Miriam Van Waters Papers. Male Prisoner Correspondence, 1927-1971. Correspondence: T, 1966-1971. A-71, folder 607. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

friday oct 15-1971

Dear Miriam. How are you feeling? I hope reasonably good. happy birthday to you Miriam. I imagine you had a very pleasant one. I hope you have many more. My leg started acting up again and I'm back in the hospital here at Walpole last saturday the 2nd it was hurting so bad that they had to call the doctor and they came down and brought me to the hospital at midnight. its much better now. but I'm still taking shots every four hours. I have the same room that I had last year over looking the flowers where the visitors come in I imagine you read in the news that we're going out into population with the rest of the inmates I don't know when

but I hope its soon - then we can go to the movies and have little more freedom. it will be a big change for all of us in Block nine. [John Kedig?- on?] have been trying to get through to the superintendent for over 9 years or longer. that those 1898 laws didn't mean that he was suppose to keep us isolated from all inmates and friends who wish to come and visit I'll send you a clipping just in case you didn't see it. oh Miriam I forgot to tell you that I ran in to an inmate in the hospital here he told me that he's got many books on negro history and slavery. I think it was wonderful to know so you don't have to look all over town for books. so long for now - much happiness - Charles E. Tracy

tues oct 26-1971

Dear Miriam. I received your nice letter saturday and I am very happy to here from you. Im glad to hear everything went well for you on your birthday I hope you have many more to come. I'm happy to know you liked the card that I made I thought it would be someting that you would enjoy. it was nice of Mrs Willis to give you a nice gift. she is a very nice person. John Kerrigan is out in population I understand he's in the best part of the building I imagine I'm next to move out of block nine after I leave the hospital I don't have any idea when my leg will be better. the doctors saving it send me down to Norfolk to have my leg operated on again -

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whenever that will be I don't have any idea. I've been in the hospital here for a month taking pain shots every four hours - it very nice of your grandson Peter to send the beautiful flowers they're always nice to have and they will last for a long time.

Please say hello to Mrs Willis for me I imagine everything is fine with you. is the raccoon family still living in your back yard?

Much warmth to you always. Charles E. Tracy