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.

Feb. 10- 1948

My dear Family:

Of course I intend to re-write the Ach-Bishop's letter in ink, also to space it correctly. Should I send it? Maybe I'd better leave that up to someone with far more intelligence.

Anyway Dear Family send this copy back, advise me how to phrase it please--

Love --

Ruth.

Ruth La Vache file--

P.S. I am taking good care of myself. Have to lie down a lot. I still get those terrible fits of temper. Ruth

Boston, Mass. April 9- 1948.

My dear dear Family:

No doubt my waiting so long to write to you is seemingly being lazy. But I can't honestly say that.

No, I keep hoping and praying I will have some good news to write you. But there just isn't any, but I had or have such a strong feeling about you I had to write before I could go to bed, I am tierd too.

Was over to the Mass. Memorial Hospital again this a. m. for another X-ray. [Now?] I'm going back Tuesday a. m. to another dept. Gyn. clinic, chest and heart are O. K. That is another marical. (over)

2" as this is the first winter I havn't had pnemonia, to think my heart and lungs are still good, makes me feel good. I think of you and pray for your constantly.

Just think my Family, I would not be living now only for you and your kindness and compassion to me. The land-lady here is kind or I should say the housekeeper. We have such nice little talks, I have told her all about you, she is going to g (deuce it) over to the church for instructions from the priest. So God has work for me it seems. Eleanor gives me credit for having been the cause of her going into the church.

I am still hoping and praying that I might be able to help someone as you helped me. You gave me

3" kindness and understanding when I needed it so badly. That help you extended me by sending me the ten dollars was indeed a life-saver.

I had hopes of repaying it that followeiing week, but could not. But I am sure you know I would never, never ask you only when everything else had failed. I do so hope you are feeling well and strong.

I received the sweet little card, for which I am grateful. Please give my love to Mrs. Castle, tell her I still have the ash-tray she gave me. Eleanor writes me lovely, cheery letters I have not written wrote to her in so long I am ashamed. I have so much on my mind. Sometimes I think of my room with regret. Oh, well, I made the choice.

When I think of your daily talks and visits I feel so lonesome for you I cry my dear Family. (over)