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.

6/29/88

State prison file

[Stamped] CENSORED JUNE 25 1955 CORRESPONDENCE DEPT M. S. P.

Box 100 Charlestown, Mass June 24, 1955

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

Dear Doctor Van Waters:

Congratulations and bravo on your stout address on "Sounding Board," from the Cape, last evening. The men listened and loved it.

Now, of course, you are extremely kind and dear to have written such a lovely letter to me. I thank you. I cherish your lines. You made me very happy.

July, then! Wonderful as can be. Gene Budd, Cookie, and all of us shall be on hand. I passed along your regards to the men and they were delighted. It shall be good to see you again.

Thank you for your contribution to Reverend Kellett for our Altar. I liked that so much what you said about it being one of your "richest experiences." You know, Dr. Van Waters, I fear I am reformed, at long last--still, I cannot help wondering if I could plead amnesia, or something, if I should go up to Framingham and steal you, as I certainly should like to, sometime. Forgive me.

I appreciate your kind remarks with reference to my poor writing. Perhaps if I were a couple of shades less lazy, I might get out some of the lines that need to be gotten out. I expect to keep at it for the balance of the year, anyway.

John is so grateful for your good wishes and concern. Yes, he is on the right track and shall remain there. Things are looking up for the other lads, too, and of course that's gratifying and as it should be.

We were all lifted by Wilton Vaugh's fine column in the Boston Post recently, in which Mr. Vaugh gave expression to the opinion of many that you ought to be the Commissioner under the new concept. That is also as it should be, since the "new" concept has been your philosophy, and practice (within the limits set by lately discredited persons) for a long, long time. May God hasten the day when the Governor so commissions you, for the sake of the proposed program.

Best always to you and yours.

Most respectfully,

Jim Kerrigan

P.S. I enclose some recent thoughts. REgards from everybody here. Be seeing you next month.

[written in red pencil]Return

June, 1955

[Written] With good wishes to a [??] lady, a precious friend and a wonderful wonderful person, Dr Miriam Van Waters of Framingham [Written]

Commencement Song

Lover, lover, the way is fraught With many a bauble madly sought And many a cry and counterplot Against your art.

Over the world what foils for you, What black turned white and what false turned true, What ancient alarms resound brand new Before you start.

Lover, lover, the rose is best, The rose of service that's Heaven-blessed, Better than--well, than all the rest That falls apart.

After Passing a Derelict

Lord, the afflictions all of us inherit, Let them be mine at once: I shall not cry, But not the beaten look, the broken spirit; Lord, I should rather die.

Suffered like Dismas leave me, lacerated, Reft to the heart and spat upon, a sight, (Cadaver-cold upon the cross and hated) But never beaten quite.

Dungeon Solilquy

Enemy, this hour is not forever; I count my chains and yield, But only til tomorrow, some tomorrow Upon another field.

Enemy, I pity you this moment, Yet ah not then, not them! Take every spoil and may God keep you kindly Until we meet again.

Jim Kerrigan

May every Blessing be yours this Christmas Day

[Picture of three wise men on Camels]

The Second Crucifixion, 1955

They murdered Christ again the good Protectors of the neighborhood. They did the deed a new way now, They pressed a stone crown on His brow, Then led Him to the cross they made Out of cement; and then they fled While Jesus, or His spirit, bled.

I saw the Blood. I looked around, For suddenly I heard a sound, And there, far off, beyond the sun, I saw the craven killers run.

j.k.

[c. 25 Dec, 1955]

Dear Dr. Van Waters,

Silence is golden, so I doubt if I shall ever be a rich man. No matter. The main thing is, have a good Christmas. We have you in our thoughts here, you know.

May I ask please what you are putting in the milk lately, for I am getting fat. And you know how women are--they expect me to retain my figure. Anyway, they can still count on conversation, interminably.

All of which is to say, God's blessings and Merry Christmas to you and the girls from everyone here.

Sincerely, Jim Kerrigan John, Gene, Jimmy and the rest extend their best to you, as usual.