Mr. George E. Penn, Jr.,
Kelly & Penn
Kingsport Tennessee
Dear George:
Enclosed is my check for $2.75 in payment of my share of the Christmas expense for the “Jail Birds”.
While we are on this subject, I might say that I understand that the conditions in the City Jail at Kingsport and also the County Jail at Blountville are simply disgraceful. I have fortunately escaped being incarcerated in either of these jails from what I hear of them, I would prefer to be locked up in a cow stable or a pig pen than thrown into one of these jails.
As citizens of Kingsport and Sullivan County, I was wondering if it is not about time we got together and raised a “rumpus” about this condition. Surely there is enough money to be had to build a decent jail in each of these communities. The present situation is a disgrace.
It is all right to give these fellows a Christmas present, but it seems to me the best Christmas present would be to give them decent jails. Am I right – or am I wrong?
Sincerely yours,
PSWilcox:hpb Signed P. S. Wilcox
Copy to – Mr. J. Fred Johnson
Mr. J. C. White
Mr. J. C. Stone
