Eventually, I began to see the futility of my exchanges with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston. And that was their objective. That was Francis Moseley’s objective when she responded to my demand letter with a counter demand for proof. And that was Judith Malone’s objective when she repeatedly and continually rejected every shred of proof I brought forward. So I gave up. But that didn’t mean I was going away. This is the letter I sent to Larry Hardoon explaining my resignation.
December 22, 1997
Dear Larry:
The last correspondence with Attorney Malone dealt a heavy blow to me, and I have made several very difficult decisions as a result. I am abandoning my appeal to the Boys & Girls Club for their help. I am hopeful that I will find help somewhere else, but it will require tremendous courage and all my wits to do it.
It seems to me that the Palmer & Dodge attorneys are blindly and tragically hell-bent on disproving my allegations, and I do not believe they would give fair consideration to any supporting documentary evidence I might give them. There comes a time in some instances when hope sours into an exercise in futility, and the hopeful loses his way and his vigor if he doesn’t seek another route.
I will now find someone who has first-hand knowledge of this crime. I am going to hire an investigator to interview the campers I have identified and located, but I will deal with the perpetrators myself. When I do, Larry, I’m going to go public with it. It will require tremendous courage for me to do it, but I am convinced that it is the best thing to do — for several reasons.
I’d appreciate it if you would write to [name of misidentified alleged assailant] and attempt to allay the pressure I have put upon him, perhaps mistakenly, though I do not have enough information right now to eliminate him. Perhaps you could explain to [him] that when I began my investigation, I was looking for a face which I remembered from the assault, and his face most resembles what I remember. Perhaps you could explain to him that I have since obtained the names of the counselors and the group leaders and his name is not on in the list. Please assure him that I revealed his name to no one other than you and the Boys & Girls Club. In any case, whatever you say, please keep in mind that Judy Malone will certainly have an opportunity to read the letter as well.
I’d also appreciate it if you would write to Judith Malone too. Please tell her what ever you like, but please be sure she understands that I am no longer seeking their help. I’ll be in touch when I have something to report to you.
Thanks, Larry.
Sincerely,
[signed]
James Chester