ENPages
(seq. 1)
March, 1950
To a great struggler and one of the truly magnificent women of our time, Miriam Van Waters of Framingham, with every warm wish of Saint Patrick's Day.
EIRE Land oh land of the troubles, Land of the haunted ways, Laughter was with you even In your worst days;
Bearer of every burden, Bearer of ancient pain, Heroes who fought to free you Fought not in vain,
Strugglers like Robert Emmet, Princes of Gallows Row-- Many ah many loved you More than we know;
Angel of Dev and Maudeen, Angel of Sean McBride, Still the departed dear ones Stand at your side,
Berry and Dan O'Connell, Pearse and impulsive Tone, Giants from Cork and Galway, Clare and Athlone;
Land of the Druid chanteys, Land of the shamrock wreaths, Heaven and earth are richer For your bequeaths.
Jim Kerrigan from State Prison
(seq. 2)
July 12, 1954
Dr. Miriam Van waters, Superintendent Women's Reformatory Framingham, Mass
Dear Doctor Van Waters
Jimmy cook told me this morning of the gift you addressed to my brother, John. Wonderful. John will be delighted and I know he will value your autograph as he holds you most highly indeed. So nice of Jimmy to suggest it -- so typical too. He is a fine, thoughtful lad. One of the many who do not belong here at all. I am grateful to each of you.
Well, dear lady, the men are still talking about your marvellous address at Chapel. You reduced the symbol of the Trinity to terms at once understandable and beautiful. We shall not forget. I did intend to mention this later, but the impact of talking with you for a moment lifted me out of all contact with Box 100. I thought of Amherst and of that lovely sensitivity there who said, "I measure every grief I meet." Yes, Emily's grand line fits you so well. It was such a pleasure to shake your hand. You know, Doctor. The Irish are a little ebullient on occasion, but since it stems from the area of what is genuine, I feel you will understand.
My heart to you at all events and may God be with you all there, ever.
Respectfully,
[Signed] [Jim Kerrigan]
#Thank you also for your gift to me. I must write a poem for you sometime. Oh, not at the moment or even in the near future, for I love to let laziness invite my soul in the Summer. The trouble is, the habit often extends itself through the Winter. But I do hope to do better.
(seq. 3)
Box 100 October 6
Miriam Van Waters Superintendent Reformatory for Women Box 99 Framingham, Mass
Dear Dr. Van Waters
Thank you for including my brother and me in your kind remembrance. We enjoyed your letter very much. I know the men will be very glad to learn you plan to visit Charlestown again this year. We look forward to it be sure. Sorry Carol and Edna raised such cane up there on the farm. By golly, there's the temper of women for you. Of course, my weakness is that I love them all, especially any who are willing to work to support a struggling writer.
So that's where our milk comes from! I have often wondered, really, about the source thereof, since I subsist practically on milk alone. It is good milk, too. By all means please keep up the fine work, lest I perish.
Congratulations on your stirring broadcasts every Sunday. Evereybody here listens and loves. You are doing a grand job.
What did you think of Parnell Thomas' lucid reflections on Danbury in life for October 4th? I enjoyed. The former Congressman certainly pulled no punches, though I thought he might have refrained from mentioning Governor Curley.
Well Dr. Van Waters thanks again for remembering our talk, for I thought you had forgotten me altogether. You are gracious. You made me happy.
Best wishes to you and yours, ever.
Respectfully
[Signed] J. Kerrigan
4 Copies Monday
(seq. 4)
Box 100 Charlestown, Mass. March 31, 1955
Dr. Miriam Van Waters Box 99 Framingham, Mass.
Dear Dr. Van Waters
It was my pleasure recently to have read "Prisoners Are People." Throughout the reading I thought of you, of course, because besides Mr. Scudder and yourself, the prison world is without giants, prophets, persons of courage and genius --and--yes--common sense! Tom Paine was right after all. Common sense is still the big thing -- as Miriam Van Waters and Kenyon Scrudder demonstrate so beautifully day by day.
You know, Dr. Van Waters I think your wonderful philosophy and thought and experience should be made public property --in book form. You have so much to say that is lovely and right --and that needs to be said. We mustnot let the monsters afflict us with sadism forever. Mr. Scudder has delivered a grand salvo against them. It is brave and fine. But I look for another salvo, a shot to be "heard round the world," from Framingham Dear lady, I promise you I will sell ten thousand copies of the book myself --to loyal Democrats and thinking persons in the Commonwealth, for I believe, like all the greats, you are more that a dedicated pioneer for kindness--you are a poet.
Good wishes and God's blessings, ever.
Respectfully yours,
[Stamped]CENSORED APR 1 1955 COREESPONDENCE DEPT M. S. P[Stamped]
(seq. 5)
Box 100 Charlestown, Mass June 10, 1955
Dr. Miriam Van Waters, Superintendent Womens Reformatory Box 99 Framingham, Massachusetts
Dear Doctor Van Waters
May I extend greetings and good morning to you in behalf of the men and for myself. We think of you often here -- and of course in consequence of recent developments, we hope for the best for you and the girls there. These are indeed heartening days.
Well, Dr. Van Waters, now to the point of this espistle. Please do note be alarmed, for the subject is money -- for our Chapel altar at the new prison. It is to be purchased by the men themselves. We thought, however, that a contribution from you in the amount of one dollar would enrich the significance and meaning and warmth and beauty of the altar for us. You are and have been so long our gracious friend. So we left the last dollar up to you -- we have the rest. If you wish to go along with the idea, kindly address your dollar (and it is the only solicited dollar, I assure you -- also the one we shall love best) to our great friend and counsellor, Chaplain Kellett. Thank you very, very much.
We certainly hope you will have a free morning to visit us at the new prison, as we expect to take up residence there this fall. It shall make us feel like country cousins in a sense, we prospective farmers and your charges with their cows and gardens. The milk is pretty good, I must say. If I could only manage somehow to drink half as much at home, I should be far, far better off. But it is difficult to resist other beverages in the summer, in the winter, and in between. Thirst can be an awful affliction.
With all good wishes, ever, I remain
Respectfully yours
P.S My brother John is in population here again, and told me to be sure and convey to you his best regards. Al Ferranti went home, June 6. Oh, yes--Jimmy Cook, Gene Budd, and a couple of hundred others will hang me if I forget to mention their regards to you.
[Written in pen] 22 months in solitary Returns Gods blessings!