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.

6/8/50 Dear Dr. Van Waters:

I am writing to you, from the Annex.

I am desperate, locked in my room, with one more week, before I am released.

I have read every book here, in our Cabinet.

Would it be too much to ask you, for reading material?

Miss Watson will

2 bring a book, to one girl & not another: from the big library.

She knows I have read them ^all as I told her.

Is it humane, to be alone in a room, with no diversion?

I am not expecting -favors, but do expect fair consideration.

I will appreciate your co-operation in regard

3. to this matter.

Respectfully Helen. M. Hennessey

Dr. M. Van Waters

7-24-50

Research

With reference to Helen Hennessy, will you please present to Mr. Holland when he comes, that Major Dorothy Berry, of the Salvation Army, has stated she would be responsible for the supervision of this woman if the Commissioner would see fit to release her. The plan would be to have residence at the Salvation Army Hotel for Women until Major Berry secured a proper job for subject.

This is in no sense a request for an early hearing or release, but merely a suggested plan when release is deemed advisable by the Commissioner. In any case, the job would not be available before the Fall.

MVW

COPY

8-30-50

Women s Reformatory Framingham, Mass. Box 99

Dear Major Berry:

I did get your letter a few weeks ago, and it did make me very happy to know I have found real Christian friends.

It is quite evident that the Department of Correction here in Mass. does not want to see me go straight and rehabilitate myself.

I have not been given a date to be released. I may have to do my year? I am free (May 28) 1951. Everything is uncertain for me. I did not kill anyone. Only hurt myself. What I will do when I am free I do not know. I am bitter and cynical now. If my mistakes of the past are holding me here, regardless of my good intentions to start life anew, I might just as well play the game as have the name.

I gave myself up, because I did not want a bad life. They do not even give me credit for this.

But, please believe me, I never will again. I will hit the bright lights and have my good times (if you can call it that.)

I do not care any more. I have given my best and they don't want that. They crush me like a petal on a rose.

I want you always to remember I will never forget your kindness in trying to help me. My family who were in the war in (1918) said that your organization were the best and first to aid them overseas.

I hope God will always Bless you all. Thanking you, Respectfully Helen M. Hennessey (Signed) P.S. I am not going to work here any more. I will so my time, in my room. "For the Lord, God, will help me: Isaiah. 50:7

Student letter file