In order to try to obtain records that may be held by other than the National Archives (which generally has its own forms to request documents), try a www.google.search for terms such as Freedom of Information Act. There is a charge for these records, but perhaps the person interested in Federal Penitentiary records could use such a form. Investigative reporters use requests under the Freedom of Information Act for much of their research. We genealogists are also investigative reporters--we report on our families, warts and all! E.W.Wallace