Letters from Alcatraz

by Esslinger, Michael

  Officer Royal Cline was only 36 years old at the time of his death. His wife Etta remained faithfully at his side in the hospital until he succumbed to his injuries. Fellow correctional officers were profoundly affected by Cline’s death, which was especially sobering to the island’s families since Cline left behind four young children. His death would emphasize the reality that convicts would commit murder in trade for potential freedom.

  The trial of Franklin and Lucas lasted three weeks. It was an emotional process, due to the brutal circumstances of Cline’s murder. The jury was forced to examine the grisly weapons used in the crime. They were shown graphic photos of the blood trail left behind when the body was dragged, the hammer that delivered the fatal blows, and the vivid death mask that showed the viciousness of the attack. These factors contributed to the jury’s quick decision. Franklin and Lucas were convicted of first degree murder, and both received life sentences for Cline’s death.

  Franklin, who had been found with the bloodied hammer used in Cline’s killing, would be sentenced to serve nearly fourteen years in a closed front solitary confinement cell in Block D. He would spend the longest term in a closed front solitary cell served by any inmate housed at Alcatraz. Nevertheless, Franklin was eventually extended a few special privileges. After a long period, he was allowed to keep the door front open and to enjoy a non-restricted diet. His long-term isolation status made him an underground hero among his fellow inmates. Even while being held in the most controlled cell row, he was able to communicate with others in the general population via orderlies, and thus to obtain contraband.

  Franklin was released back into the general population in 1952. Because he refused to participate in a culinary strike that lasted from March 18th until April 4th, Franklin was forced back into the Treatment Unit for protection from the hostility of other inmates. He was allowed to continue work and was permanently returned to the general population on February 12, 1954. Records show that Franklin readjusted easily to the normal prison routine. He increased his reading habits and was noted to take special interest in spiritual and philosophical subjects. Franklin gradually became more trusted by the custodial staff, and was later awarded a privileged position in the prison’s hospital. He was trained as an X-Ray technician and later qualified as a surgical assistant. He was even allowed to prepare and handle the surgical instruments during operations.

  After spending twenty years at Alcatraz, Franklin was allowed to transfer back to USP Leavenworth for a brief ten-month stay, and then to USP Atlanta to be closer to his family. In one letter written in August 1958, Franklin boasted about the train ride through New Mexico and Arizona in a Pullman car, and of the emotion of seeing life outside of prison for the first time since the murder trial of Royal Cline. He wrote frequently to Warden Madigan and other friends at Alcatraz, keeping them up-to-date on his progress. Madigan seemed to reflect pleasantly on Franklin’s progress.

  Franklin would spend nearly his entire life behind bars. He was finally paroled on October 29, 1974, and died of lung cancer (as indicated on his death certificate) only a short time later on May 27, 1975 in Dayton, Ohio at 59 years of age. He was living with his sister Ruby Farrow at the time of his death, and was said to have enjoyed cooking every morning, and riding the bus into the city everyday to savor his freedom. He is buried at the Willow View Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, with a simple gravesite marker.

  His letters and writings reflect a life turning full circle.

  * * *

  From Rufus Franklin August 9, 1959

  Atlanta, Ga.

  To Warden Paul J. Madigan

  Dear Warden:

  I am happy, sir, to tell you that I am here in Atlanta. It has been wonderful being here close to home and being able to have visits with the family and to get acquainted with them again. I told them all about you and they are as grateful as I to you for making it possible for me to be together again.

  It has been an uplifting experience sir, and I can’t describe the happiness we have felt at being reunited again. I was not quite prepared for the impact of meeting all my brothers’ and sisters’ children all of whom I had never met – they having been born since my incarceration, but it was all pretty wonderful and it seemed as though we had known each other all the time!

  I was in Leavenworth a little more than ten months before I was transferred here the first of June. I have been trying to find time to write to you ever since I have been here, but there has been so much happening that I have just now been able to settle down and write to you.

  I am working in the Hospital here for Dr. Pirkle, who is a very good friend of Mr. Cain. He is a fine man and it is a pleasure to be able to work for him.

  All the officials here have been very good to me. They have been most helpful in any way they could be.

  I feel, sir, that it might not be too much longer until I shall be paroled. I plan to apply in November. I am praying and hoping with all my heart that the Parole Board let me go home to the finest and best family any man could ever wish for.

  I know I shall never violate another law. The only thing I have now is to go out and be a good, respectful, and loyal citizen and try to erase the black name I have placed on our family name. I feel a deep shame when I think of the pain I have caused them, and I intend to make it up to them and make them feel proud of me.

  Please give my regards to Captain Rychner, and God bless you, sir, and all your family.

  I will write you again when I hear from the Parole Board.

  Most sincerely,

  Rufus Franklin - #48531

  October 15, 1959

  * * *

  Rufus Franklin (left) and James Lucas (right) during their highly publicized court appearances. Both inmates were convicted of first degree murder for their role in Officer Cline’s death.

  Paul J. Madigan served as warden from 1955 until 1961.

  Mr. Rufus Franklin

  U.S. Penitentiary

  Atlanta, Georgia

  Dear Rufus:

  Thank you for your letter of August 9, 1959. It was a pleasure to hear from you and I know it means a great deal to you to be in Atlanta so you can receive visits from your family.

  You are in a good department and your training here at Alcatraz will be helpful to you in hospital work. No doubt the Atlanta hospital is a large operation.

  It has been a long time since you first came to Alcatraz and you have been through many difficult years and trials. You were a young man when you first came to us and as many young men you possessed the fire that got you into difficulty. You grew out of those years and by application improved your education and work habits. It was not easy for you since there were many pressures brought to bear that made it most difficult for you to conduct yourself as you wished to do. At any rate you accomplished what you set your mind to do and are now in a position to accomplish still more.

  We hope you continue to get along well and take advantage of the many opportunities available for increased knowledge. You have learned to accept reverses gracefully and you can be a strong force in Atlanta for proper conduct and living.

  I appreciate your remembering me and hope the future brings you the happiness you have missed for many years.

  Sincerely,

  P. J. MADIGAN

  W a r d e n

  * * *

  Rufus Franklin – 48531-131

  Jan. 9, 1974

  Dear Brother,

  Rec. your letter to-day sure was glad to hear from you. Hope you are doing fine, hoping you like being in Atlanta better.

  I can line you up on a job; it will be a good job, with pretty good pay. I know the guy well. I want you to keep me posted on any-thing I can do as far as helping you. Are you aloud any visitors, if so let me know the day.

  If I send you money will you be allowed to have it?

  For me and the family just fine. Guess I will close for now & this is the mail.

  Ans. soon

  Love,

  C. S. Franklin
<
br />   Route 2, Box 60

  Munford, AL 36258

  * * *

  1974

  Dear Mr. Brown:

  I would like to be considered for a job on the Work Release Program.

  In view of my lengthy incarceration, I feel sure that such a job would be most beneficial to me in several respects. It would enable me to meet and get acquainted with the public and I feel that I am in need of this. I’m sure this will be invaluable in my transition from prison life to freedom.

  I am most anxious, sir, to adjust myself as much as possible prior to my release October 29, 1974 so that I can be prepared to assume a useful niche in society with a minimum adjustment.

  I am very determined that no action of mine, before or after release, will ever put my parole in jeopardy. I am going to enjoy what years I have left in peace.

  I would be most grateful for a chance to work on the Work Release Program not only for the above reason but also for the reason it would enable me to save a few hundred dollars so that I won’t be broke upon my release.

  Sincerely,

  Rufus Franklin

  #48531-131

  * * *

  Franklin in 1956.

  Franklin was buried in May 1975 at the Willow View Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio.

  August 25, 1974

  Dear Mr. Brown:

  Sir, I would like to submit another Parole Plan.

  After long consideration, I have come to the conclusion that my best parole bet is to go to Dayton, Ohio to live with my sister.

  The employment situation around aviation is not good at this time and I can foresee that I am going to have difficulty finding work there.

  Employment in Dayton is much better and my two sisters there are most anxious and willing to help me and they will submit a job to the Probation Officer just as soon as it is requested.

  My sister, with whom I will be residing is: Mrs. Ruby Farrow, 172 Olive Rd. Dayton, Ohio 45427.

  My sisters and I have always been very close and they both want me to come to Dayton.

  You might have noticed in my file that I submitted a parole plan in 1959 when I originally applied for parole for Dayton.

  At that time my sister had me a job lined up in a hospital there. Of course, that same job might not still be available, but my sister assured me today on the phone that a job would be no problem.

  So, sir, I would be most grateful if you will send a request to the Probation Officer in Dayton asking him to contact my sister for a plan.

  Sincerely,

  Rufus Franklin

  48531-131

  Dorm. E

  Inmate Petition

  This letter to the US Attorney General was smuggled off Alcatraz. It requested that inmates be allowed to read newspapers to keep up with current events. This letter—considered as contraband— was signed by numerous famous inmates at Alcatraz, but it did not reach its intended destination. A mail handler in Sacramento, California, found the letter and turned it over to the authorities.

  Hon. Frank Murphy,

  U.S. Attorney General

  Dept of Justice Bldg

  Washington D.C.

  Sir:

  We the undersigned respectfully submit this petition for the purpose of obtaining your approval in granting we inmates the privilege of subscribing for the Nation’s newspapers.

  We do believe that if an unbiased analysis is made with a view of determining the amount of good contributed by a newspaper as compared with the theoretical harm that is alleged both from the Institution’s point of view as well as the inmates a good deal of constructive good is to be concluded.

  We do further believe that at this time World History is being written and destiny molded in a manner vital to the Nation as well as to the individual.

  Heretofore we have been given to understand that we inmates have been denied access to the newspapers because of the crime news contained therein.

  Incredible tho it may sound crime news to a man in this Institution is of less interest than it is to the man on the street.

  There are at present in this Institution men whose Homelands, which are now the scene of the tragedy taking place in Europe and it so follows that it is a natural desire to wish to be informed of the events there taking place the same as if your Country or Home State were to be invaded although we hope that the latter will never occur.

  We have it is true, weekly newsmagazines but it can be readily seen these are of necessity limited in scope, accuracy and detail, it is also obvious that mail facilities are unable to cope with the present situation.

  There are circulating in this Country many conservative newspapers of unimpeachable character many of which you are no doubt personally acquainted with and can vouch for as to their integrity and lack of sensationalism.

  Doubtless these same newspapers assist you in your daily life and if contact with these newspapers were to be severed their value would be apparent.

  The healthy minded person enjoys keeping pace with progress in the worlds of National and Foreign affairs with science and invention, history and civic life, industries and world markets, sports and modern trends to mention a few of the educational features to be found in the everyday newspaper.

  We inmates regret that we have no other means to employ in making this contact with you and wish to assure you that this petition will not be the forerunner of future attempts to petition your office with requests of this nature.

  We also wish to assure you that we will deeply appreciate any consideration you may show us in regard to this request and remain

  Respectfully yours,

  /s/

  Frank Weatherman, 1576-AZ

  “Alcatraz was never no good for nobody.”

  - Frank Weatherman, 1963

  Frank C. Weatherman, AZ-1576, would gain widespread notoriety as the last inmate to be issued a register number on Alcatraz, and additionally, as one of the final inmates to depart on the day of the prison’s closure. Weatherman, who was serving time for armed robbery from a conviction in August 1960, was only 28 years old when he boarded the prison launch, destined for transfer to USP Atlanta from Alcatraz on March 21, 1963.

  Originally from Alaska, Weatherman stated that the attention he received as the last inmate from Alcatraz placed him under considerable strain. One of the final reports in Weatherman’s file indicated that he had alleged that the never-ending barrage of questions from inmates and staff members had contributed to a withdrawn and reclusive state, much of which he would endure for the remaining days of his incarceration.

  A letter written just three months following the closure of Alcatraz is a fitting bookend to the story of America’s most famous prison. Like so many other inmates who served time on the Rock, Weatherman was desperate to escape the conditions of his confinement. Weatherman was finally paroled from prison in September 1966, but continued to find himself at odds with the law. He died in California in January 1999 at 64 years old.

  * * *

  From Mr. Frank C. Weatherman June 19, 1963

  To Mr. F. T. Wilkerson Washington 25, D.C.

  Dear Sir:

  I am writing in regard to the difficulty I am having in seeking a job in the “Prison Industry” that will suit my medical conditions.

  First I shall explain to you from the start to finish why I am being given a hard time. When I first arrived at this institution and being the last man to leave “Alcatraz” my nerves were on edge because I was confronted by so many people and ask so many questions as though I was a freak of some kind instead of a prisoner. This was my main reason for refusing work in Industry before the “Committee” in my first appearance.

  They told me it would be six months before I could have another chance to get into the factory.

  After refusing an assignment in industry and reconsidering my action I called on my “Case Worker” two weeks later to seek another chance to be placed on the list for employment.

  This was done and I made my appearance before the
committee for the second time. I explained to said “Committee” that I’m a medical case to be placed on light duty by the “Doctor’s” order. I have to work while it’s cool and a job where I can sit down. I am allergic to excessive sweating and I can’t lift anything heavy. They told me that the doctor would have to verify all of this, in which he did. The doctor sent a memorandum to the supt. of industry, Mr. Crowder. In turn Mr. Crowder sent it to the warden, “Mr. Herritage.”

  Mr. Herritage suggested that I be given a job change to something more suitable for my condition. This all took one week to check out and in the mean time I worked in the weave shed regular. I was taken out of the weave shed and placed in spin one where the heat is over 85º everyday. Aside from the heat I have to do a lot of walking since I’m employed as a sweeper.

  One more thing I can’t understand is why Mr. Crowder lied to me. He said there were no openings in any place but the card room and every week they put men in all the other Industry’s that have no medical condition. Sir, this job I have at present is definitely unbearable to my medical handicap.

  Mr. Wilkerson, when I was at McNeal Island, my work record was very good and it goes to show that I am very will to work.

  I went to see Captain Farr on the 7th of June and he also said that he could understand my condition and that adjustments should be made and he said he would talk to Mr. Crowder about it. Mr. Wilkerson I have not heard anything from the Captain or Mr. Crowder. Mr. Wilkerson you told me to write you if I had some problems at this institution, well this is the only one that has come up. I like this institution and want to stay here, you told all of us that we would be treated as all the others and that is all we can ask. Thanking you in advance for any consideration you may give me.