Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: H, 1950-1953. A-71, folder 304. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

9/8/50 Mrs O Neil

? gave you the letter M.V.W

Dear Dr V. Waters

When I talked to you last you were going to have Miss O'Reef, make a copy of the letter, Major Berry, sent to me, so I could sent it to Mr Holland. That was 3 weeks ago & as yet have not recieved, either letter.

You said, you would call me the day after I gave you the letter & talk to me.

I have not seen, Miss Keunberg these past 2 weeks. I am plain discouraged and if it was not for, the kindness, of Mrs Lee, Mes N . King offices, I would not and could not, have carried on.

Will you please, return my letter, from Major Berry? I value it,

Respectfully. Helen Hennessey

Oct. 26/50

Re: Helen Hennessey

Dr Van Waters:-

Mr. Holland to-day granted release to Helen Hennessey and she is going directly to Major Berry.

The state can pay Helen's fare as far as Springgised. Railrood Jane from Spriniggised to N.Y.C. is $5.20. are there any funds to cover the latter?

(Helen is to be in NYC in June to have the Turkey dinner with Salvation Army.)

RFW

11/4/50

Dear Dr Van Waters:

I know you must have got my note, which I gave to, Miss Markey to give to you.

I also know, you are busy with the parole board, coming next week. I read where you are to talk, at Wheaton College on Tuesday , next.

I feel lost, without Miss Keinberg. I could talk to her & I do like her so much.

I do wish to talk to some one and that some one is you.

Yes I am leaving here on Nov 20th to go to N. York & Major Berry. How I need her help & friendship, I alone know. When I leave this front door. I am not afraid, buy

V, after six years, confinement here, one year right on top of the other, the reaction maybe terrific. That is why I am glad I have found, such a fine person as Major Berry, for a friend.

Dr. V. Waters, please do not let me go to her, with nothing.

I do not ask money, I can earn that, but I do need clothes desperatly,

I want to go to her, looking my best & surely my appearence means a lot, in trying for a position.

I never want to see the clothes I wore in here. I have been, back & forth in them, since 1945.

I asked Miss O'Keefe for a night dress & cotton dress for work. I got a state night dress given to me but no cotton dress as yet. You know, I will never, take a State night dress, with me.

I wear state dresses here. I have to. I have no one to give me, skirts & 3 sweaters & blouses & silk dresses, like most students wear.

I am not jealous & I have not complained, but now that I am going out & to Major Berry, I do want to look nice.

If the Deputy's here dont't like me I can not help that, & if they don't care to help, see that I leave here at my best, I know you will.

I could say what I think, at times, I don't, because Dr. Hobbs, has told me how to live, if I want to live, quietly.

I had a letter from Boston, telling me what a good friend I had found in you. I believe that. Because you bought for me & also brought my lovely Roberta here to see me after 8 years.

I will worry, until I hear from you pertaining to this matter. May I please hear.

I place my trust in you "Dr" Respectfully, Helen. M.Hennessey

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