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

Thank you - the jacket is lovely . I have not seen you to tell you how much I enjoy it - fits too . Ann [Markey?] - certainly has had or given herself a tough blow this time . It hurt me to see her so depressed and out of hope. Perhaps the [library?] will give her back some confidence. She did so love to woalk outside - I think she misses that more than anything - she has not been out since she returned.

Thank you again for your thoughtgul gifts . Lucille

Dec 28-43.

1/14/44

Dear Dr. Van Waters

Your letter arrived Tuesday morning-I can't tell you what it has meant to me. How can you retain faith in one who has lost all in herself? You are a remarkable woman-but I have brought you nothing but disappointment and unhappiness.

It is [fine?] of you to take the time to come and see me. I shall be here Monday-Tues & Weds anyway-so I shall look for you.

Ever yours, Lucille

Jan 14-44 619 Massachusetts Ave Boston Mass.

Mrs M. [Flynn?]-[?] 5596

Lucile Devine our file

Sunday Jan 31-44

Dear Dr. Van Waters

Your books arrived Friday p.m.-the letter in the a.m. I am sure to like both. I am part thru - A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. A letter one wants to find is - as a sincere handshake - both bind some people close - each - show faith and understanding - if hastily done - much nicer - sometimes just that your friend stopped at all to recognize - gives one a sort of nice feeling-of knowing they care as you do.-

There are some humans - and I believe you are one - who has as a creed - those in bonds, I am bound with them. Not shackles of wrist or feet nor loss of freedom - there are deeper [?] - firm bonds - that truly bind. They are within. - The more one tries to escape and resist - the more relentlessly they tighten - these invisible bonds - but as D. Webster said - 'No demon can know the inwardness of man.'

You will be glad to hear - I think, that I start work at the Rust Craft Card - Washington St - Tues. Feb.1. Only 10 min bus from my address. 40 hr week - 40 [cents] per hr - which will not pay payable debts in a hurry - but will cover things for a time - while I regain my self respect and pride. Who knows - it may lead to something. I am snapping out of my lethargy and shall try very very hard to carry on rightly.

As to needing money - I shall - one