Intercepted letters to an inmate A3255

Intercepted letters to an inmate

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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:

This series consists of transcripts of one inmate's incoming correspondence. Since the institution's superintendent held the originals; it is unlikely that the inmate received the letters. The letters which discuss his and other youths' activities may have been used to help make a parole decision and/or to monitor the inmate's associations once on parole. Subjects include crimes committed or planned and/or arrests of and legal proceedings against youths; parties; drinking; sexual encounters and the inmate's chances of being released.

Creator:

New York House of Refuge

Title:

Intercepted letters to an inmate

Quantity:

0.1 cubic feet

Inclusive Dates:

1924

Series Number:

A3255

Arrangement

Chronological by date of letter.

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.