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.

May 4, - 48

Miss Mariam Van Waters. Dear Dr;

I am writing to you in regards to Mrs LaVache. I am Mrs Bitano. the land lady where Mrs LaVache lives. I feel that I should write you and let you know how Mrs LaVache is feeling. She comes to my room and we have alot of nice little talks. I do everything I chan to cheer her up, but for the last few days she has stayed by herself, and when she did come in, I knew something was on her mind. So yesterday I asked her to tell me what was bothering her, at first she didn't want to talk about it, said she would have a talk with me in the morning. So she came in this morning and opened up her heart to me, she said Mrs Bitano I have a very dear friend and she thinks I

2 should go to a hospital. I am heart sick over it. why I asked, because if I have to go to the hospital my time will be short, because I love my husband to much to leave him. I know my time is short and I want to be with Duke, that is Mr La Vache, All I ask for is my rent to keep a roof over my head. my husband can take care of me as far as food is concern. Nobody knows but myself how hard he is trying to find work. I do know Mr LaVach is very kind to his wife, he waits on her all the time. Isn't there some way her rent can be payed. if this was my house I would give her the room rent free, but as it is I am only the House keeper, I will do everything I can to help her. I have nothing, but what I can do for her I will do gladly. Please can't we find away so she can stay with her husband, it makes me feel so bad to see her the way she is, It isn't helping her.

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you know and I know she should never have anything to have her up. last night when we were talking. she was shaking all over, we can't have that. and we can't take something away from her she loves so dearly. Oh I hope and pray you can find a way she and her husband can stay here together. you are her only hope. I beg of you Mrs Van Waters. Try and help her. Yours Truly,

Mrs Edith M. Bitano

Boston, Mass June 20 - 1848

my dear family!

It has just dawned on me the reason I have not heard from you, no doubt because you have been waiting to hear from me. Well, first of all let me say, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Mrs, Rigby was here to-day and I explained the reason I had not heard from you. My thoughts and prayers are especially with you at this time. May God bless and keep you strong, and in good health. Please answer me soon.

(over)

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I know you are awfully busy right now, so if you do nto have the time please ask Miss Mahoney to write for you. Charles is picking up a job here and there, he is doing the very best he can in every way. No doubt you are very busy but please answer me and let me know how soon you can complete those arrangements. I won't try to write a long letter now. Hoping to hear from you very soon,

your family

Ruth La Vache.