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.

2715 MADE IN U.S.A.

With love to one of the best in the world, Marian Van Waters of Framingham

Relativity

All things born free From the beginning Are a part of me, Stars and the birds And grasses and the sea Tumbling en masse Toward one Identity.

Hurry up, horse! Go at a gallop And without remorse Down roads on roads Across the endless course.

Jim Kerrigan

March 22, 1964

[stamp: CENSORED BY R MASSACHUSETTS REFORMATORY]

Smith with vote of exploration

Box 00 W. Concord, Mass April 3, 1964

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Forgot to mention yesterday what brought me much pleasure and means such a great deal still: your warm Easter wishes. God love you for that and thank you indeed, brave friend---yes, in consideration of the record, it requires a little bravery and maybe then some to support this heretofore rather erratic tilter at windmills over the years. If now the windmills are more in line with things which need to be done, and toward which we may dredge up what it takes in terms of energy and dedication, then of course it's about time.

As you would understand, all of us here who know him are deeply gratified at Joe Flaherty's good fortune. He made a fine struggle and deserves a chance, and will certainly in my opinion do credit to those who have confidence in him -- which is only as it should be anyway. It was my privilege to have met Joe's fiancee, Fran Mckearney-- and I can recall still with admiration the quality of realness about her, a kind of solidity Joe needed and reacted to so well. Yes, I'm very happy for both of them. May the future write: and they lived happily ever after.

Now off to AA. Our lads have been speaking up in rotation in recent months and doing a good job of it. If we could only lasso them to a tree out there and keep them out once released, we might take a few bows; but hopefully, that will come later. Meanwhire, we are doing the best we can in the circumstances, particularly our excellent steering committee and several of the rank and file. The are still ribbing me about being among those present in church Easter Sunday, so I expect to surprise them and continue attendance from now on.

Good evening and good wishes.

Love

Jim Kerrigan

[??]

May 7, 1964

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Your letter of May 1st brought much pleasure as usual. Thank you so much.

Just got up and about after a four-day tussle with the ulcer but never felt better than now. Will resume the Spring schedule head-on and with alacrity as of this day, for there is much to be done.

When I think of your own agenda there, mine seems child's play by contrast. It is great to know that yo are on the Salvation Army Advisory Board and, as Miriam Van Waters would be, concerned this year with sending more children to camp and helping in homes which social work usually does not reach. I am glad you were able to secure some fine new members for your Board, including the Negro attorney.

You know, dear lady, I am convinced Jimmy Hoffa of the Teamsters lost a wonderful organizer when you chose instead to enter corrections and institute the reforms which shall stand long after the Teamsters' structure is forgotten.

I am glad the Vitamin D injections are working, together with the exercises, though painful for now. Also you exercised the franchise down town that Tuesday, presumably for our Democratic Party, so I must say excellent indeed. President Johnson's recent depressed-area tours, with follow-up alleviative proposals to the Congress, are great. The Appalachian region can certainly stand a helping hand/ I liked very much too Governor Peabody's support of the Massachusetts Service Corps, proposed by Professor Fuchs of Brandeis, since the fformat includes corrections. As you know, there is so much room for dedicated people in this field.

Donald Painten's book, "Grain of Fire," is coming along beautifully. Tomorrow afternoon Professor Walter Clark of Newton-Andover Thological School will visit with us (he is a friend of Dr. Tim Leary's) and discuss our progress all round. He comes about every three months. One of the finest, and particularly interested in the possible publication of Don's book. By the way, Donald would love to have your permission to quote your "The Childrens Litany" in the final chapter of his work -- but we can discuss that when you visit.

It's a lovely day and you are a lovely friend, so I bid you good morning and extend with mine the best wishes of our group.

Be seeing you.

Love Jim Kerrigan