Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: M, 1931-1932. A-71, folder 610. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

[top center] 1204 National Avenue Rockford, Illinois

[top right] EMK 3 copies-

April 1, 1932

[left]

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Many thanks for your letter and the enclosure from McWilliams. We have of course realized his immaturity and perhaps his lack of a vigorous mental endowment. The family is pitiable.

There are, technically, certain steps which can be taken before another hearing before the Governor is sought. These would depend necessarily on the decision of the Supreme Court, and we think must await that.

Whatever comes of this case I trust it will result in a vigorous general movement for the abolition of capital punishment. State activities must be organized. I do not know anyone connectd with the American League so far as I am aware but it would be useful if we would have a strong National organization. I have been told that the Secretary is a fine and devoted person. But evidently she has little support. I wish the newspaper and political situation here were as simple and easily controlled as the members of the America League "appear to think."

Please excuse this feeble lead pencil. I have been ordered to rid myself of a lately discovered high blood pressure, and a few other symptoms, by more hours in bed than I like. And as I have never been on good terms with any fountain pen, this is the antique alternative.

Yours with much appreciation,

(signed) Julia C. Lathrop

[left] Note: Miss Lathrop died in April 1932.

[top right] April 1/32

[center] 1204 NATIONAL AVENUE

ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

[left] Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Many thanks for your letter, and the enclosure from McWilliams. We have of course realized his immaturity and perhaps his lack of a vigorous mental endowment. The family is pitiable.

There are, technically, certain steps which can be taken before another hearing before the Governor is sought. These would depend necessarily on the decision of the Supreme Court, and we think must await that.

Whatever comes of this case I trust it will result in a vigorous general movement

for the abolition of capital punishment. State activities must be organized. I do not know anyone connectd with the American League so far as I am aware but it would be useful if we [could?] have a strong National organization. I have been told that the Secretary is a fine and devoted person. But evidently she has little support. I wish the newspaper and political situation here were as simple and easily controlled as the members of the America League "appear to think".

Please excuse this feeble lead pencil. I have been ordered to rid myself of a lately discovered

[top right] [April 1, 1932]

[center] 2

1204 NATIONAL AVENUE ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS

[left] high blood pressure and a few other symptoms by more hours in bed than I like. Andas I have never been on good terms with any fountain pen, this is the antique alternative.

[center] Yours with much appreciation,

Julia C. Lathrop

[top left] Name Miss Miriam Van Waters

Street & Number Box 99

City Framingham State Mass.

This is the 17 year old - capital - case -

[stamp] REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN

APR 5 1932

RECEIVED

[top right] File [L?] special folder

BOX 1112

Joliet, Illinois

april 1 1932

[left] Dear Miss Van Waters

[right] [stamp] CENSORED

[left] I was very glad to recieve your letter today, I recieved the book you sent me by name of "Smoky", story of a horse it is a very good book, the horse sure has a hard time during his life dose'nt he? a horse has lot of brains and just think of how many they kill at chopple Brothers in Rockford

Miss Binford came to see me a two weeks ago tomorow april 2th. we had quite a visit, she had a very young lady with her I forgett her name I am writing the story of my life for Miss Binford, I will have it finished in a very few days, by the time you recieve this letter.

I have been permitted to go outside in the back yard for a hour each day for the last few days, sure feels good to get out. so I must be carefull not to abuse my sompthing like freedom.