(seq. 30)

[enclosure: 8 March 1945]

ILLINOIS STATE PENITENTIARY
JOLIET BRANCH

JOSEPH E. RAGEN, WARDEN
JOLIET

March 3, 1945

Hon. Lewis E. Lawes
Chief Business Consultant
Prison War Program Branch, W.P.B.
Empire State Building, 44th Floor
350 Fifth Avenue, New York 1, N. Y.

Dear Lewie:

This morning I have your inquiry relative Russell McWilliams,
our #5661-E, who was originally received here under a death
sentence in October, 1931, his sentence having been commuted
and changed to 99 years by the late Gov. Horner, in April, 1933.
Since his incarceration, McWilliams has had a perfect record and
has worked continuously on one assignment, the greenhouse, wherein
he has learned a lot about floriculture.

He certainly has applied himself, and, confidentially, I really
think the fellow is deserving of consideration. He has kept him-
self in a good state of mind at all time, works very diligently
in his assignment, and I would have no objection to anything that
might be done for him.

Am glad to know that you are feeling so much better and hope you
continue to improve.

With kindest personal regards, I am,
Sincerely,
/S/ Joe