(seq. 7)

14 Clark Street
Framingham, Mass.
September 22, 1965

Mr. Edward Mells
Editor, the Mentor
Box 100
South Walpole, Mass.

Dear Sir:

I am well aware that space is precious in the
Mentor. Each article, photograph and cartoon in
your publication is significant. But I hope you
will find room for this letter.

Recently I visited Walpole and had a talk with
James M. Coggins. It is a shock to read in the cur-
rent issue of the Mentor that he is dead.

Years ago I had visited him, and other friends
in the old bastille at Charlestown. He had changed
very little. Your In Memoriam states that he lived
and died with the honor of a true "Noble Roman" who
felt it was an honor to die in the field of battle.

He wore his 18 years of confinement lightly, as
if it were a toga thrown over his shoulder.

We talked about his work as a barber. I had
noticed the trim, neat appeareance of each man I had
seen. We talked about his work on the Inmate Council;
laughing he said, "I have just come from presiding at
a meeting, but it is alright, we have a good vice-
chairman."

Michael Coggins' eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and
hope. Briefly I told him about the Advisory
Council we used to have at the Reformatory for Women
in Framingham. We called it the Two Side Club. As
with your Council at Walpole our aim was to foster
better understanding of the points of view of inmates
and administration, and then to develop constructive
policies.

This concept and practice will prove the solution
of the penal problem today. James Michael Coggins is
blessing us from Eternity and we thank God for his
life and spirit. H e has joined the Immortals.

Miriam Van Waters