The Three Christs of Ypsilanti - Milton Rokeach [125]
Dr. Rokeach tells me that you got very angry with my letter and my feelings are hurt about this. I really mean it when I say that you should write me if you get a chance and as I said in my last letter it might do you good if you go to church.
Sincerely yours,
O. R. Yoder, M. D.
After reading the letter aloud, Joseph comments on the suggestion that he attend church. “He won’t leave that alone, will he? All admonishments!” He says he is not going to answer, but will send a message through me, saying: “Thank you very much for the 50¢. I am getting better every day.” He concludes: “What else can you do against the authorities?”
Joseph does answer Dr. Yoder, however.
October 26
Dear Dr. Yoder:
I do so want to thank you for the nice letter, which you have forwarded to me. I do so wish to thank you, withal, for the .50 which you have also sent to me! Thank you for your praising me on my choicy perusal of literature.
I do go or attend the church service every Sunday. I also make an answer on your writing to me anent my mental health:—I am making progresses, daily in regard to my mental health! … Thus, I am getting better every day, using such psychology. . . . ‘Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better!!’
Excuse me for my not having written to you, before.
I am yours truly,
Joseph Cassel
October 30. Today Joseph begins an ambitious program to write letters to all his relatives, most particularly to his wife, but also to his father, people with whom he had long ago virtually abandoned contact.
My dear wifie,
Last week, I wrote you a letter, but no answer. I hope that this letter will get an answer from you!
I hope that you are well, as are the daughters? As for me, I am getting better, every day!
Yes, I am broke, I have not a cent to my name. Last Friday, I went with the store party, but there was no money for me at the money-draw—bank—. Thus, I was without a cent! … I’m “broke,” not “badly bent,” but “broke!” … Can you tell some of my friends or relatives to send me some moneys? Please. And, please send me some money? Please?
I do so hope that you are well! I miss you every day; I love you every day.
Your husband and lover,
Joseph Cassel
November 2. A brief letter arrives from Dr. Yoder with twenty-five cents enclosed. It ends with a P.S. “By the way, have you been to church recently?” Joseph promptly replies, thanking Dr. Yoder for the twenty-five cents and assuring him that he attends church every Sunday, never missing a service.
November 6. Joseph writes to his father, as far as we know for the first time:
My dear father,
Yes, yesterday, it snowed! there’s snow upon the ground! I have a ground-pass, thus, I go out, and my corduroy coat is comfortable and handy! Is there any snow in Canada? …
I hope you are all well. And I send you and mother and parents and friends my best regards! I also wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!!
But I am broke; I keep writing to my wife for money, but I don’t get it! Can you, please, send me a money order? I thank you in advance!! … I am in the hospital (and I don’t like it.) I wish I could get out!! My wife won’t get me out!! … May be, you can write to Dr. O. R. Yoder … to transfer me to Brockville hospital in Brockville, Ontario, Canada. I thank you in advance!! … I haven’t Georges’ address, or Simone’s address, or Philipe’s address, or Madeleine’s address. Can you sent them to me? … What is Louis Bordeaux’s address? However it may be, I await your answer and I’d like some money, I’m broke. Thank you in advance.
Yours truly,
Joseph Cassel
P. S. Can you use Joseph instead of Josephine upon the money order?
November 14. Joseph tells us at the group meeting that he went to church services yesterday. Protestant services! Twice! The