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Jan 14, 1965
Dear Dr. Van Waters I hope this letter finds you in the best of health & good spirit.
I received your letter & also a check today. I I was very happy that you were able to answer. I had not been sure that you were not far to busy with something more important. I have been told that you were very busy & did not have the time to accomplish all of what you wish so you can imagine how I feel that you did answer. I will try to answer your questions as best I can, although I have little to offer to prove my sincerity.
Perhaps in my first letter I should have explained that I have a very bad record dating back to Lyman School in 1952 when I was thirteen. I come from a family of sixteen. Both of my parents are alive & visit as often as is possible for them. Of the fourteen children, I am the only one to become involved with
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the law. My father is fifty years of age, my mother forty eight & the children range from ages twenty nine down to nine. Five of which are still dependent upon my parents. I am third oldest, being twenty seven in March. One sister & one brother older than I.
The entire family have been taught in the Catholic way of life. I have not followed to close, this type of life, rather choosing to belive in a more sientific way. I do belive in a God but in a different way & I have talked to Father Foley (the Catholic Chaplain at Walpole) explaining how I belive. I will talk to him about you & I am sure he will help me in any way he can. He is a devoted man, to both God & man.
My home town is Worcester, Mass. I attended eight complete grades of school & quit when I was sixteen to go to work. I have however found out the importance of schooling & have since studied in scientific fields that I have
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III [14 January 1965]
found intriguing. I am most interested in the study of internal medicine. Histology & Embriology are two phases of the study that I have delved deep into. I have also completed a course in development of radio (Elements of Radio) which I received a B+ for a mark.
As for work I have beenin the kitchen doing various jobs. I have no problem at all in obtaining employment or a home upon my release. I am a trained auto body man but have been forced to give it up due to a long condition, but as I have stated employment is no problem at all.
My conduct has not been so good, in fact I am in lock up at the present time and have been for over three months. I can not explain at this time except to say that I belive the administration will find that I did not act in ill intention.
At the present time I am serving 6-8 years. This sentence will expire in April when I will
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star the two others which aggrigated are 8 1/2 - 13 years. The earliest parole date is something over 3 years from now. I hope I have been able to answer your questions & hope that you are still willing to help me, if possible.
I will tell my parent about you & ask them if they might also write to you. They have stood by my side even after all the heartaches I have caused them & I dont belive finer parents can be found anywhere. At any rate I belive you will like them & feel free to ask what ever information you desire. In my next letter I will try to explain more of what you may ask.
Once again I wish to thankyou for everything that youve done. I hope there is some way I can repay you, in any way at all.
I am inclosing a copy of our prison paper & will send one to you each month. I remain Respectfuly yours Richard Gingras
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If not delivered in 10 days Return to Box 100, South Walpole, Mass 02071
CIT Keep on file
Dr. Miriam Van Waters 14 Clark Street Framingham Mass
JAN 17 1966