Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: P, 1965-1966. A-71, folder 603. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Donald M. Painter Box 00 W. Concord, Mass. Feb. 14, 1966

Dear Dr. Miriam,

We had a very good meeting with the Center Group of S.D.G. to-day. Since you and Cynthia Thomas were he last several new members to the Center Group have moved up from the Binary Groups. It is always a new adventure for me, and for others I'm sure, to see and recognize the newly instilled potential of a person who might have been dragging his feet for years. I am ever enthused.

To-day we discussed proceedings for the newly formed farm group. Last week Mr. Trennan gave permission for a group to be formed out on the farm to be serviced by a cCenter Group member. (we have three C.G. members on the farm) Also we are going to meet with all the inside members in the dining hall on the third Monday of each month. This will give the membership a chance to get to know one another. Eventually we hope to have one or two outside members come in with Lloyd Weinreb and give talks

on things in the outside world. This will serve as a wonderful incentive for men who might need some reassurance.

Ronnie Addison and Robt. Affley are working, through the Mass. Service Corp., with young people in the neighborhoods. It must be a tremedously stimulating adventure. John Anthony is working at a construction job and doing well. The once aweek meetings are well attended by most of the men outside.

Jim is doing well although somewhat apprehensive about his March date with the Parole Board. To state it simply, so am I. But we will seek in prayer and doing, the overcoming of any eventuality of this meeting. He was never more ready in his life than what he is right at this time and moment.

I have been in correspondence with Tom Little and he is developing some ideas on the manuscript. He will probably visit this Wed or Thurs.

We are all looking forward to seeing you and Mrs Thomas soon.

With deep regards and love, Donald

Donald M. Painter Box 00 W. Concord, Mass. March 20, 1966

Dear Dr. Miriam,

Spring is almost upon us and like a bird, I am ready to test my wings. Needless to say, almost, but Jim was as ready as anyone could be regardless of the long prison record which seemingly will plague him foreer. I can't help but to despair of anyone so handicapped irregardless of a supreme and valid effort toward making a useless life one that once again can be viewed with trust and a purpose in life. This type of sincere and rewarding effort should not be shot down like a fledgling bird of springtime. I cannot help but think of all the poignant drama of spring as it unfolds amid torrented cleansing rains, and fresh breeze as they playfully shake an old maple tree into renewed efforts so that it might in turn supply the shade for some sweated brow. And man is not too different in his need for stimulation and food so that

might continue his life strongly and upright instead of being dwarfed and stunted in his search for the one thing most precious to him - his freedom.

But all these things you know dear lady, and perhaps I am unfairly burdening you with thoughts that should remain my own. Somehow I know you will understand how I feel and and so I felt fre eto write as I have.

Life magazine decided against using a statement from the book. Prof. Clark will appear in an article for life within the next week or so.

Tom Little who is working on the manuscript was up last week and all is going well. It should be ready for the publisher again in a month or so.

We are having our monthly meeting of S.D.G. in the main dining hall this Monday night. We shall be thinking of you and our good friends.

With love and regards, Donald

Donald M. Painter Box00 W. Concord, Mass. April 26, 1966

Dear Dr. Miriam,

Please forgive me for neglecting to write before the receipt of your letter of to-day. What I had dreamed of doing was to visit you in person - but my plans proved to be abit premature. I made this same mistake in not writing my mother and of course she was concerned.

Anyway, it is my understanding that the Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered a 60 day continuance for the asst. attourney general - but it also ordered the District Court to release me in a reasonable bail. So by all that is right, I should appear for a bail hearing in The Federal Court. For some reason this has not happened and I am both upset and mystified by the delay. I am trying very hard not to think it is the fault of my attourney, Louie Nordlinger, but I am not too convinced.

The manuscript "grain of Fire" is still being worked over by Tom Little.