(Editor’s note: The identities of the mother and son in this correspondence were uncovered by reporter Craig Malisow, who traced the home address in 2023. The editors are grateful for his assistance.)
EE4-AO
4081 Hillcrest #B
Los Angeles, Calif 90008
June 3, 1977
Dear Son,
How are you doing? What is happening over there I cannot hear from you. I haven’t heard from you since the middle of March. This is my fifth letter to you. Write me Son, so I will know what is going on. You have been gone long enough to be back home by now.
I went down to the church to talk to your two assistant pastors Rev. Brown & Rev. Foerster [Hue Fortson]. They promised me they would get you to write. I have heard nothing.
Take a few minutes Son & let me know what is going on. I hope everything is fine. I’ll close now, waiting to hear from you. If I don’t hear from you soon, I am going to have to see what can be done.
Love, Mama
PS Did you get the pictures that Pumpkin sent you?
—-
EE4-AR
4081 Hillcrest #B
Los Angeles, Calif 90008
June 13, 1977
Dear Son,
How are you today? Fine I hope. Pumpkin & the baby came down on the weekend. The baby is still growing. I put her on the floor & she was crawling & going every place. I bought a few things for her Friday. If I can find a nice babysitter, I would keep her for a while. I am still going to keep her one week or two.
I am going to Monterey, Calif this Friday night & stay until Monday morning. When are you coming back this way? I really miss you [illegible word]. I am glad you are getting plenty of food. I ask Rev. Brown how you look, he said he lost a couple of pounds & getting some muscles. He said you were fine. Send me a picture of you. I guess I’ll close for now, will write again the latter part of the week.
Love & miss you, Mama
PS Hurry home! Did you get the pictures Pumpkin sent.