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.

You can certainly start writing what you wish to concerning your thoughts in regards to the manuscript. We shall certainly use it.

After eight years confinement I find this business of living from day to day quite hectic. I long for the comforting surroundings of my family. It is only a matter of time I'm sure - but I could do without the delays. I am glad that I have the support of S.D.G. and our friends.

You can rest assured that I will call you within hours of my release. Poor Jim had me out and home three weeks ago, and his dissapointment has been as keen as my own. But we know how to smile and to laugh at this type of situation, so we continue in the work. All will work out I know.

I will keep you posted.

Your in friendship in love, Donald

Donald M. Painter Box 00 W. Concord, Mass June 21, 1966

Dear Dr. Miriam,

Your sparkling presentation of some of the events in your life in Oregon is still being talked about in our meetings. I know that the import of your wisdom in words was not lost on our friends in S.D.G.

Last night we had our monthly meeting of all groups, except those on the farms, and some of your words were repeated almost verbatim by some whom most often appear to be taking in little of what anyone has to say. That you were an inspiration to all of us goes without saying.

It did both Jim and myself a world of good to see an banquet conducted without our sometimes overbearing directions. I thought it went off extremely well, and that is the general consensus.

Again last night, we elected a new chairman - Lenny Westmoreland, and a new secretary - Paul Halinan just as we do each June and December. Lenny is a colored fellow with alot of know-how and

Paul is a studious worker. All should go well in the months ahead.

It was indeed an honor for you to consider Jim and I to follow in the steps Burton Rawles, your biographer. I only wonder if we can do you full justice. Both Jim and I plan to do alot of writing in the future and I pray that our contributions can reach at least half of that which Mr. Rawles contributed. I can readily see how you would be saddened by his passing.

My release date is definitely June 30th, so I will consideration it a double occasion to celebrate along with Helen Bryant's birthday. I know I will have enough happiness of heart for the both of us.

I have had little news about my manuscript except that Prof. Clark wants to submit it as is to Fortress Publishing. I go along with this suggestion just so that something does take place. I will of course keep you posted.

With love + deep regards from all of us in S.D.G. Donald

Donald M. Painter Box 00 W. Concord, Mass. June 27, 1966

Dear Friend Helen,

I received your lovely letter to-day and it proved to be both a joy and inspiration to me.

To-day I was feeling somewhat sorry for myself and in a sense abit unappreciated. Nothing seemed to be going right. I was childishly dissapointed in the human race. Poor me! But you letter along with one from the Comm. of Correction cured all that. His letter in effect stated that because of my outstanding efforts over the past years he was granting a request I made to be transfered to Charches St H.of.C. instead of going to the Salem H.of.C. which would be far out of the way for my people. His letter was actually a testimonial to my efforts. Oh how childish we can be at times!

I pray your birthday is as joyful as this day you have made for me.

Yours in friendship, Donald