ENPages
(seq. 1)
[left]
TO:
Name Dr. Miriam Van Waters
Street & Number Box 99
City Framingham, State Mass.
[center] file
[right] CENSORED 5
BOX 1112 JOLIET, ILLINOIS January 3, 1937
ALL REMITTANCES MUST BE BY CHECK OR MONEY ORDER
[left]
Dear Dr. Van Waters;
Your brief letter and your five dollar check arrived shortly before Christmas. It was very nice of you to remember me when you have so many friends and obligations. I appreciate it all the more.
So many of my firends remembered me this year. Miss Binford sent me some money and a book "Canary." Mr. and Mrs. Darrow wrote a nice letter and each sent me a dollar. Even Mike sent some. My friend in Colorado renewed the subscription for two magazines. The "Country Gentlemen" and "[Fur?] fish + Game." He also sent one of Albert Payson [Lerhune's?] books about Callie horses.
I sent Miss Binford a present for Christmas. I would have sent you yours, but I wanted to give it to you when you visit me. There are so many rumors about ending the tinkering in here that I may not be permitted to keep it until February. If not, they will surely allow me to send it by mail. I should tease and make you coax me to tell what it is, but Santa said you have behaved yourself very well during the past year: so I will be agreeable. I have made you a small powder box. My first attempt and it isn't perfect, but I want to give you something I have made myself. The average person wouldn't notice, but, of course, you will.
I understand our prison is going under quarantine for awhile. Quite a few of the boys have the Flu, I guess. I hope you aren't bothered in Framingham. I have no intentions of catching it. I don't know for sure, but I think we are going under. Everything should be alright before you visit me. You must take good care of yourself.
(seq. 2)
I heard from Miss Binford tonight. She had a lovely Christmas, she is going home for a few days. (We both come from Iowa)
Dad and Maybell did very well this year. She spends most of her spare time making herself pretty. I suppose all girls are that way.
When we went out for breakfast there was a Christmas tree blinking at us. We had chicken for dinner. There are five of us in this cell now and all of us had money. From the prison store we bought fifteen pounds of chocolates, eight pounds of mixed nuts, salted peanuts, cakes, pies and carved beef, canned fruits. The state gave us seven pounds of hard candy and one cigar each (I never smoke them). It is about gone now and I am glad. I haven't been sleeping well. Too much rich food before going to bed. I had lots of fun and now I am ready to study again.
I intend being a better man this year, especially with you. I shall study harder, that will please you. I shall try to write better letters and more of them. You have always been so very good to me. In some ways you are quite a bit like Mom. I have just finished rereading all of your letters. They impressed me very much and I will try to be like what I think you want me to be. Snap out of it and get to work.
Official notice just came over the radio. We are under quarantine. No visitors permitted. Even the officers must stay here until the weather changes. We have been requested to advise any possible visitors to that effect. There is little chance of me having a visitor anyway until you come, as my dad has a severe cold. I hope it isn't serious.
The visiting room is very crowded on Saturdays. A person can't hear himself think sometimes. The first of the week is the best time. (preferribly mornings.) They close up at 3:30 PM. This is the best time, but any time you come is alright with me.
I don't know if you will hear from me again before our visit. If I can, I surely will. If I cannot make it, I can at last say, I'll be seeing you.
I send my very best wishes to you, old friend, lots of good luck, keep away from stumbling horses and take care of you.
Very sincerely, Russell McWilliams 5661-E
(seq. 3)
January 11, 1937
Mr. Joseph E. Ragen, Superintendent, Illinois State Penitentiary, Joliet, Ill.
My dear Mr. Ragen:
I am interested in you prisoner Russell McWilliams,#5661-E. I befriended him when he was in the Death House, and was asked by the Department of Public Welfare to make a study of his case, with a view to commutation of sentence. I have corresponded with him regularly since.
On February 2nd, I have to present a lecture at Winnetka Illinois, and with your kind permission, I would like to take advantage of this opportunity to present myself at your institution and to visit Russell McWilliams. I shall present myself either on the first or third of February, at your convenience. At this time, I would deeply appreciate a word or two with you with reference to the problems of prison administration, which, I venture to say, are of mutual interest.
Very truly yours, Superintendent.
MVW/K
(seq. 4)
January 15, 1937
Russell MoWilliams, #5661-E, Box 1112 Joliet, Illinois.
Dear Russell:
I just got back last night from Washington and found the black and white box you made for me, It is the niccest of its kind I ever saw. It is so carefully fitted together and so pleasing in design. I shall put it to immediate use, and I am so glad to have it because you made it for me.
I have written to your warden for special permission to make a visit to you whenever I arrive. I realize, of course, I cannot get in if you are quarantined, but I am prayihng that may not be the case. As soon as I receive an answer to the letter and get my dates planned, I shall drop you a line to let you know what date to expect me.
All good wishes to you, Ever faithfully yours, Superintendent.
MVW/K
(seq. 5)
Russell McWilliams, #5661, Box 1112, Joliet, Illinois.
Dear Russell:
I have received permission from Mr. Ragen, your warden, that I may visit you when I come.
I am planning to stop in Chicago Monday morning, February 1st, and if possible, I shall come on that day shortly before noon, or just a little after.
I hope all goes well with you.
Sincerest good wishes, your friend,
Superintendent
MVW/K