(seq. 4)

Box 100
Charlestown, Mass.
March 31, 1955

Dr. Miriam Van Waters
Box 99
Framingham, Mass.

Dear Dr. Van Waters

It was my pleasure recently to have read "Prisoners Are People."
Throughout the reading I thought of you, of course, because besides
Mr. Scudder and yourself, the prison world is without giants, prophets,
persons of courage and genius --and--yes--common sense! Tom Paine was
right after all. Common sense is still the big thing -- as Miriam Van Waters
and Kenyon Scrudder demonstrate so beautifully day by day.

You know, Dr. Van Waters I think your wonderful philosophy and
thought and experience should be made public property --in book form.
You have so much to say that is lovely and right --and that needs to
be said. We mustnot let the monsters afflict us with sadism forever.
Mr. Scudder has delivered a grand salvo against them. It is brave and
fine. But I look for another salvo, a shot to be "heard round the
world," from Framingham Dear lady, I promise you I will sell ten
thousand copies of the book myself --to loyal Democrats and thinking
persons in the Commonwealth, for I believe, like all the greats,
you are more that a dedicated pioneer for kindness--you are a poet.

Good wishes and God's blessings, ever.

Respectfully yours,

Jim Kerrigan

James Kerrigan

[Stamped]CENSORED APR 1 1955 COREESPONDENCE DEPT M. S. P[Stamped]