Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: L, 1947-1950. A-71, folder 310. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

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I only wish I could see you tonight. I don't know why, but I have a terrible feeling about you. Please, please don't take any plane trips for a while. I hope your mother is feeling alright. I am going to bed soon Good night, may God bless and keep you well and strong. Of course you know I still have your cross. If anything happens to me I have given instructions for it to be returned to you. Please give my love to Miss O Keefe, tell her I have the beautiful crucifix she gave me the day I left. I have your picture, and here and my sick call set you gave me on my mantle shelf. Oh, yes, before I gorget how is Edna? Fine I hope, Charles is really trying so hard, he is good and kind to me. Please write soon.

Your family with love

Ruth La Vache

The place number is Helmsley night 7-8959 Boston. mass April 14-1948

My Dear Family:

No doubt you received my other letter. Well I was really discouraged and disheartened, but some how after so carefully thinking things besides the moral issue, well no dear for - seeing family, you are giving me plenty of time to think things out. I must be honest above all, I was in a panic, and I am worse off now, I have these ulcers again. I have been going to the Mass Memorial hospital Dr. House was there, he promised to help me but now he has been awfully ill left there until fall, I don't know where or how to reach him. Well to make it start, I realise I couldn't possibly do without my medicine with all this

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added pain of those ulcers, I would be bed ridden if I were forced to do without it entirely. Elenor has praised the medical doctor there so highly, of course I asked her in a very matter of fact way. Oh well, if I could only seek we could find some way out of this difficult way. you are so understanding, strong, and clear-headed where I am weak and indulgine. If possible won't you please please manage to see me for a short talk? Couldn't you please have me. Keep pick me do as soon as possible, say Friday or Saturday and drive me up there so I could talk to you for in order to understand I have to see you in person. I must talk to you or I am lost. This thing is something I don't fibure out with but your advice. If possible couldn't I please talk to your medical doctor the time I am there to see you! This is the only way I can get advice no one on earth can give me but you, you are the only one I can explain this terrible position I am in

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There is no one to whom I can explain to, or confied in but you. I realise I am asking an awful lot to ask you to provide transportation up there, also to ask you to give up a little bit of your so very valuable and precious time. No money 'tho thank God - will you please call me on the 'phone and let me know when you can see me? Times is thte most important thing. If I am not here, ask for the house-keeper. or if more convenient call me Friday afternoon - I don't know what time Friday they will finish with me at the hospital - or better yet if you could call me here I leave for the hospital around eight-thirty! Oh, my dearest FRiend and only family I have, do this for me. I promise you I shall abide by what every agreement we reach on everything. Please pray for me, pray that our God will give me the strength, courage and the help from you to make the light more. This letter is the most vital and important cry straight from my so very (unclear) and confused life. If this sounds dramatic I am sorry, anyway a talk with you is the sane, sensible solution. I grow with this pain I could not come on the train, or probably reach there

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later than any other way. Maybe after you understand my condition you can have someone bring me back. Please believe me, after you have heard me explain, you will see very clearly my dangerous need of your keen insight and compassion. I must say Good Night, I am in terrible pain. May God bless & keep you, if you called me Thursday night I will be home. Never leave the house only to the hospital and back. I hope your Moather and Mrs. Castle are getting along fine, please remember me to Miss O'Keefe and Miss Mahoney. Please call me as soon as possible should I be to the hospital, just leave word with the house-keeper what time Mr Keefe will call to see me, I will know by that what time to be ready and dressed. The earliest time possible please, if he can't come anyone else would do, Mr, Sefiert, or Mr, Dawn, Miss O'Keefe, oh, anyone you could spare.

Your frightened, desperate family,

Ruthe La Vache. 173 st Botolph St. Second floor Suite 6