Dear Miss Breed,
We have never met, but I received one of your stamped envelopes from a student in my 10th grade class who knew you when she lived in San Diego. Do you remember Ana Yamaguchi? She was first at the Poston Internment center, but her family was transferred up here to Heart Mountain about 3 months ago. I know she appreciates the letters you have sent, and she enjoys sharing your little gifts inside. Ana was kind enough to share with me the newspaper word puzzles you clipped out and sent. Thank you for sending the book too. I finished it a few days after Ana loaned it to me, and now the book is making its way around all the young ladies in the tenth grade. About ten people have read it, and it is still circulating.
One of the advantages of this camp is the time to read some of the classical literature that I didn’t read at home. Since our library here doesn’t have a lot of classical literature, your package was very welcome. Ana also shared the sweets you sent, and the chocolates gave my family much joy. Your thoughtfulness and generosity is heartwarming.
Ana mentioned that you write many of the children at Poston. How do you have the time and energy to answer all those letters and to go out and collect the small little treasures and treats for all the children who write to you? I have painted a picture of you in my mind as a beautiful, angelic, and fine lady who by day works at a library and by night sits up writing letters to eager children. I am becoming fanciful with all the classics you send that are circulating around the camp. One benefit of your lovely books is the fact that the beautiful language is making me a better writer. I read both Wuthering Heights and Pride and Prejudice, and I must say Elizabeth’s witty words have helped me with some of the articles I have been working on for the newspaper here at camp. I am developing quite a voice that has both humor and wit mixed in with a little satire. I tried to find a word in the dictionary to describe my voice as a journalist. I think I like sardonic. What do you think?
Once the war is over and we can leave the camp, I would love to travel down to San Diego and meet you. I think you are deserving of a newspaper article about the great work you have done with the children interned in Poston. I hope when I leave here, I can become a journalist, and you will be my first story.
Please keep in touch and send books when you can. I look forward to a letter from you.
Kind Regards,
Joyce Uyeda
*Portions of this letter were taken from the Letters to Miss Breed http://www.janm.org/exhibits/breed/title.htm
