Letters from Alcatraz

by Esslinger, Michael

  When upon entering the U.S.P. at Atlanta, several of these enemies were found there, I right away requested a removal to this institution. In the meantime, two of the more desperate antagonists were brought here. But I could not then get canceled the requested transfer. Now it is a well-known fact that these same two men made a determined effort to poison me while in the Arkansas State Prison. It is also a known fact that they, assisted by some of their friends, are planning, and have already tried to do the same thing here. Numerous times I have found small pieces of glass in my food – even called your guard’s attention to it upon one occasion. This clique, which is so solidly allied against me, has repeatedly declared that they were going “to get” me, and they are in the ideal spot to do so. There is the skeleton of the facts – cold facts; not exaggerated delusions. Therefore, I am requesting a transfer to McNeil’s Island Prison.

  There School facilities will be open to me, and no one knows better than you how badly I need the benefit of instructive schooling. Because I advanced no farther than the third grade, correspondence courses are of very little value to me. I would not prefer Leavenworth, for, like Atlanta, many there also are vengefully against me. Now I do not wish to offend by trying to go over your head with the matter, therefore, am bringing it directly to you. But, if you think it necessary as desirable, I shall be glad to consult Mr. Bates, asking his co-operation in the matter. Thanking you for your kindness, I am,

  Very respectfully yours,

  Rufe Persful.

  Register No. 284.

  [Handwritten Note] Interviewed – talked over matter – reviewed it from several angles – told him how to conduct himself so as to avoid trouble – I could not see any evidence of anyone bothering him here – he will probably apply to director Roe – Hansley – Mclain served time with him in Arkansas. JAJ 9/16/36

  * * *

  Alcatraz Island

  June 25, 1937

  To: E. J. Miller, Deputy Warden

  From: Horace Diesch, Junior Officer

  Re: PERSFUL #284-Az

  On the afternoon of this date, I took the two inmates who are on my detail (Garbage Collection) to Building #19 where they change clothes.

  We were a few minutes early, the time being 3:40 P.M., as I told them to sweep the floor before they changed clothes. They did so and gathered the dirt onto a dust pan which #334-Parker put into a trash can I had on my truck. At this moment #284-Rufe Persful walked into the garage and I started to make out my check list for the afternoon. I heard a shout and ran into the garage and saw #284-Rufe Persful walking towards me with a fire-axe in his right hand and the four fingers of his left hand cut off just below the knuckles.

  I immediately put a tourniquet on his wrist and put him in the truck and had #334-Homer Parker ride on its side to help him if necessary. I drove up to the cell house and with your assistance took #284-Rufe Persful to the hospital.

  Horace Diesch

  Junior Officer

  * * *

  Alcatraz, California

  Nov. 19, 1937

  Deputy Warden

  Hor: E. J. Miller

  Sir:

  A letter in behalf of my case. Since June, 25th, at 3:45 p.m. o’clock.

  On that date, down at the old garage there were an accident happened.

  And in that accident I – Rufe Persful, No. 284, a prisoner, of Alcatraz, Island, did accidentally lose my left hand.

  But the circumstances would not let me tell the truth to you. Therefore I got the blame for cutting my on hand off, which was, an were right, but not on purpose, it happened in the queerest of accidents, which if I had at the time or any time it would have sounded impossible.

  That is the reason why I did not tell, and why that I won’t tell. But Sir I would not have lost my hand for nothing in the world, believe it or not.

  The prison guards here which that I have worked fore have, not mistreated me. But what do they do? Try to bug me. Am I crazy? Why of course I am. Why? Because they said I was. That is since that I have been here in the hospital. Oh – no, not all of the guard attendants or nurses up here have misused me. Some of them have treated me very nice. But others badly mistreated me.

  What the – “Department of Health” wants you to keep clean an sanitary. But they won’t let me wash my hands and face, or teeth, before meal. Will you please tell me what I can do about it?

  Respectfully,

  284 - Rufe Persful

  * * *

  From Spring Field, Missouri. December 16 – 1938.

  Post Office, Box 1000. Pocahontas, Arkansas

  To Miss. Ethel Persful.

  Dear Sister:

  In reply to your letter of November, 26th that I just received this morning I would have got it sooner if you had not neglected to put the Post Office Box No. 1000 on it. I sure was glad to hear from you and to hear you all were well. But sure was sorrow to hear of Walter being in the Hospital. Hope that he has recovered by now. As for me, I’m well. Hope when these few lines reaches you they will find you all well. I’m sure glad to hear that you are at home to stay for the winter. Well it sure is looking like snow this morning. Maybe we will have a white Christmas. It is some cold this morning. Well tell Marthia, Decker Hello, and that I would write to her if I could, and to be a sweet little girl just for me. I received a letter from Jasper, and Reba, the other day. Pauline sent me one of her pictures, with her boy friend, it was nice. Say Sister, I wrote you the other day about coming up here. If I was you I would not come. Not that I would not like to see you. But I don’t think it’s best you know. But Jasper, and Drew Bower’s; could come any time; of course if Drew; would not drive him up here. Maybe he could get Jackie, Schooner to drive him up here and it would not cost much. I know that you folks need the money. I’m sure either one of them would be glad to drive him up here.

  Well I suppose Henry and family will come down for Christmas. Tell them Hello for me. Write and till Walter, that I hope that he is getting along fine by now.

  Well I suppose that old Santa Claus will visit you this Christmas, and bring you lots of fine presents; hope so.

  Well Sis I hope to hear from you soon. I must bring this letter to a close for the present time.

  So Love to you all.

  A Merry Christmas, and – a Happy New Year to one and all.

  Respectfully Your Brother.

  Rufe Persful

  Reg. No. (1442)

  * * *

  From Springfield Missouri: January 19 – 1939:

  Post Office Box, 1000. Pocahontas; Arkansas:

  To Miss Ethel Persful:

  Will take the pleasure to write you a few lines this morning; hoping that when they reach you that it will find you well. As for me I am well and in good health; although some blue. Well this morning is a warm sunny day; the snow is now melting fast; It snowed all day the 17th. about three inch snow at the end of the day. I suppose you had snow down there to? It made me think of when we were just kid’s at home, when we would get a sled and go to the hills for a sleigh ride; Oh, that was some life; Or go a rabbit hunting in the snow: And to have snow ice cream when we came home. Oh yes that was a wonderful life for us children. But those days are no more; they are just memories to me, although sweet one’s.

  I wrote to Mother yesterday; I hope they are well. When you come up here write and tell me the date that you are coming please. So I can talk to the doctor about it in advance. Tell Jasper, and Family hello for me and that I sure would like to see them all.

  I don’t know the doctor told me that I may go back to prison before long. Sure hope that I do. I can get to work and make some good time there and could go to a picture show once a week to. Well when are you going to go back to work? Well Sis I can’t think of much to write so I will close for this time. Answer when you can. Love always, Your Bro.

  Respectfully yours,

  Rufe Persful 1442.

  * * *

  From Springfield, Missouri: March 26, 1939

  Box 1000.

/>   To Mr. Walter, Persful Gary, Indiana:

  Forgive me please, for neglecting to write to you sooner than this: Hoping that these few lines may in reaching you find all in good health and enjoying life: Sure was sorry to hear of your sickness; But was more than glad to know of your good recovery back to health: Hope – Eva, and the children are doing fine; tell them hello; Sure would like to see them: Little Emma Jean, has grown so since last that I was there that I would hardly know her are MacDivell. Oh it would be a great pleasure to see them and more. They are going to school I am sure; Tell them to be good and mind their teacher and learn all that is in their power. Be sure and send me their pictures; It would be great to set down to one of Eva’s, good and delicious, dinners, once more. She sure is a wonderful cook: It seems a thousand years since last that I was there. Ethel, wrote and told me of you and Mack, visiting Father and Mother; Sure glad you did they are getting very much up in the ages; and have not much longer in this old world you know. Tell Clarence, and Marie, King; hello, also Luther Rose. I suppose that they all have good jobs; Reba, Jasper’s, Girl, She wrote and told me that Shorty Massey, was up there now; does he live close to you? Well it came a slow spring rain last night and leaves everything so fresh and green this morning; It is warm and beautiful weather here. I get to get out in the sun and fresh air 30 minutes each day except on Sundays, I don’t work; I have not worked any for two years; now: I have plenty of Books and Magazines, to read to pass the time. But still it goes very slow. Of course you heard of my accident when I very unfortunate lost my left hand. The newspapers put it out that I cut it off intentional. But far from it. I had no intention of cutting it off. Say Walter, when you write to me. Always sine your full name and address at the closing of your letter and put your name and address in the left hand corner of the envelope at the top, and my correct address. Otherwise it will not reach me. Well I think I will write Henry, and Amy, sometime this week are next; I have not wrote to them for three years. You know there is never very much news, here to write. Well dinner is coming, so I must hang off for this time. They serve my meals in my cell so I don’t have to go no place to eat that is something. ha, ha.

  Well I will be looking forwards for an early answer. So Love to you and your family.

  Respectfully, your, Brother.

  Rufe Persful (1442)

  Box 1000

  Springfield, Missouri

  * * *

  From Rufe Persful. Sept 6, 1941.

  Honorable, Warden:

  Sir, on the eighth of October, next I shall on that date have been under your administration one year, and in that time I have been deprived of my rights as a model prisoner here in your Institution. I have not received no yard, fresh-air and sunshine in that time. Only one bath a week. Always dead-locked day in and day out.

  Sir, I realize the source of my trouble as well as anyone. But I also realize that my health is in very bad condition at present and that is why that I must ask you for help in my case.

  I have tried very hard since being in the Federal Institution to live by the rules, which was made by the Warden of the Institution where I was at; and in seven years I have been written up by officers three times for fighting and it was not always my fault. Outside of those three times I have had no trouble, and have caused the officers no trouble in that seven years.

  Please don’t misunderstand my meaning. I have not been mistreated since being here, only confinement is getting me nerves and I cannot stand it much longer. That is why I am going to ask one last favor. Please, transfer me to Sand Stone, Minn, Federal prison, or back to Springfield, Mo.

  Because I can have more sunshine and fresh air there.

  Respectfully

  Rufe Persful

  14945

  * * *

  Refer to SC 9/30/41

  for general review

  From Rufe Persful #14945 December 4, 1942.

  To Senior Warden

  Sir:

  In regards to my case here, I have been in this Institution going onto three years, and have been confined in Deadlocked all of that time. I have been in Deadlock most of the past six years, except the last three months that I was at Springfield, Missouri. There I was allowed to go to the yard and get sunshine and fresh air. I have been locked up so close, that I am now speedily losing my health. I cough constantly if I do the least bit of work. I have a constant severe pain in my chest if I take a deep breath.

  I have spit up blood after working at work which required me to stretch my arms above my head. My present health is not good. I shake like a leaf after a very small amount of movement around in the Cell. I feel that my health is gradually slipping away. And I feel that it will continue to slip each day I remain here. Therefore I am asking you to get me transferred back to Springfield, Missouri, where I can have yard and sun Shine.

  Thank you in advance.

  Respectfully,

  Rufe Persful 14945.

  * * *

  From: Rufe Persful June 29th, 1943.

  To Mr. P. J. Squires, Warden McNeil Island, Washington

  Sir:

  Since Oct. 8, 1940, when I came here I’ve caused no trouble. I don’t want to cause any so I’m writing to you. In view of the thoughtful little considerations you’ve given me, I regret I must ask you a favor, but you will see why the best I can explain it and still not put anyone on the spot. I have 4 ½ years left here to do in Deadlock and I can’t make it. You know I wouldn’t say this if it wasn’t so. I don’t cry. But (9) years in prison, with nearly 2 ½ years here in the deadlock, Close Supervision, no exercise, or yard and sunshine, and the aggravating human relations has broken my health and morale to a midway point in the fag between T. B. and another trip back to Springfield. You know the reasons for all this, you know they won’t change and no one can change them in this penitentiary. The only thing that can be done is to change penitentiaries. I have nothing against this administration here but I believe, due to my case, that I could get by a lot better at the Institution at Sandstone, Minnesota, and be able to get by there like other prisoners do here. I know that something has to be done, I’ve got enough of this, you know that I have avoided trouble so far. You know that. But people around here don’t see it that way. Now I am asking you a favor, for the rest of the time I’m here. I want you to order my cell door padlocked, leave me where I am at, leave my radio and smoking tobacco in here and shoo everyone to hell away from me.

  Respectfully

  Rufe Persful 14945

  2-A-9.

  * * *

  From Rufe Persful December 17th, 1943.

  To Associate Warden,

  Mr. Delmore:

  Sir, I don’t know just why I have been deprived of my exercise. The Officer in here said it was for running around on the tiers. If he said it, it must be so, because he is an officer; and yet I have not been on no tiers, except when I put out Magazines and radio programs. I have put them out for the past 3 years, and never had any trouble with anyone.

  Your officer never told me not to put them out. I ask him why did not he tell me to stay down and he said that I would have only blew up.

  I would appreciate it if you would let me out like I was. That is all the privileges that I have had for six years and a half. And being locked in my cell for twenty-three and one half of an hour gets awful long. Anything you can do will be appreciated.

  Respectfully,

  Rufe Persful

  14945.

  2-A-9

  P.S. I will go nuts in here:

  Donnis (Donald) Willis, 921-AZ

  Alcatraz mirrored the culturist biases existent in 1950s American society, and segregated African American inmates in the cellblock section known as Broadway. The tragically deep undercurrents of racial tension remained a palpable presence amongst the inmate population until the prison’s closure in 1963. Former Public Enemy Number One Alvin Karpis chronicled in his personal memoir entitled On the Rock the severe racial tensions occurring under Warder Swope in 1954. Karpis wrot
e in part:

  Racial prejudice, in existence before, is nearing the point where racism is bubbling and boiling... There are only seven or eight white guys celling anywhere on Broadway now due to the shortage of cells since half of the inmate population is now black. I recall the early days when there weren’t even enough Negroes to make up one table in the dining hall. Now it’s a split mess hall with blacks on one side and whites on the other and trouble lurking somewhere in the middle. Swope forces whites to cell on Broadway beside or across from Negroes as punishment but he has never been foolish enough to precipitate another riot by placing a Negro in the outside cells which are the exclusive white suburbs of Alcatraz.

  Ron Battles, one of a handful of African American officers employed at Alcatraz during its tenure as a federal prison, acknowledged the tense racial environment at Alcatraz. Racial tensions sometimes expanded beyond the inmate population and into the ranks of the officers.

  Donald Willis’s writings are reflective of the biases highlighted by Karpis.

  I, Donald Willis, make the following statement and claim that, on or about April 22, 1953 while serving a prison sentence and incarcerated in the Federal prison at Alcatraz, California, and in custody of Warden E. B. Swope and associate warden T. Delmare Jr.; I was confined in a segregation cell in T. U. Building, by associate warden T. Delmare Jr. for having refused to cell in the negro’s quarters of the institution. I was confined in a segregation cell, starved and exposed to the cold, by the said prison authorities, in their effort to force me to move to the negro’s cell block, to humiliate me before the other inmates.

  On the afternoon of May 1-2, 1953 and while confined in cell #6 in T. U. Building I, in protest of the discriminative treatment the officials were imposing upon me and from the infuriation of such treatment, wrapped a piece of cloth around my hand and with my fist, broke the light fixture in the cell and removed two small pieces of angle iron. I then used the pieces of angle iron together, as a tool to break the toilet bowl; Inmate Frank Davinport was brought to T. U. Building and placed in cell #6 with me. I explained to Davenport the cause for the cell being torn-up and impressed the hope that my action in tearing up the cell would occasion an investigation of the institution by the Attorney General of the United States, and my belief that following such an investigation the Attorney General of the United States would put an end to the discriminative punishment that was being imposed upon me, that he would grant better medical care for the inmates, better food, an inmate commissary, newspaper, radio, and other privileges that are given to prisoners in other Federal prisons.