Miriam Van Waters Papers. Reformatory for Women at Framingham, 1876-1970. Subseries 3. Student correspondence, 1936-1971, n.d. Correspondence: T, 1937-1948. A-71, folder 342. Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

Mrs. Bessie Thornton Jan 21 1937 [co?] Mrs. [P?] White [Utah?] Road [GasC?] Wayland [MaH?]

Reformatory for Women Jan 22 1937 Framingham

My dear Dr Van Waters Your welcome letter received some time ago I thank you for the Xmas Card I have not been so well of late. I was sorry to have caused some misund erstanding. But it was not my fault. I wish you would [long?] to put yourself in my place I did what any fair minded person would have done. Not that I want to be returned. But at times it is so hard to bear the conditions. [Mr Alula?] is away all day he is a perfect gentleman [I?] have done all that

I could for Mrs A. You know the boys is just at the time when they are so noisy it gets on my nerves then she dont keep much heat. If get cold food it as been such nice weather. So I be obliged to stay until my Parole ends I never want to stay in Waltham again. You see I am out of the way to look for any kind of work here Dr. Van Waters. A person giving you a home is not all I want to feel content and happy. I have had so much to contend with I want to forget it. Mrs W is young. She as [found?] a good husband. Nothing to worry over. She dont realize what another person is up against. Is their nothing only just getting

along until Im through with Parole. Freedom is all we live for. You don't want a person to feel they owe you body and soul. What about P.W.A. I only wish some one would understand what I mean. Excuse my writing. You in this [M...?]

P.S. if she could not afford to pay me anything why did she not say so instead of picking on me. When she gets older she will realize more. Your letter did cheer me, quite some. I had been hoping to see Miss [Vihilla?]. I have just been listening in to the President's Inaugural I hope you are well. I often think of your kindness. if I speak to Mrs W. of il. all the pay you got a pull [el haunts?] me Kindness is in the [heart?] Cannot be made. Respectfully Mrs. Bessie Thornton.

[ see also Galvam, Jane 28 June 1943 ]

Dr. M. Van Waters 6,961 43 Box 99 Framington Mass

Dear Dr. Van Waters Your very welcome letter received. Who [S1 80?]

Thank you. I have not seen Miss Weinberg [for?] two weeks. I know you are all busy. I am much better, still weak. The warm weather makes me feel worse I cannot express in words my thoughts of you. You are one that makes the world better. if more was like you, their would not be so many state institutions needed, after you get out. The average citizen, oh so too know where they was. That gives you a depressed condition and [they?] say what is the use. I will always think

[ 26 June 1943] of you. If I had known some one like you, before my down word shift. I never would have known a [sloh?] Institution.

I am pleased to know you and your dear Mother is well Jane & Mary told one of the wonderful time The students had. [Please?] say fourth of July soon will be here. I may come to Framingham. If the day is fine, i would enjoy it, if only seeing you. Miss [Heinley?] as been [most?] kind to me. Will close thanking you again. Wishing to be numbered to your Mother

I beg to remain as ever Respectfully Yours Bessie Thornton Write me again when you have time.