity there who said, "I measure every
grief I meet." Yes, Emily's grand line fits you so
well. It was such a pleasure to shake your hand. You
know, Doctor. The Irish are a little ebullient on occasion,
but since it stems from the area of what is
genuine, I feel you will understand.

My heart to you at all events and may God
be with you all there, ever.

Respectfully,

[Signed] [Jim Kerrigan]

#Thank you also for your gift to me. I
must write a poem for you sometime. Oh,
not at the moment or even in the near
future, for I love to let laziness invite
my soul in the Summer. The trouble
is, the habit often extends itself through
the Winter. But I do hope to do better.