Inside the Supreme Court

Petition to Decision

Papers of Supreme Court Justices on Selected Civil Rights Cases

David Achtenberg

Professor & Law Foundation Scholar

UMKC School of Law

Kansas City, MO 64110-2499

816-235-2382

AchtenbergD@umkc.edu

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Monell Series Home

Monell Home

Abbreviations

Chronology Part 1

Chronology Part 2

Chronology Part 3

Chronology Part 4

Chronology Part 5

 
Home

Monell Series Home

Monell Home

Abbreviations

Chronology Part I

Chronology Part II

Chronology Part III

Chronology Part 4

Chronology Part 5

 
Monell Chronology—Part 1
Granting Review:  From First Filings to Grant of Certiorari  (5/24/76 to 1/25/77)
    Documents
Event Date HAB WJB TM LFP Other
Petitioner files motion for extension of time  05/24/76         Docket
Extension of time granted to 7/9/76 05/25/76         Docket
Cert Petition filed 07/02/76         Cert Petition
        Docket
Cert Petition distributed for Summer List  08/11/76         Docket
EC circulates Pool Memo  08/18/76 Pool Memo*     Pool Memo*   
LFP & LFP clerks annotate Pool Memo  various       Pool Memo*   
RKW annotates Pool Memo for HAB 08/21/76 Pool Memo*        
Court Calls for Response  08/26/76         Docket
Brief in Opposition Filed 12/03/76         Brief in Opposition
        Docket
Redistributed for Conference of 1/7/77 12/09/76         Docket
Petitioner's lawyer (Oscar Chase) writes court alerting it to new decision  01/05/77       Letter OC to Clerk  
RKW further annotates Pool Memo for HAB after BIO received 01/06/77 Pool Memo*        
Discussed in Conference and relisted with Muzquiz (LFP notes as probable grant) 01/07/77   WJB Docket (Vote Record)   LFP Docket (Vote Record)  
TAB writes EC indicating that he and DM agree that Court should grant Monell and hold Muzqiz.  EC indicates agreement. 01/07/77 Memo TAB to EC        
Redistributed for Conference of 1/14/77 01/11/77         Docket
LFP makes handwritten notes re opinions below for discussion at 1/14 cert confernce 01/13/77       LFP Notes  
Discussed in Conference and relisted with Thurston (and Muzquiz).  (LFP notes court was about to grant until JPS raised an issue.  Now being held for Goltz memo) 01/14/77       LFP Docket (Vote Record)  
Redistributed for conference of 1/21/77 01/18/77         Docket
SAG writes memo to conference on Monell, Thurston, and Muzqiz 01/18/77 Memo SAG to Conf     Memo SAG to Conf*  
DW writes HAB recommending grant in Monell 01/21/77 Memo DW to HAB        
LFP dictates memo to self about Monell and Judge Gerfein's opinion below 01/24/77 Memo LFP to Self        
Discussed in conference and cert granted limited to Question 2.  (vote details included)     01/24/77   WJB Docket (Vote Record)   LFP Docket (Vote Record) 3  
Grant limited to Question 2 docketed 01/25/77         Docket

 

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Abbreviations

Chronology Part I

Chronology Part II

Chronology Part III

Chronology Part 4

Chronology Part 5

 
Monell Chronology—Part 2
Briefing, Argument, and Initial Consideration:
From Grant of Certiorari to First Post-Argument Conference (2/15/77 to 11/4/77)
    Documents
Event Date HAB WJB TM LFP Other
Time to file petitioner's brief extended to 4/27/77 02/15/77         Docket
Time to file petitioner's brief further extended to 5/11/77 04/08/77         Docket
Brief for Petitioner filed 05/11/77         Brief for Petitioner
        Docket
Appendix filed 05/11/77         Appendix
        Docket
Amicus Brief filed for NEA and Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law 05/11/77         NEA Amicus
        Docket
Time to file respondents' brief extended to 7/11/77 06/17/77         Docket
Brief for Respondent Filed 07/12/77         Brief for Respondent
        Docket
Merits briefs circulated 07/22/77         Docket
KE writes bench memo for HAB  09/20/77 Memo KE to HAB        
PLS writes bench memo for TM 09/21/77     Memo PLS to TM    
HAB makes handwritten notes re Monell briefs and bench memo 09/24/77 HAB Notes        
SE writes bench memo for LFP 10/18/77       Memo SE to LFP  
Petitioner files Reply Brief 10/28/77         Docket
        Reply Brief
KE supplements bench memo for HAB based on Reply Brief  10/29/77 Memo KE to HAB        
SE supplements bench memo for LFP based on Reply Brief 10/29/09       Memo SE to LFP  
Oral Argument 11/02/77 HAB Argument Notes     LFP Argument Notes Docket
        Transcript
        Oral Argument Audio
PLS writes post-argument memo to TM 11/03/77     Memo PLS to TM    
LFP prepares notes for conference 11/03/77       LFP Notes  
SE writes memo to LFP for use at conference 11/04/77       Memo SE to LFP  
Monell discussed in conference but no position obtains a majority. 11/04/77 HAB Conference Notes WJB Conference Notes   LFP Conference Notes  
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Abbreviations

Chronology Part I

Chronology Part II

Chronology Part III

Chronology Part 4

Chronology Part 5

 
Monell Chronology—Part 3
Creating a Majority:  First Conference to Second Conference (11/11/77 to 3/6/78)
    Documents
Event Date HAB WJB TM LFP Other
LFP writes WEB suggesting that, since there is no firm majority, memoranda on each side would be helpful.   11/11/77 Memo LFP to WEB   Memo LFP to WEB Memo LFP to WEB  
WEB writes conference saying he will assign justices to write memoranda.  11/11/77 Memo WEB to Conf   Memo WEB to Conf Memo WEB to Conf  
WEB writes WJB asking him to write memorandum  expressing WJB, BRW, TM, and JPS's position.  He will ask WHR to write one expressing WEB, WHR & HAB's position.  WEB says PS and LFP are undecided.   11/12/77     Memo WEB to WJB    
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
WJB writes WEB accepting memo assignment 11/14/77     Memo WJB to WEB Memo WJB to WEB  
WJB promises WHR that he will have a draft memo within a week 11/28/09   Memo WJB to WHR 1-9-78      
WJB sends WHR  first non-circulating draft of WJB's memorandum. (No copy of this draft has been located.) 01/09/78   Memo WJB to WHR
(no copy of draft located)
     
WJB resends WHR first non-circulating draft of WJB's memorandum. (No copy of this draft has been located.) 01/16/78   Note on Memo WJB to WHR
(no copy of draft located)
     
WHR sends WJB non-circulating draft of WHR's memorandum.  Date
Uncertain
  WHR 1st Draft Memorandum      
WJB sends Conf 1st circulated draft of WJB memorandum.   01/30/78 WJB 1st Circulated Draft Memorandum   WJB 1st Circulated Draft Memorandum WJB 1st Circulated Draft Memorandum*  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
WHR sends Conf 2d Draft Memorandum 01/31/78 WHR 2d Draft Memorandum* WHR 2d Draft Memorandum WHR 2d Draft Memorandum WHR 2d Draft Memorandum*  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
SE sends memo to LFP re WJB and WHR memoranda (with marked excerpts from Congressional Globe).  SE proposes joining WJB in finding that cities can be sued but only if the city itself was at fault and wants to convince WJB to limit Monroe to its facts rather than overrule it.  SE wants cities to have defense if constitutional violation was not clearly established.   02/01/78       Memo SE to LFP  
SE sends follow up memo to LFP re WJB and WHR memoranda arguing that WHR's argument based on fear of damage to cities' treasuries is not supported by the history.   02/03/78       Memo SE to LFP  
KE sends memo to HAB suggesting that HAB wait until other justices circulate responses.  02/10/78 Memo KE to HAB        
WEB writes WHR stating that he is willing to join opinion patterned on WHR's 1/31/78 memorandum 02/13/78 Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
SE prepares draft of memo to be sent by LFP to PS expressing LFP's views on Section 1983 in general and this case in particular. 02/19/78       Draft Memo
LFP to PS
 
LFP dictates and modifies rough draft memo to Conference 02/20/78       Rough Draft Memo
 LFP to Conf
 
LFP prepares but does not circulate "First Draft" memo to Conference expressing views. 02/21/78       Draft Memo LFP to Conf  
LFP prepares Draft Memo to Conference and sends it to PS (but not to conference)  02/21/78       Draft Memo
LFP to Conf
 
 PS sends handwritten note to LFP expressing agreement with LFP's Draft Memo 02/22/78       Memo PS to LFP  
      Memo PS to LFP
(2d copy)
 
LFP sends memo to conference discussing WJB and WHR memoranda 02/23/78 Memo LFP to Conf* Memo LFP to Conf Memo LFP to Conf Memo LFP to Conf  
      Memo LFP to Conf
(2d Copy)
 
WJB  writes to LFP responding to LFP's concerns about WJB's 1/30 draft  02/23/78 Memo WJB to LFP Memo WJB to LFP Memo WJB to LFP Memo WJB to LFP  
JPS sends memo to conference commenting on WJB, WHR, and LFP memoranda and suggesting need for further discussion 02/23/78 Memo JPS to Conf Memo JPS to Conf Memo JPS to Conf Memo JPS to Conf  
PS writes WEB suggesting that case be discussed in conference on  2/24/78.  02/23/78 Memo PS to WEB  Memo PS to WEB  Memo PS to WEB  Memo PS to WEB  
WEB responds to PS saying that others can discuss the case on 2/24/78 conference but he will not be ready.  02/23/78 Memo WEB to Conf Memo WEB to Conf Memo WEB to Conf Memo WEB to Conf  
KE writes HAB recommending joining the "Powell-Brennan" approach 02/23/78 Memo KE to HAB        
Case appears not to have been discussed at 2/24 conference 02/24/78          
BRW writes WJB expressing tentative view that cities should be suable.  BRW  prefers to avoid overruling Monroe and to not decide the immunity issue.   02/25/78 Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB  
WEB writes to conference proposing that Monell (as well as Baake, Butz, and Bankers Trust) be discussed at 3/6 conference 02/27/78   Memo WEB to Conf      
WHR delivers rough draft of memo to LFP (but not to the conference) responding to LFP's 2/23 memo. 03/05/78       Draft Memo LFP to Conf  
SE writes memo to LFP providing response points to WHR's 3/5/78 draft memo 03/05/78       Memo SE to LFP  
LFP prepares notes for conference of 3/6 03/05/78       LFP Notes to Self  
HAB writes memo to conference stating that he is inclined to overrule Monroe or limit it to its facts and would avoid deciding immunity issues 03/06/78 Memo HAB to Conf   Memo HAB to Conf Memo HAB to Conf*  
WHR sends memo to conference responding to LFP's 2/23 memo. 03/06/78 Memo WHR to Conf Memo WHR to Conf Memo WHR to Conf Memo WHR to Conf  
Case discussed in conference and 7 vote tentatiely to affirm with WEB & WHR dissenting 03/06/78 HAB Conference Notes WJB Conference Notes   LFP Conference Notes  
  WJB Docket (Vote Record)      
LFP writes memo to file explaining why he is not recusing himself 03/06/78       Memo LFP to File  

 

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Abbreviations

Chronology Part I

Chronology Part II

Chronology Part III

Chronology Part 4

Chronology Part 5

 
Monell Chronology—Part 4
Drafting Opinions: From Assignment of Opinions to Announcement of Decision  (3/6/78 to 6/6/78)
    Documents
Event Date HAB WJB TM LFP Other
WEB assigns majority opinion to himself 03/06/78 HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log?  
WEB writes WHR assigning him the dissent 03/13/78 Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR  
HAB Opinion Log        
WJB circulates 1st draft of opinion 04/04/78     WJB 1st Draft* WJB 1st Draft*  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
TM notes that he will join WJB 1st draft opinion 04/04/78     WJB 1st Draft*    
WJB recirculates 1st draft of opinion  04/05/78 HAB Opinion Log        
TM writes WJB that he will join WJB first draft. 04/05/78 Memo TM to WJB Memo TM to WJB Memo TM to WJB Memo TM to WJB  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
SE writes memo to LFP commenting on WJB's 1st draft.  SE suggests that LFP urge certain changes and also write a concurring opinion discussing stare decisis and arguing for municipal qualified immunity. 04/05/78       Memo SE to LFP  
LFP reviews and comments on WJB 1st draft opinion.  SE  suggests that modifications may  04/07/78       WJB 1st Draft*  
JPS writes WJB stating that he will jloin Parts I-A, I-B, most of I-C, and II-A, but will not join Parts II-B, II-C, or III.  He also cannot join in the "full power" argument in I-C.   04/10/78 Memo JPS to WJB Memo JPS to WJB Memo JPS to WJB Memo JPS to WJB*  
      Memo JPS to WJB
(2d copy)
 
WJB responds to JPS memo 04/10/78 Memo WJB to JPS Memo WJB to JPS Memo WJB to JPS Memo WJB to JPS*  
      Memo WJB to JPS
(2d Copy)
 
KE writes memo to HAB agreeing with JPS critique of WJB 1st draft 04/10/78 Memo KE to HAB        
LFP writes WJB commenting on WJB 1st draft and suggesting changes 04/11/78 Memo LFP to WJB Memo LFP to WJB Memo LFP to WJB Memo LFP to WJB  
BRW writes WJB expressing views about WJB 1st draft and proper line between official policy for which city should be liable and vicarious liability for which it should not.  He also expresses agreement with LFP on certain points.   04/12/78 Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB  
JPS writes WJB enclosing marked copies of excerpts from Monroe Brief and arguing that WJB has misinterpreted that brief's respondeat superior arguments  04/12/78 Memo JPS to WJB Memo JPS to WJB Memo JPS to WJB Memo JPS to WJB  
Monroe Brief Excerpts   Monroe Brief Excerpts    
      Memo JPS to WJB
(2d copy)
 
WJB writes BRW, LFP, and JPS saying he will circulate a draft to accommodate their concerns 04/13/78 Memo WJB to
BRW, LFP & JPS
Memo WJB to
BRW, LFP & JPS
Memo WJB to
BRW, LFP & JPS
Memo WJB to
BRW, LFP & JPS
 
SE writes memo to LFP commenting on BRW and JPS's memos.  He also passes on WJB's chambers' unhappiness that LFP might write separately about immunity.   04/13/78       Memo SE to LFP  
WHR circulates 1st Draft dissent 04/14/78 HAB Opinion Log WHR 1st Draft WHR 1st Draft WHR 1st Draft*  
      LFP Opinion Log  
SE annotates WHR dissent and suggests that LFP should write concurrence  04/14/78       WHR 1st Draft*  
WJB Circulates 2nd Draft Opinion 04/21/78 Memo WJB to Conf Memo WJB to Conf Memo WJB to Conf Memo WJB to Conf  
WJB 2d Draft* WJB 2d Draft WJB 2d Draft WJB 2d Draft*  
HAB Opinion Log WJB 2d Draft (partial)*   LFP Opinion Log  
SE recommends LFP join WJB 2d Draft but suggests further changes 04/22/78       Memo SE to LFP  
LFP prepares draft letter to WJB and asks for SE's comments  04/24/78       Memo LFP to SE
(No copy of letter  located)
 
LFP asks SE to prepare draft concurrence 04/24/78       Memo LFP to SE  
PS writes WJB expressing "considerable concern" about WJB 2d Draft 04/24/78 Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB*  
WJB responds to PS concerns about WJB 2d Draft 04/25/78 Memo WJB to PS* Memo WJB to PS Memo WJB to PS Memo WJB to PS*  
      Memo WJB to PS
(2d copy)
 
SE writes note to LFP indicating that PS is still "troubled" by WJB 2d Draft 04/25/78       Memo SE to LFP  
LFP drafts but does not send memo to WJB outlining continued areas of concern about WJB 2d Draft 04/25/78       Unsent Draft Memo LFP to WJB  
JPS writes WJB stating that he will  not join parts II & IV of WJB 2d Draft and will write concurrence 04/26/78 Memo JPS to WJB* Memo JPS to WJB Memo JPS to WJB Memo JPS to WJB  
PS writes WJB stating that WJB's 4/25 response reveals deep differences between their positions requiring PS to file a statement declining to join Part II.   04/26/78 Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB  
WHR circulates 2d Draft Dissent 04/26/78 WHR 2d Draft* WHR 2d Draft WHR 2d Draft WHR 2d Draft*  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log
(gives 4/28 date)
 
SE annotates LFP's copy of  PS's 4/26 memo to WJB and recommends that LFP not join in PS's refusal to join Part II 04/27/78       Memo PS to WJB*  
JPS circulates 1st Draft Concurrence  04/27/78   JPS Draft Concurrence JPS Draft Concurrence JPS Draft Concurrence  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
HAB writes WJB stating that he agrees essentially with PS & JPS  04/27/78 Memo HAB to WJB Memo HAB to WJB Memo HAB to WJB Memo HAB to WJB  
      Memo HAB to WJB (2d Copy)*  
BRW writes WJB stating that he intends to join and suggests minor changes. 04/29/78 Memo BRW to WJB* Memo BRW to WJB* Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB  
BRW states (to WJB only) his understanding of limits on municipal liability for deliberate indifference and negligence. 04/29/78   Memo BRW to WJB*      
SE prepares draft concurrence for LFP. 
(No copy found.  The listed document  refers to the draft)
05/01/78       Memo LFP to SE 5/8/78  
LFP prepares draft memo to WJB (unsent in this form) 05/01/78       Draft Memo LFP to WJB  
LFP writes WJB requesting further revisions of WJB 2d Draft 05/01/78 Memo LFP to WJB* Memo LFP to WJB Memo LFP to WJB Memo LFP to WJB  
      Memo LFP to WJB (2d Copy)  
PS writes handwritten memo to LFP only stating that he will not join in Part II of WJB's draft but that he appreciates LFP's efforts to limit that part.   05/01/78       Memo PS to LFP  
WJB writes LFP explaining how he will accommodate LFP's request for changes 05/02/78 Memo WJB to LFP* Memo WJB to LFP Memo WJB to LFP Memo WJB to LFP*  
      Memo WJB to LFP
(2d copy)*
 
SE writes LFP discussing WJB's proposed accommodations and recommends accepting the draft with those changes 05/02/78       Memo SE to LFP  
WJB circulates 3d Draft Opinion 05/04/78 Memo WJB to Conf   Memo WJB to Conf* Memo WJB to Conf*  
WJB 3d Draft* WJB 3d Draft WJB 3d Draft WJB 3d Draft  
HAB Opinion Log        
SE types note to LFP (on WJB's 5/4 memo) pointing out one previously unrecognized problem with the language. 05/04/78    
 
Memo WJB to Conf*  
   
 
Attached Pages  
LFP writes WJB stating that he is willing to join but appends (on WJB & LFP copies only) a note requesting one more change  05/05/78 Memo LFP to WJB Memo LFP to WJB* Memo LFP to WJB Memo LFP to WJB*  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
TM to WJB: Joins and hopes no further changes needed 05/05/78 Memo TM to WJB Memo TM to WJB Memo TM to WJB Memo TM to WJB  
HAB Opinion Log   LFP Opinion Log    
KE writes HAB indicating that WJB 3d draft eliminates previous concerns, discussing JPS's position, and indicating (per SE) that LFP will write concurrence which HAB might think about joining 05/05/78 Memo KE to HAB        
BRW writes WJB that he will join 05/08/78 Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB Memo BRW to WJB  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
LFP writes SE commenting on  SE's 5/1 draft of concurrence and asks for changes 05/08/78       Memo LFP to SE  
LFP prepares "rider" to concurring opinion (similar to 1st paragraph of final opinion) 05/08/78       LFP Draft "Rider"  
SE prepares LFP Chambers Draft of Concurrence  05/09/78       LFP Concurrence Chambers Draft  
LFP edits Chambers Draft of Concurrence 05/13/78       LFP Concurrence Chambers Draft with LFP Edits  
SE revises Chambers Draft of LFP Chambers Draft making some of LFP propose changes 05/15/78       Memo SE to LFP  
      LFP Concurrence Chambers Draft 2  
PS writes WJB stating he will join 05/15/78 Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB Memo PS to WJB  
HAB Opinion Log     LFP Opinion Log  
LFP  Concurrence 1st Draft prepared 05/16/78       LFP Concurrence 1st Draft*  
      LFP Opinion Log  
LFP circulates LFP Concurrence 1st Draft  05/17/78 LFP Concurrence 1st Draft*   LFP Concurrence 1st Draft LFP Concurrence 1st Draft*  
HAB Opinion Log        
HAB writes WJB that he will join 05/17/78 Memo HAB to WJB Memo HAB to WJB Memo HAB to WJB Memo HAB to WJB  
HAB Opinion Log   LFP Opinion Log    
WJB circulates 4th Draft Opinion 05/18/78   WJB 4th Draft WJB 4th Draft WJB 4th Draft  
HAB Opinion Log WJB 4th Draft
(copy 2)
  LFP Opinion Log  
Syllabus Draft Circulated 05/18/78   Syllabus Draft      
KE writes HAB re  LFP draft concurrence 05/19/78 Memo KE to HAB        
WHR circulates 3d Draft Dissent 05/23/78 HAB Opinion Log WHR 3d Draft Dissent WHR 3d Draft Dissent WHR 3d Draft Dissent  
      LFP Opinion Log
(gives 5/28 as date)
 
Marc Richman circulates memo to conference re cases being held for Monell 05/23/78 Memo MR to Conf        
LFP writes conference explaining revisions to his concurrence to respond more fully to WHR's dissent 05/24/78 Memo LFP to Conf   Memo LFP to Conf Memo LFP to Conf  
HAB Opinion Log        
LFP circulates LFP Concurrence 2d Draft  05/25/78 HAB Opinion Log LFP Concurrence 2d Draft LFP Concurrence 2d Draft LFP Concurrence 2d Draft  
      LFP Opinion Log  
WEB writes WHR that he will join dissent 05/31/78 Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR Memo WEB to WHR  
      LFP Opinion Log  
WJB prepares notes for oral delivery of opinion 06/05/78   WJB Notes       
Opinion and Syllabus  issued 06/06/78   Syllabus and Opinion     Docket
WJB delivers opinion orally in Court 06/06/78         Docket
        Audio
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Abbreviations

Chronology Part I

Chronology Part II

Chronology Part III

Chronology Part 4

Chronology Part 5

 
Monell Chronology—Part 5
After the Decision: Post-Decision Events (6/6/78 to 10/25/80)
    Documents
Event Date HAB WJB TM LFP Other
WJB notes newspapers report  06/06/78   Wash Star Clipping      
LFP notes newspapers reports  06/07/78       Various Clippings  
WJB makes recommendations to conference re cases held for Monell 06/13/78 Memo WJB to Conf* Memo WJB to Conf      
WHR writes to conference expressing concern about possible leak about WHR's chambers calling for the record in a Monell related case 06/14/78 Memo WHR to Conf        
WEB writes WHR promising a "swift and final solution" if the leaker is identified.   06/14/78 Memo WEB to WHR        
David Stewart writes LFP criticizing concurrence in Monell 10/01/80       Memo DS to LFP  
SE writes LFP discussing David Stewart memo 10/13/80       Letter SE to LFP  
SE to LFP discussing David Stewart Memo 10/15/80       Memo SE to LFP  
LFP writes SE explaining that he still thinks he was right to join Monell but that he was "taken" by some of the conversations at the time.   10/25/80       Letter LFP to SE