(seq. 21)

February 23, 1945

Mrs. Lewis S. Thompson
Brookdale Farm
Red Bank, New Jersey

Dear Mrs. Thompson:

It was indeed a pleasure to receive your letter
and I was mroe than pleased to receive the first one during
my recent illness.

I really have been very sick, and on top of every-
thing else, got pneumonia. However, I am feeling much better,
though I've got to take it easy for the next couple of months.
I come into the office every other day for three hours, and
I will be in on Wednesday and be very happy to see you. I
wonder if you could come in about 12 o'clock on Wednesday
as I plan on being here from 12 to 3.

I was wondering what had happened about Russell
McWilliams and if you had heard anything from Warden Ragen.
I would be glad to appear in Chicago if I feel well enough
to travel at this time, but if the hearing is held before I
am able to go, I shall certainly write him a good letter.

I trust that you are feeling well and shall
certainly be glad to see you. I will not write to Illinois
until after our talk on Wednesday. I feel that it would be
a very humane and sensible act to parole McWilliams at this
time.

With much respect, I am
Sincerely yours,
Lewis E. Lawes
Chief Business Consultant
Prison War Program Office

LEL:MF