Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: K, 1950-1955. A-71, folder 599. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Box 43 Norfolk, Mass June 18, 1967

Dear Dr. Miriam,

Thanks and thanks over for your two most thoughtful letters which came right away and which I loved. It tickled me that Francis and Rita are among those present at M.D. meetings.

Yes, Colonel Sherwood is quite a gentleman. Like yourself, he has been living SDG all these years--and it's really inspiring to me to know about him and his work.

We had a softball game with outsiders at the Fellowship picnic last evening. Parole Chairman Joseph McCormack played a couple of innings at 2nd base for the visitors; I played left field for a couple with our side. Naturally I got a hit my only time at bat! Mr. McCormack spoke to me after the game and shook hands. It was a gracious thing for him to have done. It made me feel that he will do something when he has a chance, which apparently must be deferred at the moment. I felt reassured anyway.

You were in my thoughts at Mass this morning, together with the family, SDG, Mary Marcin, Chuck and Cynthia & their fine children, and all our kind friends. (Ohm no, I didn't forget Helen!)

Best wishes always. Much love, Jim Kerrigan

Ronald J. Chisholm Attorney at Law 261 Tremont Street Boston, Mass. 02116

September 6, 1967

Dr. Miriam Van Waters 14 Clark Street Framingham, Massachusetts

Dear Dr. Van Waters,

Thank you for your nice letter concerning Mr. Kerrigan. I will certainly let you know if you can be of any assistance in this matter.

Very truly yours, [signature] Ronald J. Chisolm

RJC:nm

Christmas Day 1967

Dear Dr. Miriam,

Out of a truly full heart I bid you thanks for giving all of us at SDG so much of yourself over the past year. I thank you for having visited me. I thank you for lifting the Ethnic Group to another level of insight which is good for the Group. Incidentally, Taylor received "Lady at Box 99," and was most delighted. This biography shall be well read at Norfolk to be sure. Also, thank you for your lovely card and Christmas message. Kindly too say thanks for me to our gracious friend Mary Marcin for her thoughtful card, will you.

John Anthony and Donald & friends in SDG brought down teo large boxes filled with just about everything in the book--lobster, crabmeat, Fanny Farmer candy. imported Swedish ham, cartons of cigarettes, a box of cigars, oranges, apples, tuna fish, etc. What guys! I love them anyway, but I must watch my figure so that I can do a better job for SDG when the time comes; therefore, I'll be nibbling at these goodies for well into the New Year.

I am most grateful at the same time for Helen Bryant's gift of lovely sugar cookies from Dorset. You know, at this moment, unavoidably and delightfully so, I must be the sweeest guy in Norfolk--but I shall still take you and Mary up on the gracious off od homemade brownies when things are looking up.

As with most families, the Kerrigans have our difficulties. Frank & Rita are now separated. I cry for the children's sake--and their own. After 22 years! It started on my account, for which I naturally feel very guilty. I was going to live a 40 Cedar St. Rita got scared when she saw the board last year and they told her what a "dangerous man" I am, and they'd all get fired if I were paroled. Frank insisted that I still live in Framingham on my release. Rita walked out with the children. 40 Cedar St. is now empty. A clean break, but, to me, a tragic one; and most unnecessary. Annie told me the whole story. Do not be sad at all this, dear friend. It is part of life. I hope to bring them together again sometime.

Best always.

[hand written] With love & Top esteem, Jim

March 10, 1969

Dear Dr. Miriam,

So glad to receive yours of March 7th. Thank you very much.

Great about your grandson Rickey's comment on President Nixon's visit to Germany. Let's hope the President's tour was effective all round. The nation needs to mend a few fences, particularly in France.

Your nephew Ralph Jr. strikes me as quite a thoughtful and industrious young man. I was glad to learn about the "Black Knight" at Hill Top; and surprised that there are deer in that area. Beautiful!

Helen wrote a lovely birthday message from Dorset. What a rare mind and heart, and sensitivity to what is precious in humanity, we have in this mutual friend. I guess I love her has you do by now. Who wouldn't! [ margin note: Helen Bryan [illegible] the book "[illegible]"

Still a little overcome at this end by the good news of the 4th; yet managed to get notes off to nephew Stephen in Vietnam, and to John and a few friends. Also sent thank-you briefs of course to Commissioner John A Gavin and Chairman Joseph F. McCormack of the Board. Without their consent I am sure the good news would have been something else.

I hope you are OK. I suppose you look forward, like myself, to the onset of Spring, althought to me at the moment the snow seems laden with roses.

By the way, Professor Clark in his visit March 5th, after he talked with Tim Leary in San Francisco two weeks ago, mentioned that Tim mentioned Donald Painten and myself in his recent book "High Priest." I shall get a copy when I come home.

[margin note: Donald Painten and Jimm Kerrigan are co-[illegible] w/ the Self Development Group]

Take care and God bless!

Love ever, Jim