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.

Boston, Mass, Feb 1. 1948

My dear, dearest Family Can you, and will you please forgive me? Belive me, you are always in my thoughts, you have an important part in every day of my life, because I often stop, think and don't do it. For other words to say to myself, would the Doctor approve of this or that sometimes single things. again sometime things aren't so simple, anyway & always you should want me to do. It was so nice seeing Miss Maloney, I was so glad

(over)

p.s wasn't it too bad about Gandhi? I think he was or is a good man. Ruth

2

Mrs. Ripley has been over these times, & look forward to her visits she is so bright, keen witted and is so [unclear]. We had such a nice visit I believe last week it was, Anyways I was telling her about the two favourite psalms I read several times a day. I have never found anything so comforting. They are the twenty fifth & twenty seventh. I was very ill, did you tell Miss Maloney, I did not want to worry you. God knows you have aches, the least I can do is not add to them. But that is not an excuse for not writing because I have not been in a position to return any part of the money you advanced me.

3

Well seems I've waited as long as I could. My dear family, & am living my life as you want me to. That basket at Christmas was just what I needed you even thought of the coffee. It made me so happy I sat down and cried. Family dear & pray every day God will give you health, strength, courage help to those who need it so badly. I have my freedom, bt don't go anywhere. Hope you are feeling good, please take care of yourself. Anytime I read any unfavourable sonnet about you I burn up. You do more good in one hears than those cheap, stupid people that make those comments could ever do in a life- time. Won't you please write me soon? I'm better now, but not able to go out anymore. Such a winter, guess I'm not missing much. (over)

4

This pain has been too constant for comfort. I want to know all about you, how you are. Mrs Ripley is coming up there soon as the weather breaks. A little bird told me she would enjoy very much seeingyou. I have talked so much about your indenture bill I think Mrs. Ripley must think for a little "ticked" in the head. Please let me hear from you soon. I hope Mother is comfortable. Give Dr. Castle my very best regards, and Miss Maloney. I only wish all your staff serve half as loyal to you. She is a hundred per cent. Well dear family, I'm going back to bed. I have a warm place about all I can say for it. Duke wishes to be remembered to you. My love & prayers are with you every day. your family

Ruth La Vache

Boston, Mass. Feb. 10-1948

My Dear Dearest Family:

Well, here I am just as happy as if I had good sense. Why? Because of your so lovely letter what I just received and re-read for the "umpteenth" time. But I'm frightened too but only for a minute because it came to me in a flash, prayer, I'm going to write to the Arch-Bishop Cushing. I'll send the letter for you to read before I mail it so please read it very careful like, tell me what to add, or subtract. I just know (over)

P.S no 2 Please tell me just what you think of this letter to the Arch Bishop.