Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: M, 1935-1936. A-71, folder 612. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

[left] TO: NAME: Dr. Miriam Van Waters STREET & NUMBER: Box 99 CITY: Framingham, STATE: Mass. [right] Box 1112 Joliet, Illinois September 1. 1936

My Dear old Friend:

I recieved your letter and your check for five dollars, and I appreciate them both very much. You no doubt know how [?] money is in prison.

You wrote as tho you had not recieved my letter of June ninth, in which I asked you to send me a book. I have been studying gardening and I needed the book. I took it for granted that my letter never reached you, and Miss Binford came to see me, so to avoid any delay I am having her send it.

I neglected writing to you, old friend, because of mother being so ill. I did a last good deed when I discontinued my correspondence with my friends, and wrote to her. She died August 9th, and was retured to Exbine, Iowa where she was loved by so many people. There are room for three more graves beside her, and yours truly have one, one of these fine days. Life is just a mean joke anyway.

George had a birthday also. If I had one I know he did too. So many happy returns of the [dog?] George. I hope you ahve many many more happy and successful ones. I am twenty one no and wondering where and what my twenty fifth will bring

Your letter was very brief, you should write me a nice long one, telling me all about everything, "yourself mostly."

There is not much going on hrer, The Park where I work is very beautiful, We have been training a hedge and it sure has a marked improvement on the place. We took about [3000?] cuttings from it, in two years they would bring a great deal of money, if sold. When I get out of here I could have a nursery, my self. Dont you think?

I must say so long for this time as another person must use this pen tonight

Sending you my very best wishes, I am ever your most sincere friend, Russell

5661-E Russell McWilliams

TO: NAME: Dr. Miriam Van Waters STREET & NUMBER: Box 99 CITY: Framingham, STATE: Mass. [right] BOX 1112 Joliet, Illinois Dec. 3, 1935

My Dear Doctor:

It is with great pleasure I write to you today, not that I have any news or anything of importance to tell you, just some how I always derive some feeling of satisfaction every time I write to you.

You were inquiring about my studies, what I am doing if anything. Well, I have taken up arithmetic this winter, [?] for. There is a new course in English coming out which is reputed to be much better than the one I had previous. I intend to take it up when it begins. I hope it doesn't get here too soon for I want to use more time on the arithmetic.

All of our friends have written me nice letters lately. I have expected Miss Binford down for the last few weeks. She hasn't come yet but I know she will before long. She is truly a wonderful and godly woman.

My two sisters were here Saturday. We had a real nice visit. I did not recognize them when I first saw them m it has been so long since they were here over a year ago. They seem so changed Marybelle's voice is intirely different now than when I last heard it. [?] going to come down, but his health isnt so good

and he was taken ill the night before and was unable to make the trip. It is quite a long drive being a round trip of two hundred miles. He has had a little work now and then. He and Mary are all alone now and it don't cost very much for the two of them to get along. Mike is doing very good it would seem. He is working pretty good and he and his wife are very happy.

How is George and Sarah, I am reminded that the 22th of this month is none other than the 15th birthday of Sarah Ann. I want to put my good hearty wishes for many more happy ones and each may be more enjoyable than the last one.

I am being a very good prisoner. I have a record with out spots or blemishes and am trying to keep it like that so those who don't like me so well wont have anything to harp on, some day.

Sending you all my good wishes and thoughts which are very many. I am always you old friend, Russell.

5661-E Russell McWilliams

December 17, 1935

Russell McWilliams, #5661, Box 1112, Joliet, Illinois.

Dear Russell:

I am sending you a little card, handmade by one of the students here, which I thought you would enjoy. I am also sending a check for $5. with which you may buy yourself something for Christmas.

My institution is in progress of getting everything ready for the holidays. The halls are decorated with evergreen garlands, wreaths and colored posters. The students are planning entertainments and pageants for the Christmas celebration. The spirit is excellent and we expect that everyone will enjoy the holidays.

I hope that your family is well, and that the winter will not be too much of a hardship for them.

All good wishes to you, and a blessing, Cordially,

Superintendent.

MVW/K