Letters from Alcatraz
Page 19
I am not going to say that I care nothing about the radio because I do; I am a radio bug. And the afternoon papers would not be amiss. The weekly shows during the winter would also be quite a treat. Besides I could have a visit occasionally if I were closer to home.
Mr. Johnston, I am broad minded enough to realize that a prison of this type cannot have all these things and coddle the inmates. I am not complaining of the system—it must serve some good purpose—but why discriminate? After all, there are around 14,000 men in Federal prisons, all pretty much alike. Many of them are long timers with far worse records both inside and out than mine is. I am not a trouble maker nor am I an agitator; I can get along amicably anywhere. Why shouldn’t I be given a chance elsewhere? Then if I am scatter brained enough to abuse the privilege then I should be brought back and kept here without any complaint on my part.
I should like an interview with you to talk this over; the reason that I am writing you before hand is so that the audacity of my asking for a transfer will not come as too much of a shock.
Respectfully yours,
Geo. R. Kelly, Reg. No. 117
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From Geo. R. Kelly #117 November 2, 1944
Alcatraz Island, California
To Mr. Francis Biddle Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
About two years ago I talked with Mr. Bennett concerning my being transferred to some other Institution. At the time he implied that, in my particular case, his hands were tied; that it was entirely up to the Attorney General. The inference was that Attorney General Cummings had instituted some ruling to the effect that if the question of my being transferred did arise, the decision was wholly up to him. What I should like to know is, does that ruling still stand, now that Mr. Cummings has been out of office for six years?
I am one of the original homesteaders of Alcatraz, having been here now for over ten years. There are only about eight or ten of us left who came out in the first shipments and I understand that at least five of them do not wish to be transferred either because they have relatives close by who visit them each month, or because they feel that their time is now too short to make a change.
Last week I talked with Warden Johnston and he was non-committal as to whether he would recommend my transfer but did suggest that I see Mr. Bennett when he next came to Alcatraz. In view of the fact that Mr. Bennett told me at my last interview that it was out of his hands, I thought it best to get your advice.
Not that I am trying to commercialize on my boys’ patriotism but I have two sons in the Armed Forces. My oldest boy is a First Lieutenant in the Air Corps and has been overseas for thirty-three months. My other son is a Corporal in the Medical Corps and is now stationed at Camp Hawze, Texas. My son in law has taught aeronautics and ground-flying at the University of Arizona for over two years. I mention this merely to show you something of my background.
Regardless of what you have heard of Alcatraz it is far from being a pleasant place to do time. The climate is murderous and I, personally, have suffered from chronic sinus trouble for years. The recreation facilities are practically nil. I realize that is the way the department wants it, but to me it seems like an exceptionally wide discrimination is shown between the men of Alcatraz and the men in the other Federal Institutions. I should like to be where I could read a newspaper and listen to the radio for a change after ten years here. If I were in Leavenworth or Atlanta my children could also visit me. Incidentally, both my conduct record and my work record are good here.
This letter is intended solely in the vein of one seeking advice. Shall I go further into the matter with the Warden and Mr. Bennett or is it entirely in your hands? I should appreciate your advising me as to what steps to take.
Very truly yours,
Geo. R. Kelly - #117
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From Geo. R. Kelly #117 April 1, 1945
Alcatraz, California
To Mr. Jas. V. Bennett Washington D.C.
Dear Sir,
Some time ago I wrote the Attorney General in order to find out how he felt about my being transferred to another Institution. In view of the fact that my letter was referred to you, his attitude must be one of indifference or else his prejudice was only a figment of my imagination that formed in my mind from inferences that were made during my interview with you. Now that your hands are no longer tied in so far as my being transferred is concerned I can get down to cases.
As you know, I am not one to wail and moan over my lot but in all fairness I think I have been kept in Alcatraz far too long considering my record both here and outside. If all Federal Prisoners were run along the same lines as Alcatraz you wouldn’t hear a peep out of me. Under the circumstances I consider there has been a wide discrimination shown between the men here and those in other Federal prisons. I know there are many long timers in Atlanta, Leavenworth, and elsewhere whose records are much worse than mine. Why aren’t they on the “Rock”? My record here is good and by no standard am I a trouble maker. Why then can’t I enjoy the few privileges that men in the other prisons are getting?
Anyone will tell you this Island has the worst climate in the United States. I have been suffering with sinus trouble for years. My left ear has been running for four years and I have repeatedly tried to have it and my nose operated on, with no success. I could at least get treatment for these ailments elsewhere. I realize all of the men who originally opened up Alcatraz were sort of guinea-pigs. No doubt some of us were kept here to justify the expenditure. After eleven years the place doesn’t need justifying – it is here to stay; consequently I feel the Department could spare me from the Rock quite easily. Alcatraz would be just as much a threat over the inmates of other prisons if I were in a Federal road camp.
There is another point. My boys in the army find it very embarrassing to receive a letter with a big ALCATRAZ on it. I realize I should have thought of that twelve years ago when I put Mr. Ursohel in the basement but that is neither here nor there – the fact is I am here and I believe I merit a transfer on my record alone. If it is the policy of the Depart to make it as humiliating on a prisoner’s relatives as they can, I have nothing further to say about that angle.
Your reply to the letter I wrote Mr. Biddle was very indefinite. I believe Warden Johnston said, “Mr. Bennett will see you when he comes here next year.” How about transferring me and seeing me in Atlanta next year? While I think of it, don’t you think you could see your way clear to let me write Kathy each week? Those semi-monthly letters are pretty far apart.
In the event you do come to Alcatraz before I am transferred I should like to have a talk with you, maybe I can convert you to my way of thinking – naturally I mean about a transfer. I talked with Dr. Bixby a few weeks ago; he looked better than Clark Gable in uniform. I hope to see you soon,
Respectfully yours,
Geo. R. Kelly #117
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From Geo. R. Kelly #117 October 1, 1950
Alcatraz, California
Mr. Jas. V. Bennett Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir,
I thought I would drop you a few lines as a reminder that I still want a transfer to one of the other Institutions. There is a rumor floating around now that there is to be a transfer in the near future and I am looking forward to being on it since it has been almost eight months since our interview. Bear in mind that I have been here over 16 years and with the two years Industrial goodtime I have earned I have served the equivalent of a 27 year sentence in Alcatraz alone. You know why I was sent to Alcatraz in the first place — because it was the policy of Atty. Gen. Cummings to isolate anyone who had gotten any publicity. You have transferred other kidnappers; you have transferred murderers, bank robbers, rape cases etc. You transferred Bailey years ago and he was in the same case so why discriminate. On my conduct and work record alone I feel I merit a transfer. I am the only man left who originally opened up this place in 1934. In June 1948 your classification Board here unanimously recommended that I be transferred
. Doesn’t their decision of over two years ago have any bearing on the case. You will admit that as prisons go Alcatraz is low man on the totem pole. For whatever you can do you have my sincere thanks and best wishes.
Very truly yours
Geo. R. Kelly #117
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Machine Gun Kelly and close friend Willie Radkay are seen watching fellow inmates play a game of bridge in the Recreation Yard. Radkay shared a neighboring cell (#240) to Kelly (#238) in Block B and they worked together in the industries along with Basil “The Owl” Banghart and Harvey Bailey.
Basil “The Owl” Banghart
Willie Radkay (seen here at Alcatraz in 2001) was imprisoned on the Rock from 1945 to 1952. Alcatraz was a small community made up of the “Cream of the Criminal Crop” and strong bonds endured even following many inmates’ releases back into free society. Outside of prison Radkay maintained close friendships with inmates Dale Stamphill and Harvey Bailey. Radkay described Kelly as a deeply reflective and intelligent man who was well liked by most of the inmate population. Kelly loved to read the classics and books about the Old West. He held a reputation for boasting incessantly of his early crime escapades, which some inmates found irritating. Radkay, however, enjoyed the good company and long conversations. “He was a damn good friend to pass the time with,” Radkay commented in 2004. Radkay’s criminal path to Alcatraz spanned far into his youth. At only 16 years old, Radkay climbed a fence at a local airport to get a glimpse inside Charles Lindbergh’s historic Spirit of St. Louis airplane during a goodwill tour in late 1927. While the aviator was distracted doing interviews at the tail of the plane, Radkay managed to reach inside the cockpit and pull from under the seat a bag of cookies, a magazine, and a stopwatch.
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From Geo. R. Kelly #44131 June 1951
Leavenworth, Kansas
To Fr. Joseph M. Clark San Francisco, CA
Dear Father,
I just received a letter from Bob telling of you and Dick visiting him and going to Warner Bros. Bob seems to think Mr. Foy is going to get him in some of the pictures going into production. Did he make any kind of definite promise to you? I have seen all of the old timers from Alcatraz and the majority ask about you. I didn’t like this place at first but I am getting used to it and if I can get a single cell I think I will feel like I am outside. When I reached here the fellows sent me candy – cigarettes – pleasing outfits and I don’t know what all. The yard is so big it looks like the State of Texas to me. We have had lots of rain but I’ve really enjoyed the few days sunshine we did have. Pauline and family are now in Okla. City with Olin’s mother – she is dying from cancer – and later they are going to settle in Wichita. Lots of letters from Kay and in the one I received today she said Mr. Shannon and some friends were anxious to try something in their case but didn’t want to make a move until the Parole Board had said “yes” or “no”. As things now stand that may be another year. Do you think you could call Mr. Boyle and have him speed the Board’s decision up a bit? Both Kay and Ora are feeling fairly good but are nervous wrecks from the waiting and uncertainty. I’m sure a word from you to Boyle or Leslie might turn the trick. In my opinion, I think they are going to grant the parole but are putting it off as they as they did in Murphy’s case. I started to work in Industries today in the Brush Factory and am in line for a splendid job that will be open in early October. You know Father, I didn’t realize anyone could wise a person as I have you. I am so used to our Sat. and Sun. chats that I actually wake up expecting you on those days. Maybe in a few years Kay and I will be visiting you in San Francisco and I mean for a week or two. I haven’t been able to get you on my correspondence list but am writing you a special purpose letter. If you will attach a short note to the warden or to Mr. Miller, the Parole Officer, in the letter you write me telling them you wish to correspond with me they will place you on my list and I can write you whenever I like. Many thanks for taking care of bob and to repeat myself you are the swellest person in the world in my estimation. Give Fr. Hasting my jumbo size hello and take good care of yourself. With kindest regards and best wishes I am as ever, Geo.
Geo. R. Kelly #44131
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George Kelly following his transfer back to USP Leavenworth in June 1951.
From Geo. R. Kelly 44131 Jan. 1, 1952
Leavenworth, Kansas
To Mrs. Kathryn Kelly Anderson W. VA. Box A
Darling, You have known me so long that you are practically able to read my mind. Although you hadn’t received my two letters yet, you already knew just about what my advice would be. In view of the soft soap the P.B. gave you in the denial it would be quite a gamble to antagonize them I guess. They may be on the verge of doing something but I doubt it as I can’t see where a few months would change their minds or attitude. (There was a fellow here who had been on the Rock for a few years who made parole on a 30 year sentence yesterday.) He had been denied many times and his partner was paroled to Ward in Minneapolis about three years ago; so you can’t ever tell what the board intends doing. Father Clark burns me up also. Not only over not keeping the appointment with Helen but the many things he did contrary to what I told him even in Word. He won’t take any particular stand and stick with it. (The new men came in from Alcatraz and there wasn’t a single one in the shipment who was a friend of mine. There were at least a half dozen of real old times who I expected to make this shipment but missed the boat.) I am still in the Hospital and feel fairly good I guess. I got up for about five minutes today but I was a lot weaker than I thought so I had to crawl back in bed. I think in another week I’ll be able to go back to work. This is quite a hospital here. It is new and has about six or seven wards I guess. The nurses are all inmates and treat me just about as well as could be expected anywhere. I didn’t know Pearl had the Post Office there. As soon as I am back in my cell I am going to write a letter to Mr. Freeman and I think from what I have to say it will go to him instead of one of the Bureaus. I’ll get a copy of the Jan. Red Book as soon as I am out of here. Now that I am in the hospital they are ready to install the bridge, which is impossible as long as I am in bed. Like you said, Angel, after this is over we will be immune to anything and nothing can hurt us. A letter came from Bob and I think you will hear from him in a day or so, if you haven’t already received a letter from him. Excuse the poor notes lately, sugar, because your husband isn’t up to doing a very good job of writing just now. I’ll do better next week. I’ll write as usual Sunday and in the mean time, I’ll be thinking of you and loving you with all my heart. My love to your Mother and lots of kisses to my adorable wife. Your from Geo.
Geo. R. Kelly #44131
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One of the last photos of “Machine Gun” Kelly, taken just prior to his death in 1954.
July 21, 1954
Mrs. Kathryn Kelly
Federal Reformatory for Women
Alderson, West Virginia
Through the Warden
Dear Mrs. Kelly:
It is with deepest sympathy that we write you about your husband, George R. Kelly, who passed away at this institution on Saturday, July 17, 1954. Although he had been having mild symptoms of coronary heart disease for many years, his death came as a surprise. He had been hospitalized on several occasions, but periods of hospitalization were short. Adjustments in his program from time to time made it possible for him to get along quite comfortably. He was admitted to the hospital the evening of July 16, 1954, but his condition was not considered alarming. He had moderate pain in the chest and shortness of breath, which was relieved promptly by morphine and oxygen. At midnight he was feeling cheerful and comfortable but shortly thereafter complained of greatly increased pain and shortness of breath. A copy of the Certificate of Death is enclosed.
In accordance with your instructions the body was shipped to your step-father, Mr. R.G. Shannon, Paradise, Texas, being consigned to the C.L. Christian Funeral Home, at Decatur, Texas, Scheduled to arrive at 2:52 P.M., July 19. We als
o wired a son, Mr. Robert O. Trimback, 538-½ Barrington Avenue, Los Angeles, California, in accordance with your request. Western Union informed us however, that they were unable to deliver the message in as much as no one was home at the address given.
You will probably be interested in knowing that our Catholic Chaplain reports that your husband showed an increased interest in his religious duties after his transfer to this institution in June 1951. The Chaplin states that he interviewed George in July of this year and George assured him that he had made his Easter duty and attended Mass regularly twice a month.
As you probably know from his letters to you he worked as a timekeeper and clerk in the Furniture Factory where he was rated as a very satisfactory clerk.
Since 1940 he got along with others. I enclosed a copy of a letter sent to your step-father, at his request, the information to be used in arranging for funeral services.
I appreciate your letter of July 18. In regard to a keepsake, we are forwarding to your step-father at Paradise, Texas, the following personal items which your husband had in his locker:
1 each Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary
2 pairs Eyeglasses