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.

Send to Mr. Kellett

11/11/50

Dear Dr. Van Waters:

Words will never express, how I feel to-day. You have been so kind & understanding towards me, and to feel & know, that you have faith in me.

With "gods" help & my own personal effort, I will be my former self. Please believe me, I do want a good life & bright future.

It is wonderful, to know I am going to Major Berry. A new State, new surroundings & new friends.

Yesterday, I recieved, a check from Rev. H. Kellett, Chaplain at State Prison, Charlestown.

It made me sad, & also glad . What a

2 lovely, thought. I just have not got over it yet. Deep down, some where with in me it has left an impression, that will be with me, until I die.

I am a Catholic, & to think that a Protestant clergyman, was the only one who really wanted to lessen my burdens.

I may be of the Catholic faith, but I am also & try to be a good Christian. What Rev Kellett did for me proves that "He" is a Christian.

For the fundamental basis of any religion, is Charity.

The Protestants help me, & the Catholics, have tried to hurt me.

Need I say more?

May god Bless you always, for your kindness to me.

I will not forget! and I will give the best, that is in me. Thank you for my, outfit & also Miss O'Neil, who gladly gave her time to help me.

I will send Rev Kellett, a thank you letter, on my arrival, in N. York, I am 3 waiting until then, as there are a few things, that are for him, alone, to read.

Respectfully Helen. M. Hennessey

P.S Am anxiously awaiting a letter from Major Berry in answer to my last letter. Telling me if some one is, to meet my train.

12/3/52

Dear Mrs O'Neil:

Thanks, to you, my good friend. I have two, nice dresses.

Please believe me, Mrs. O'Neil I am very, grateful to you.

I have, one other matter, I must, bring to you.

Major Dorothy Berry, was to send me, my, radio, from New York.

She was to send it, in care of, Dr. Van Waters.

As yet, I have heard nothing & have not recieved it.

Do you know, if Dr: recieved it yet. If you will please ask her -if the Radio has arrived, I will surely appreciate it. It may be in dressing room.

Tahnking you, for this and past favors, "May " God" bless you.

Respectfully --Helen M. Hennessey Grade I & Flag room

P.S. Miss O'Keefe -O.Kd my Radio.

Mrs. H. O'Niel (Dr's Secretary)

5/26/53

Mrs O'Neil:

It is quite evident you are not, fair enough, to listen to, two side of a day work problem

I do not, intent to lose my - day work, that easy. If I do not get it, back, I will get out of here, one way or another + when I do, I will go directly, to Gov. [Huty?] I won't take this, sitting down.

I sincerely mean this. And I am sure he well be, very interested, in what I have to say.

This is not sent as a threat, but I just can't take, any more.

The harder I try, to do my time, there is always, some one ready to break me down. Are you, by any chance, trying, to send me to Medfield again? Soon I will be an, atheist + I could not be [m?] cynical. Helen Hennessey