March 23, 1960

Dearest Priscilla & Patricia:

One thing we want you to know and that is: We both love you very dearly and want nothing but the best for you. This, in itself, may make us [seem] pretty hard and objectionable to your ideas since we know where such may lead to in the final [analysis]. We, by no means, are letting you down. The fact is that we are stronger for you now than ever and will always hopefully be behind you and pulling for you.

We can not come right out and say that we are pleased at the whole situation as we realize its worth and what such can do for the whole in general, but we are concerned as to how much you might be hurt or suffer for such. Loving you as we do we can do nothing but be most concerned, anxious and, yes, worried. I am a bit more [outspoken] than your mother. There are things she wishes to say but puts up fronts with her heart being torn to bits. She has lived her life for Walter and you, and has felt no sacrifice too great for either of you. There could come a time when she may break down under the [tension] or under the mental strain and anxiety.

She drove to Tallahassee last Saturday just to look into your welfare. She called me in Atlanta where I had gone to bury my brother, Atty. Theron Bertram Hamilton. I changed all plans previously made to be with her and to see you. My words may have seemed a bit too harsh, and I realize that they were, but I know something of her inner thinking. After seeing you she changed completely in her desire to please you and to show you how much she lives for you. I came to the place on Sunday to see you, to tell you that I too love you both just as much as is humanly possible, but we were not allowed to see you. She buys every paper, listens to every broadcast, gets the ideas that all is well with you as she and I, both, want the best for the each of you. This is one of the reasons for the words that we feel sure that you still hear - Please count the cost. Cost does not always mean dollars and cents. Cost can mean mental anxiety as well.

We all think the Governor made a wonderful plea for the people of Florida to consider the moral values [implemented] in this tense situation. It remains to see how well his pleas will be taken and followed. ---- Write us often and keep us posted as to the situation and more about your welfare.

With love, 

[Signature] Mother and Daddy Marion

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