Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: D, 1942-1944. A-71, folder 293. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Dear Dr Van Waters -

Please call Mrs Chase Wed or Thursday a.m. and give her your decision - I understood from our phone conversation that I was to return - so I did so. I am scheduled to be on duty Wed. noon - 1230

There was no need of Mrs Chase making so much of it. You can feel free in thinking - I am alright than very upset. Neither Mrs Chase nor my mother understand - mother was very disturbed after talking over the phone - and I cried all night unusual for me. The whole thing was

not fair. My mother is in no condition to be responsible for me - and I do not wish her to be. I shall not make my home with her. I can stand quite well alone -

I shalla bide by your wishes - of course - thou I would like to stay here until the first of the new year. If you think it best not to - than your word goes. I am very sorry it all happened - Mrs. Chase is excitable and I realize - she had other things on her mind. If I returned to Framingham now - it would be admitting failure - and I would rather fight it out alone. I am not taking any narcotics and shall not. PLease believe me - the truth is - if I wished to - there is no place to obtain it. You asked me if I had been drinking - no - but if that sort of thing did draw me - I would get (plastered) since Tuesday. Mrs. Chase told mother I wished to go to Springfieldthe fact is - I was invited to ride down - she was disturbed I know. Mrs. Chase has been kind to me - and all the other officers - though I do not like it here. It may do me good to test myself - and see what I can do.

Best wishes to your mother and to you for Thanksgiving Day. Do hope assembly is a good one - and do not worry about me.

Sincerely Lucille Devine

93 Columbus Ave Greenfield, Mass Wed. early. 11-24-43

File [??] MVW - ans - 11/25/43 but she had left.

REFORMATORY FOR WOMEN 2[?] 1949 FRAMINGHAM

Nov. 25 - 43

Dear Dr. Van Waters -

I expect to stay in Springfield until Monday. My address is enclosed.

If you wish to have me come to Framingham and talk with you - please contact me. I can take the train and see you some day - at your convienience.

Please do not ask me to return - I assure you - it is not necessary - and I

just cannot take it again. I do miss you so much though.

Will you please ask Miss [Manthorne?] to send the money of mine that she has from the Weston Cranverry Company? I need it. Surely they must have pait it now. It was supposed to have come in the week I left.

Hope your assembly was alright? I bet Anna was happy - 5 years ago - (how time does fly) I recited - Oh Earth!- thou has no wind that blows that is not music. The poem was lovely.

Please may I hear from you and everything is alright with me - it was unfortunate it happened Do not worry about me - and please have faith

Sincerily Lucille

Stearns-Square Hotel Springfield Mass