Correspondence between Governor William Sweet and Inmates Regarding Corruption in the Colorado State Penitentiary

Letter from Everett (former inmate) to Sweet June 23, 1924

C.H Everett, a former inmate at the Colorado State Penitentiary, wrote to Governor William Sweet because he was eager to travel from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Denver to help Sweet in his investigation against Warden Tynan. Everett claimed that he…

Letter from Nestoroff (former inmate) to Sweet September 6, 1924

C.D Nestoroff, a former inmate at the Colorado State Penitentiary, thanked Governor Sweet for releasing him from the penitentiary. Nestoroff claimed that he was an honest man and he had full confidence that other inmates would be honorable citizens…

Letter from Pierce (former inmate) to Sweet January 5, 1925

H.W Pierce, a former inmate at the Colorado State Penitentiary, described his life in prison in a letter to Governor William Sweet. Pierce pledged to remain faithful in God and promised to help inmates who were suffering under Tynan’s…

Letter from Hilton to Sweet January 6, 1925

O.N Hilton contacted Governor William Sweet to inform him that Tynan blocked several of his letters from reaching inmates at the Colorado State Penitentiary. Hilton was a strong advocate against Warden Tynan and claimed he was better equipped to…

Sweet's Conversation with a Paroled Prisoner April 14, 1924

Governor William Sweet recorded his conversation with Andrew Mckay, a former inmate at the Colorado State Penitentiary. Mckay, compared his experience at the Colorado State Penitentiary with his experience at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in New…

Letter from Lee (former inmate) to Sweet January 5, 1925

Robert Lee and his brother served time at the Colorado State Penitentiary. Lee wrote to Governor William Sweet because he was “willing to crawl on his hands and knees” to testify against Warden Tynan. Lee gave Sweet permission to publish this letter…

Letter from Durand (former inmate) to Sweet January 6, 1925

D.A Durand, a former inmate at the Colorado State Penitentiary, excused Warden Tynan of “moonshining” and he claimed Tynan stole things from the Penitentiary to use on his ranch.

Transcription:

Dear Sir,
I just read in the Rocky Mountain…

Letter from Ashcroft (former inmate family member) to Sweet May 31, 1925

Mrs. Ashcroft thanked Governor William Sweet for granting her son clemency.

Transcription:

Dear Gov; I want to thank you for your kindness in bringing Mr. Ashcroft home to us.

Sincerely,
Mrs. S.B Ashcroft

Letter from Unknown (former inmate) to Sweet

An anonymous ex-inmate sent Governor William Sweet a letter that pertained gruesome details about punishment used frequently in the Colorado State Penitentiary. The anonymous person said that a "big niger" would spank many inmates for minor offenses.…

Letter from Lutler (former inmate) to Sweet

Norene Lutler wrote to Governor William Sweet when she was still on parole from the Colorado State Penitentiary. Lutler was granted trustee status while at the Penitentiary, which meant she had certain privileges under Warden Tynan. Despite her…