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.

4" 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 awhile. I hope your Mother is feeling alright.

I am going to bed now Good night, may God bless and keep you well and strong. Of course you know I still have your cross. If anything happenes 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 hers and my sick call set you gave me on my mantleshelf. Oh, yes, before I forget 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 phone number is Circle_ or Ci. 7-8959

Wednesday night. Boston, Mass. April 14-1948

My Dear Family:

no doubt you received my other letter. Well I was really discouraged and disheartened, but somehow after so carefuly thinking things over, what an expense I was to you besides the moral issue, well my dear far-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 those ulcers again. I have been going to the Mass. Memorial hospital Dr. Howe 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 short, I realize I couldn't possibly do with out my medicine with all this (over)

2" added pain of those ulcers, I would be bed-ridden if I were forced to do without ^it entirely. Eleanor has praised the medical doctor there so highly, of course I asked her in a very roundabout way. Oh, well, if I could only see you my dearest Family, I am sure we could find some way out of this difficult way. You are so understanding, strong, and clear-headed where I am weak and impulsive.

If possible won't you please please manage to see me for a short talk? Couldn't you please have Mr. Keefe pick me up as soon as possible, say Friday or Saturday and drive me up there so I could talk to you far 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 can't figure out without 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 noone on earth can give me except you, you are the only one I can explain this terrible position I am in.

3" There is noone to whom I can explain to, or confide in but you. I realize 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 me? Time is the 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 before 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 ever 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 right move. This letter is the most vital and important cry straight from my so very mixed up and confused life. If this sounds dramatic, I am sorry. Anyway a talk with you is the sane, sensible solution.

I don`t know with this pain I could not come on the train, or possibly reach there (over)

4" 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 thought. Yes, and your God-given insight and compassion.

I must say Good Night, I am in terrible pain. My 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 Mother and Mrs. Castle are getting along fine. Please remember me to Miss O'Keffe 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, Ruth La Vache 173 St. Botolph St. Second floor. Suite 6.