Aurore!  The Mystery of the Martyred Child
   
 

My dear Honorable Sir:-

That the undersigned Mary Houde is again applying for release, that I have now served 12 years on this september 30th and I’m praying and beseeching your favorable consideration at this time. I feel, dear Sir, that I have a complaint to make to the Dept. of Justice and that is, my husband had Life, and only done 5 years and has had his freedom 7 years, and since his release has not even seen his own daughter who was in the Convent. He drove his first wife insane, whom died in an Asylum. I consider, dear Sir, that he drove me crazy by his neglect and inhuman conduct during my pregnancy. Yet he has his freedom this last seven years while I’m held, however Sir I only wish you could realize just how much I’ve suffered mentally and I also wish to express to you my Honorable Sir that 12 years is a very long time to be in custody And will state to you Sir’s, that I have the offer of three different places where I can go as housekeeper the moment I’m released and good homes too and very respectable persons that will gladly help me. You cannot blame me dear Sirs for getting despondent. I feel terribly nervous and low spirited. Dear Sirs, I cannot plead much more, for as God is my judge. I certainly want to be out and work for myself and help my children, that I might at least be able to see them. And God knows too that I love my father and my family. Therefore I also consider. If good conduct and Industry stands for amfthing. It should in my case for I’ve gained four years good time have not a bad mark against me, siner bring confined here apply to Miss Robinson (Matron) and Rev. Father Kingsley for references. Thanking you dear Sir for my release. I beseech you.

Always Obediently

Marie-Anne Houde

Source: ANC, , RG 13, Box 1507, File Houde Marie-Anne, vol. 1, part. 1, Marie-Anne Houde, Letter from Marie-Anne Houde to Guthrie, September 21, 1932, 1.

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