Schlesinger Library

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]

Box 100 Charlestown, Mass June 10, 1955

Dr. Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent Womens Reformatory Box 99 Framingham, Massachusetts

Dear Doctor Van Waters

May I extend greetings and good morning to you in behalf of the men and for myself. We think of you often here -- and of course in consequence of recent developments, we hope for the best for you and the girls there. These are indeed heartening days.

Well, Dr. Van Waters, now to the point of this espistle. Please do note be alarmed, for the subject is money -- for our Chapel altar at the new prison. It is to be purchased by the men themselves. We thought, however, that a contribution from you in the amount of one dollar would enrich the significance and meaning and warmth and beauty of the altar for us. You are and have been so long our gracious friend. So we left the last dollar up to you -- we have the rest. If you wish to go along with the idea, kindly address your dollar (and it is the only solicited dollar, I assure you -- also the one we shall love best) to our great friend and counsellor, Chaplain Kellett. Thank you very, very much.

We certainly hope you will have a free morning to visit us at the new prison, as we expect to take up residence there this fall. It shall make us feel like country cousins in a sense, we prospective farmers and your charges with their cows and gardens. The milk is pretty good, I must say. If I could only manage somehow to drink half as much at home, I should be far, far better off. But it is difficult to resist other beverages in the summer, in the winter, and in between. Thirst can be an awful affliction.

With all good wishes, ever, I remain

Respectfully yours

Jim Kerrigan

James Kerrigan

P.S My brother John is in population here again, and told me to be sure and convey to you his best regards. Al Ferranti went home, June 6. Oh, yes--Jimmy Cook, Gene Budd, and a couple of hundred others will hang me if I forget to mention their regards to you.

[Written in pen] 22 months in solitary Returns Gods blessings!