Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: A-F, 1949-1971. A-71, folder 591. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

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[left] cause.

I leave this place August - 17 - of this year. All I can say is I am fed up with jail + I am going to try my best to stay out of trouble. I am 22 years old now + I realize that if I end up in trouble again I may be 40 years old before I get out once more. For work I don't really know what I will do, as I have no trade. I would like to work in a state hospital. I did 35 days in a State Hospital & all the patients there need is understanding & help. I am sure that you understand. I will look for a job right away, because if I loaf around, I get bored & would end up back in Jail.

I would enjoy hearing from you.

Sincerely [Signature] George

"God Bless & Watch Over You"

[right] Mr. George Cermack Box 100 South Walpole-Mass. 02071 June-6-66

[left] Dear Doc.VanWaters:

I received your letter the 4th + was very glad to hear from you. I wrote you another letter & mailed it the morning of the fourth.

Yes, I would like to see you & would enjoy speaking to you. At the moment I am in #9 block, so I am not working, but when I was working, it was in the kitchen & I enjoyed the work. I hope to be out of #9 in the near future. And when I do see you I'll explain why I was in #9

I do hope I can get a job in a mental hospital, as I

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[left] said before all it takes is a little pataince & understanding & it sure helps alot. I have seen it works wonders for people.

My family life hasn't been to good. But I have no one to blame but myself, as I have been in trouble & in Foster homes alot. I started this seentence in June-1963. And sonce November 1965 things have looking better for me, my brother started visiting one & it was the first visit sence 1963. My sister has started to write to me. So you see I am starting to get my self-respect & trust back from those who love me. They are starting to give me another chance. Being away this time has given me a better insight & outlook on life. I am 22 year old now & have spent about

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12 years away & that is enough for me. I intend to get back the trust & respect I lost & keep it. I am tired of people looking at me & saying to thereself, "There goes a person who will not amount to anything. I am going to try my best amount to some thing & make my mother proud of me, not ashamed. My father is dead & there are 3 brother & 2 sisters in my family not counting me. Four live at home, one my oldest brother is married. I haven't heard from my sister the month of May. I received a letter from her the same time I received yours. She was kind of busy. She just turned 16 + quit school & is working in a factory. Also my mother had a mild heart attack, & my sister says she is okay now. One of the main

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reasons I want to make good is, my Ma isn't getting any younger & when she does die, I want her to know I am doing good & to be proud of me. I think you will underStand.

well I shall close You now & hope to hear from you soon. I guess I went overboard when you asked about my family.

May God Bless & Watch Over You

Sencerely Yours George