Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: M, 1945. A-71, folder 623. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

[attached to 6 January 1945]

Now that 3 years have elapsed is there a possibility that Mc Wms might renew his application to the 1945 Term of the Pardon Board.

Might it be possible to present the case in the way for current review with the hope that in the light of this young man's development in

the time elapsed the Pardon Board may be disposed to give him a favorable recommendation.

Would the Gvr. be willing to restudy the application if Mc Wm case thus came to him with such a favorable rec.

January 6 1945

Mrs. Lewis S. Thompson Redbank New Jersey

Dear Mrs. Thompson:

This will acknowledge receipt of your letter of recent date with further reference to Russell McWilliams; also clipping from the Rockford Register-Republic relative to McWilliams.

Three applications for pardon or commutation of sentence have been filed in the case of this inmate and as me in connection with the application filed to the January 1942 Term of the Pardon Board, the body which under the law of the State of Illinois is vested with the power to hear applications for pardon or commutation of sentence and after a public hearing submits its report and recommendation to the Governor.

In this case the recommendation of the Board after very thorough consideration was that the applicataion of the petitioner be denied. I carefully reviewed the entire record and approved the recommendation of the Pardon Board.

My decision was not founded upon a conclusion hastily arrived at but was the result of mature and thoughtful deliberation. I was mindful of the fact that the youth of this prisoner at the time of the commission of his crime was a factor that warranted grave consideration and my decision was made only after a careful weighing of all the factors, together with the arguments presented for and against the prayer of the petitioner.

Mrs. Lewis S. Thompson -2January 6 1945

I regret to have to advise you that after having carefully examined the complete record in this case, it has been necessary for me to come to the conclusion that I would not be warranted to extend executive clemency at this time.

Sincerely, [Signed] Dwight H. Green Governor

To: Dr. Miriam Van Waters Box 99 Framingham Mass. January 14, 1945

Dear Doctor: I have heard all that took place in Rockford. and I am elated at the prospects of securing favorable action from this new source of assistance. This gentleman is a former member of the parole board, and should know all the answers. He is a powerful Republican, having an entire county under his thumb. I do not think anyone in this state can afford to give him the run-around. By that I mean fine talk and no favorable action. The letter Gov. Green wrote our dear friend shows without any doubt that he has not been ocnvinced. This pressure probably would put Mr B. into action which would produce. Atty. Knight visited me Tuesday. I gave him the go ahead sign. Not because I like him, but the man in Rockford approved him. He can not play fast and loose with us because our assistant in Rockford is not one to fool around with. Mr. Knight might try to collect money from each of you including my father. I told Dad to have him get his money from Miss Rice. You should do likewise. I have heard that the party in Rockford will pay all expense. But if not, then Miss Rice can pass the hat! I have enjoyed your fine letters Doctor. The one of Jan 2nd was very good. Some thing special was added! You should keep a copy! Your Tuesday's letter came last night during a blizzard. It was a fine understanding letter and full of good things.