Research

Scope and Content Note

These are carbon typescript transcripts of one inmate's incoming correspondence, almost all written by one person.

The cover sheet states that the originals were held by the institution's superintendent; it is unlikely, due to the nature of the letters, that they were ever passed on to the inmate. It is unclear who compiled the transcripts and for what purpose; they may have been used to help make a parole decision and/or to monitor the inmate's associations once on parole.

In the letters, a friend of the inmate discusses his and other youths' activities. Topics discussed, often in graphic detail, include: robberies and other crimes committed or planned by the youths; arrests of and legal proceedings against some of the youths; parties and drinking; sexual encounters; and the inmate's chances of being released.