Manuscript/Mixed Material
Letter from Helen Keller to William Wade, December 5, 1899

Strictly Confidential Keller Copy of a letter written to Mr. Wade by Helen Keller. The Braille business seems to be more satisfactorily stated here than in anything she has written. A.M.S. 138 Brattle Street, Cambridge, December 5, 1899. My dear Mr. Wade:

How can I beat out on these keys what I have to say to you when my heart is so heavy with grief, and disappointment and rebellion at the cruel indignities, which you have showered upon me and those who are dear to me! My fingers will scarcely obey my will! I have loved you so truly and trustingly all these years, and looked up to you as a father. My heart has been too full of love and gratitude to hold even the suspicion of a doubt of your sincerity and affection for me. I knew two years ago that you took nearly, if not quite the same views as Mr. Gilman did, before and after I left his school; but I felt sure that you had been persuaded by him, and that in time you would see the mistake you were making, and be sorry for it. I thought your heart was true and generous, and I waited for the dear Heavenly Father to let the light of His beautiful truth shine upon the darkness that was in your mind; but, dear friend—I must still call you