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Letter to Clara Breed from Hisako Watanabe, Poston, Arizona, December 25, 1942

It is clear from her letters that Hisako really missed San Diego, and wanted to go back as soon as she could. She missed the old traditions, like Christmas, that could not be practiced the same way at camp.

Transcription:

December 25, 1942/Dear Miss Breed,/Jack was very happy when he received the present you sent him. You made his Christmas a happy one and I am glad too. Maybe one of these days he will make an attempt to write you a letter. I am writing this letter to thank you for all you have done in the way of making Jack happy./In a camp like this there is not very much a child can do to enjoy himself. Jack has no games to play with so you can see how happy you have made him by sending him all those lovely books. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts./Some of my girl friends like Louise, Margaret, etc. were talking about receiving presents from you too. They seemed very happy too. Louise was saying she has received quite a few books and she said she would lend me a book since I do not have any. I wonder if it would be too much to ask if I were to ask you to send me any old discarded book you might have at the library. I would appreciate it very much if you would do this for me and I would be grateful to you. The reason I ask this is because my Christmas this year was really awful. I didn't receive a single thing and I thought if you could send me an old discarded book of any kind I would have something to show as being a present from someone. I don't want to put you to any trouble and I do want you to know I appreciate all you have done for the many Japanese children. Thanking you again and hoping to hear from you soon./Sincerely yours, Hisako Watanabe /(Jack's sister)/[card]/HAPPY NEW YEAR/Ringing in with best of wishes,/Chiming in with greetings gay,/So you'll know you're not forgotten/On this happy New Year's Day!/Yours sincerely,/Hisako Watanabe/I hope you still remember me.