Feves
10 May 1949

Henri Torlotting
Teacher at Feves

Dear friend,

I am very happy to be able to answer your lovely letter. First of all, I thank you for the address in Paris. I shall do what is necessary. Congratulations to your son and best wishes for success. But we come now to your actions so beautiful and grand. The gifts are superb. I shall describe to you later the reception and distribution. Let me first appreciate your actions. I had already the impression that the American people, a nation young and manly, was capable to do great things. I have now the certitude that it is great, very great in in the task of helping those less fortunate than they are. With you, everyone is willing to help for they cannot suffer that in this world others suffer on account of human calamities. And you do this, my dear friend, without display, without pride, just naturally. Thanks from our hearts. Thanks for my students. Thanks for the inhabitants of Feves, who all, without exception, are my friends and for whom, since the liberation. I have without slacking taken pains to better their conditions and hasten reconstruction. In France, like everywhere else, only those who have stamina and endurance can come to results. I myself have made all the documents of the damage. (More than 60 books.) This has necessitated expenses. You easily realize that there are always some people who wish to profit under such circumstances. I shall not relate these details, to gain good standing. I only do my duty as an honest man who hopes to find reward later. I only wish to make you understand why I do not answer immediately your letter. Please excuse.

The number of things you have sent us is exactly what we have received. The packages of seed have arrived. The five packages are distributed and sown. Wednesday, the food arrived and Friday, my wife and myself have arranged the distribution between 2:30 and 6:30 and at 7 o�clock, in the presence of the mayor, the pastor and police, each person has received 300 grams of sugar, 300 grams preserves. We gave each family a box of pastry, a box of cocoa, and a good piece of cheese. Each child received an extra box of cocoa. I do not know if you have figured the value, but it means 800 to 1000 francs [for] each family. Imagine how happy our people are. The clothing is distributed. Also the shoes (except 3 pairs women�s shoes that were too large. In order to not lose them, I shall give them to the home for old ladies at Metz. The pastor has distributed the layettes, but the mayor reserved some for later births. We wrote down everything one received so we know exactly what each one got.

One thing I wish to say. The packages sent to the committee in Feves came through without trouble. But those sent to individuals must be verified. And here a note of gladness. Just think the package for the school has arrived (pencils, pens, etc.). Saturday afternoon was a day of joy. Pencils with erasers. Pencils with colors. The mayor was so touched at the sight of the children�s joy, that he could not speak a word. Just now the children do write, but I have to mention this interchange: Mr. Todd from American Aid has proposed for me to make a trip to Morganville. Grand, dear Mr. Todd. What a magnificent remembrance he leaves in Feves. Gracious and understanding, big hearted. He knew how to capture the heart of all who approached him, although, dear friend, the Lorraine people are understood to be calm and reluctant. This plan for a trip is fine, but he ignores the fact that a french teacher cannot permit himself such a voyage. He has not the means. I assure you since the liberation, I have made not one trip in order to revive a little and repair the losses suffered through war actions.

You inquired in your letter about fats and lard. This has come free. I am asked to solicit sugar for the preparation of preserves. Sugar is scarce. Rice if you have that. Grown ups have not seen rice since 1940. For babies, we need cereal. You know that Feves has 300 inhabitants, so you know how much you may send. We must go to Luxembourg for coffee where it can be gotten. I ask, of course, for food. Your sending of clothing has helped for the immediate needs. We expect payments for war losses which will permit our people to buy linens for their homes. Dear friend, I am sending you our dear expression of friendship.

H.T.

p.s. kindly greetings to all our friends in Morganville. The letters received in English are now in the course of translation to be answered May 4. The broadcast �Homage to Feves� was received over radio station Nancy. It was magnificent. All Feves listened.

My thanks to Emeet Davis, your mayor, William T. Roenigk, Harvey Gooch for his packages of seed. I shall write them personally.