Schlesinger Library

[Card illustrated with white roses]

[Bottom left hand side]

Dear Dr. Van Waters

I've been wanting to write to you for some time and tell you how well I've been getting along and that everything is alright with me. But now I have some very Good news to tell you. I'm so very, very happy and everything is

[Writing on bottom]

3) knew he was the right man for me I also have the permission of the Parole Board to marry and Fred has signed the papers. I'll write again soon. Just wanted to tell you the good news. Very Sincerely

Miriam Thomas

Monday 7:30 am 4-29-71

P.O Box 207 South Carver 02566

Dear friend Miriam Your was received which found me in good spirit which I try too stay in unless I feel otherwise but I'm trying to watch my weight just stay around 220 that enough weight for me, at my yung age smile),

You know I wish the Parole Board would feel as you do, if so then I know I wouldn'thave nothing too wary about, but under the circumstances I have too take the bitter with the sweet sota speak, but I still feel that they will give me a chance I will just wait & see what happen I can only wait & see

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but I love it when it get hot, inthe Summer, speaking of a good record just let me say that when one see the parole board one thing they bring out is the facts. Such as why didn't you take up a trade my answer too that is I have all the trades that I need, I can Cook Baker. I feel I will get by on just the two, which is something you can always get a job. I will be going to school in September this way it will keep me realy busy for the last year that I have too do which will help me because when you are finishing up your time it's just like starting all over again, but I try too learn something each day it helps I already have my mind made up on just what I want to do when I am free, after all it's never too late if one is willing and that I am. I Pray that I will be able too show you that I can do good, because you have hope, me too find myself after so many years. I am happy too be out of the dark and I have you too thank. Will close for now, Yours with Love & (Esteem)

Always your friend

Travis

Feb 14, 66

Dear Miss Van Waters

Sorry not to have written for so long, but havent felt like writing to anyone, I realy dont know what to say, all I can say is Im well and doing good. Im seeing to parole board in May and I guess Ill get turned down again I dont believe they'll give me parole I hope they give me a chance Ive been in now going on 7 years, it would be nice being on the outside once again. I havent been doing any art work latly for I just can't get settle. I havent heard from my family as of yet. I got a card for xmas from them, that about it.

I hope you received my card. Well this is a new year now and the time is getting shorter, if they dont give me a parole Ill only have a little over 2 years left, not long, getting short

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of all the trouble Ive caused her. I feel real lousy and rotten knowing all the hardship Ive pulled her through. I have to get out of here for Ive got to have some enjoyment and pleasure with my family, for I havent seen my mother in almost 7 years, all I can say is Im sorry. I am going to write the parole board for a little concideration to see what can be done.

I was very glad to know your working on my employment andI have all faith in you to leave it up to you, as I said Id like Hospital work or Millwork but pecific Hospital work, to be able to save money and to be able to send money hence so I can make it a little easier on my family, just being home or in the free world visiting them every so often will be enjoyable so I guess its all up to you to get me in that free world and my hopes and dreams are all on your shoulders