Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: G, 1965-1970. A-71, folder 597. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

me throughout my life.

I have not heard from Mr. Fleschner as yet. When I wrote to him I explained that he should come to see me when he was free from tight shedual as my problem was no emergency.

I have acquired several books on Botany from the library here that I had not known about. None were the "refference" books but at least one has been very helpfull.

How did you do in Vermont? I hope you were able to accomplish at least a good part of what you set out to do.

At one time I cared not what happen to the next person but now I want to help others when ever & where ever I can. I largely thank you for this.

God Bless You Always

Love Richard Gingras

March 12, 1966

Dear Dr. Van Waters

I received your most welcomed letter today, & was very glad to hear from you.

I have just finished writing a letter to Mr Butterworth, the Deputy asking permission to start inquiring about the different articules that the men make. I have also asked one of the more creative artist if he would help in the making of signs & he told me he would be very glad to help. Another man has printed some appeals that will be posted in every block as soon as permission has been given, so that everyone is advocational work will see & know in plenty of time. I can not promise any results but I am most certain they will be good.

In my next letter I should be able to tell you more about these results.

I received a visit from one of my brothers

who hasnt been to see me since I was sent away about eighteen months ago. I was very pleased as you can imagine. My parents were unable to make the trip but said they expect to be here before St. Patricks Day.

Any books yo are able to get can be mailed directly to me or through Father Foley, although you may be able to bring them with you when you visit as it cost quite a bit to mail books.

It has just started to snow here at Walpole so I don't think many visitors will be coming the weekend.

I have asked that some pictures be sent to me by my family & they told me that I should receive them within a week, so I will be able to show them to you when you visit in the summer.

God Bless You

Love Always

Richard Gingras

March 18, 1966

Dear Dr Van Waters

I received your letter today & as usual I was very glad to hear from you.

I have been unable to find out much about the permission to get started as Mr Butterworth, deputy has been to busy. Most of this week has been spent preparing for a visit by Cardinal Richard Cushing. The Cardinal did come yesterday. He said Mass & spoke to all the men. He was going to come up here to see us but was unable to as he was not feeling very well. He left meddles for everyone. About the signs, are you sure that two will be enough? You have stated a large size should be made but I have no idea of how large a size would be the right size. I was not here a part of last years sign making so I have no

ida for design or collor. As soon as you tell me the preferred colors & size I will see that they are started. By having them done early we can redo them if they are not what is prefered.

Well yesterday I celebrated my twenty seventh birthday. I was on St Patricks Day but yesterday I received most congradulations from all my loved one so I celebrated it a day later.

I received my third lesson in Botany today, I received an a for it, thus for giving me two Bs & an a. I am trying for all a's. I didn't do so good in Biology as I recied only a c in the one lesson that had been corrected. I have to try harder.

God Bless you Always

Love Richard Gingras