Schlesinger Library

Aug 9th 1949 Box 99 Framingham Mass

Dear Mr O' Neil As I go about to write you this letter I do not know just how to begin.

It makes me feel very humble to see girls & boys who went to St John's with me years past happily married of today or holding down very good positions in life such as you.

I am writing to you from the Reformatory for Women at Framingham but Tip I can truthfully say this.

I thank Almighty God & His Divine Mother for sending me here when he did for

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As I was sixteen (16) months past, I would of never been alive today.

Dr Van Waters and her staff have helped me so very much that I in return want to help others when my debt to society is paid.

Tip when I was home before my marriage - I may as well state who I am now - Margaret Maloney of 79 Rice Street You & your Dad were always friendly with me & my Aunt Nellie O'Donnell I thought I had worries & troubles so I married - and of today am a mother of four small children.

I took to drink and if God did not see some good in me he wouldn't have sent me here to learn the real meaning of sorrow and suffering of others.

The purpose of my letter to you today is not just a mere letter it is more of a plea.

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Over a year ago the present day Com. of Correction took away the priviledges which helped the Women here to take there time in good form and also gave them a training to go fourth back to society with.

I for one have suffered by his (hand of Iron) for if I had day work I could be contributing to my childrens support.

My case is similar to hundreds of women here. Some of us have no one to care whether we go straight or not and Tip you know as well as I do that the State does not give a care how much funds we have on leaving here after we have paid our debt to society.

Dr Van Waters is one of the greatest women on earth and her hours are long, her mind is never at rest for she is always thinking of something to do to make her women confined happy at least while their time is going on.

Tip you have always been a man of understanding and even as a boy a leader for right. Father Geswell always spoke of you as a young hero.

That is why I write you this letter in Gods name will you please do all in your power to help Dr Van Waters and her staff return to us Women at Framingham - Day Work and other things that were taken away.

Dr Van Waters fought a long fight and her suffering was our suffering and we always thank Almighty God that Gov Dever picked such fine folks to make the decision of her return to us here.

So please Tip will you do all in your power, when the Bill concerning the Women of Framingham ^{comes up} to have it pass.

In Closing I will Say - God Bless You & Your Family and Keep You Always our Friend of Framingham

Mrs Margaret Newton Box 99 Framingham, Mass