The Thomas Merton Center at Bellarmine University

MERTON'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH:
Forest, James H., 1941-2022

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Descriptive Summary

Record Group: Section A - Correspondence

Dates of materials: 1961-1968

Volume: 231 item(s); 373 pg(s)

Scope and Content

Biography

A life-long activist for peace, Forest first came into contact with Merton through Dorothy Day while Forest was at the Catholic Worker in New York. He was active in the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) and started the Catholic Peace Fellowship (CPF), an affiliate program of FOR, to assist those trying to obtain Conscientious Objector status in 1964. In 1977, Forest assumed the duty of General Secretary of the International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) based in the Netherlands.

Usage Guidelines and Restrictions

Related Information and Links

See also the "Gagner, Gary A." (conscientious objector) and the "FBI Materials and CIA Materials" files; and see also Cold War Letters #25, #31, #61, #69, and #101, and other letters from Merton to Forest published in The Hidden Ground of Love, pp.254-308; and see also an unabridged version of the 29 December 1965 letter published in Signs of Hope, pp. 87-90.

Other Finding Aids

If the person in correspondence with Merton has full text records in the Merton Center Digital Collections, there will be a numeric link to them below.
    31934

Series List

This Record Sub-Group is not divided into Series and is arranged chronologically.

Container List

SeriesDateTypeTo/FromFirst LinesPubFull TextNotes
 1961/07/31 HLSto MertonDorothy showed us the poem you sent - which she said you described as "gruesome" - and we formed   
 1961/08/09 TALS[x]from MertonThere are complications about that Auschwitz Poem. First of all if it is to get published at allYes  
 1961/08/11 TALSto MertonI am at a loss for words, I'm afraid, as eight days ago we went to press and, as you no doubt know   
 1961/10/21 TALS[x]from MertonYour letter of the 17th or rather 18th reached me today. I had not received the previous oneYes  
 1961/10/29 TALS[x]from MertonI want to get this text to you so that you can at least read it. I am trying to get it through theYes  
 1961/11/02 TALS[x]from MertonThanks for your letter and for the enclosure. I will make good use of it, as the article I sent youYes  
 1961/11/05 HLS[x]from MertonHere is the revised article. It is a little longer. I have beefed it up quite a lot. I will letYes  
 1961/11/08 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the letter and all the enclosures. Pax bulletin is fine. Today Father Abbot willYes  
 1961/11/08 (#02)telegram[x]from MertonNO FINAL APPROVAL RECEIVED YET BUT EXPECT NO MAJOR REVISION. [-] MERTON   
 1961/11/13 telegram[x]from MertonARTICLE FULLY APPROVED GO AHEAD = [-] MERTON ==   
 1961/11/14 TLS[x]from MertonThe telegram announcing the censors' approval of the article was sent the other day. We made itYes  
 1961/11/29 TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the letters, the copies of the paper, and all the other clippings etc. You have beenYes  
 1961/12/20 HNS[x]from MertonThis is being sent to Jubilee, and they will possibly want to print it. If CW wants it also, okYes [note on title page of Merton's essay "Christian Ethics and Nuclear War"]
 1962/01/05 TLS[x]from MertonAre there still one or two copies left of the October issue of CW with the Roots of War?Yes  
 1962/01/29 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonIt is really quite providential that the Peace article I wrote for the Commonweal Christmas issueYes [Cold War Letters #25]
 1962/01/29 (#02)otherfrom MertonIt is really quite providential that the Peace article I wrote for the Commonweal Christmas issueYes [Cold War Letters #25 - printed in the Catholic Worker newspaper, February 1962]
 1962/01/29 (#02)transcriptfrom MertonIt is really quite providential that the Peace article I wrote for the Commonweal Christmas issueYes [Cold War Letters #25 - copy from bound set]
 1962/02/05 HLS[x]from MertonThe poem by Walter Kerrell is a good one. It perhaps needs more working over. It gives me theYes  
 1962/02/06 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonToday is Dorothy's feast and I am remembering her in a special way. Do please give her myYes [Cold War Letters #31]
 1962/02/06 (#02)transcriptfrom MertonI was very moved by your account of the civil disobedience at the AEC. It must have been veryYes [Cold War Letters #31 - copy from bound set]
 1962/02/27 TL[x]from MertonI have no class today, so don't come over. But I will be over here in the guesthouse around ten   
 1962/03/21 TLS[x]from MertonI oweyou [sic] a lot of letters, and I want to get this one off in a hurry to say I will at least beYes  
 1962/03/28 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonYour note just arrived and put an end to my wondering about the sentence. I too had hoped it wouldYes [Cold War Letters #61]
 1962/03/28 (#02)transcriptfrom MertonYour note just arrived and put an end to my wondering about the sentence. I too had hoped it wouldYes [Cold War Letters #61 - copy from bound set]
 1962/04/29 (#01)TALS[x]from MertonFirst of all I ought to have congratulated you and Jean long ago. The reason why I didn't wasYes [Cold War Letters #69 - copy of 1st and 2nd page by William Shannon with his notes made during publication - includes 2nd copy of page 2 with his notes and transcriptions - another clear copy from Swarthmore was made to present a letter without annotations]
 1962/04/29 (#02)transcriptfrom MertonFirst of all I ought to have congratulated you and Jean long ago. The reason why I didn't wasYes [Cold War Letters #69 - copy from bound set]
 1962/05/15 TLSto MertonHot weather, moving, painting, work - all things working together have kept me from answering you.   
 1962/05/17 (#01)HLS[x]from MertonYesterday I received a very moving letter from Hal Stalling telling me about EverymanYes [copy of original]
 1962/05/17 (#02)transcriptfrom MertonYesterday I received a very moving letter from Hal Stalling telling me about <u>Everyman</u>Yes [William Shannon's transcript - no extant copy of original]
 1962/05/23 TALSto MertonI have just finished reading over your long Low Sunday letter (on the axe), reading over it for the   
 1962/06/14 (#01)TALS[x]from MertonThanks for all your letters and for the enclosures, particularly theBulletin [sic], and George'sYes [letter's date typed as "June 14, 1892 (more or less)"]
 1962/06/14 (#02)TALSto MertonThis note must be typed in a hurry as I have some reading to do before I get back to work this   
 1962/06/14 (#03)otherby Watkin, E.I.Whatever the anarchist's amiable dreams, the government of human society, of sinners and fools,  [typed transcript of a section of E. I. Watkin's <i>The Church in Council</i> - Forest encloses with his letter of June 14, 1962]
 1962/06/30 HPCS[x]from MertonThose mimeographed things are finally on the way. Hope it is not too hot there. John Wu was here,  [verso of postcard contains an icon of the Angel Gabriel from Maria Laach, Germany]
 1962/07/07 TLS[x]from MertonThanks for your long letter, and the remarks on the book. That just goes to show what a mess oneYes  
 1962/07/17 TLS[x]to MertonI had just gotten off the phone with CNVA when Jean called to let me know that there was a letter   
 1962/08/01 HPCS[x]from MertonSorry I have not written — I have written to almost no one. Have had retreats to give and work  [verso of postcard: religious art from Maria Laach, Germany]
 1962/08/07 HLS[x]from MertonThe leaflet for "Individuals for Peace" is excellent. Could you send me a few more?   
 1962/08/16 TLS[x]from Fox, JamesYou have a long memory-- and I appreciate your gracious note of August 8 with the enclosed copy   
 1962/08/27 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for all the letters, poems etc. I will comment on the latter when I have more time.Yes [Cold War Letters #101]
 1962/08/27 (#02)transcriptfrom MertonThanks for all the letters, poems etc. I will comment on the latter when I have more time.Yes [Cold War Letters #101 - copy from bound set]
 1962/08/no? HLSto MertonTom Cornell, a long standing friend of Jean's and mine, one of the "founding fathers" of CNVA's  [no date but likely between 1962/08/16 and 1962/09/22 letters - CNVA (Committee for Nonviolent Action)]
 1962/09/22 TLS[x]from MertonThanks for letting me know that the people at SANE are mimeographing my book.Yes  
 1962/11/07 (#01)TL[c]from MertonI was happy to hear about your visit to Regina Laudis. I have never met Mother Benedicta butYes  
 1962/11/07 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonI was happy to hear about your visit to Regina Laudis. I have never met Mother Benedicta butYes  
 1962/11/19 other[x]from MertonVery good letter - I'll answer later. This is not for publication. Am sending more copies under  [handwritten note (to Forest?) sent with copy of essay "Passivity and Abuse of Authority" published in the <u>Catholic Worker</u> under the name "Benedict Monk"]
 1962/12/08 (#01)TL[c]from MertonSorry I am so late, as usual, in answering. First of all, I don't trust my own judgment on anyYes  
 1962/12/08 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonSorry I am so late, as usual, in answering. First of all, I don't trust my own judgment on anyYes  
 1962/12/08 (#03)otherfrom MertonLetters .. . Cuba Project [-] Dear Editors: I don't trust my own judgment on any Cuba project, as I  [published verson of letter sent to Jim Forest and published in <i>Liberation</i> (New York), VIII #2, April 1963, p. 30]
 1962/12/no (#01)HCS[x]from MertonTHIS GIFT FROM: Uncle Louie and the Novices.Yes  
 1962/12/no? (#02)HCSto MertonThanks for your prayers- May your Christmas be filled with peace  [verso: woodcut by Forest of Mary and Jesus with a quote from a hymn at Lauds on the Feast of the Nativity - addressed to "Tom and Novices" and signed by "Jim Forest, Jean Forest and the Forest to be" - no date but seemingly precedes Merton's January 17, 1963 letter]
 1963/01/17 (#01)TL[c]from MertonHow many letters of yours haven't I answered? First I must get in my congratulations and blessingsYes  
 1963/01/17 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonHow many letters of yours haven't I answered? First I must get in my congratulations and blessingsYes  
 1963/03/27 TLS[x]from MertonI am again behind any thought of schedule in answering letters, late with everyone.Yes  
 1963/04/17 HPCS[x]from MertonHere is a poem which you can perhaps use in <u>Liberation</u> -only wait for the censors please!Yes [verso of postcard: religious art from Maria Laach, Germany]
 1963/04/23 HNS[x]from MertonYour letter and the stuff came today (April 23) [-] I was waiting around for the poem to beYes  
 1963/04/26 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonQuick note. Here is the letter I spoke of in my last note to you, the one with the poem.Yes [the enclosed piece with the letter seems to be Merton's letter-essay, "Neither Caliban nor Uncle Tom"]
 1963/04/26 (#02)TAL[c]from MertonThe Caliban piece is deeply disturbing. It is another reaction to the terribly explosive situation  [letter/article on James Baldwin's <i>The Fire Next Time</i> - three copies, one with "Caliban" handwritten by Merton - see also Merton's letter-essay, "Neither Caliban nor Uncle Tom" / see also Item #03 of this date]
 1963/04/26 (#03)other[x] The Caliban piece is deeply disturbing. It is another reaction to the terribly explosive situation  [copy of the published version of "Neither Caliban nor Uncle Tom" by Thomas Merton from <u>Liberation</u>, June 1963 - Merton comments on a review, also included, of David Lytton's <i>The Goddam White Man</i>, "Let's Along and Do the Murder First" by Wallace Hamiton]
 1963/06/07 TAL[c]from MertonAbout the paragraph on Danish Non-Violence. Let's recast it as follows: "The whole Eichmann storyYes  
 1963/06/10 HLS[x]from MertonThanks for the terrific Rustin piece. Clear and definite and saying what is what. I am glad thisYes  
 1963/06/24 TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the last two letters and enclosures. About the business in Miss. the murder of EversYes  
 1963/06/29 TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the letter and the Libs, also for the Cuban book. I always like to see good stuffYes  
 1963/07/15 TLS[x]from MertonDid I send back that copy of Dellinger's piece? It was terrific, and Barbara Deming's also,Yes  
 1963/07/19 TLS[x]from MertonHere are some copies of Letter to Papal Volunteer. Thanks for the Hazard stuff, in case I didn'tYes  
 1963/10/19 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonThe main reason why I have not been answering is that I was for some time in the hospital, and if IYes  
 1963/10/19 (#02)TALS[x]from MertonThe main reason why I have not been answering is that I was for some time in the hospital, and if IYes [note verso contains list of eight essays and prefaces Merton sent to Forest with letter]
 1963/12/19 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonAs usual I have been very bad about writing and cannot promise to get better. Next year it is goingYes  
 1963/12/19 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonAs usual I have been very bad about writing and cannot promise to get better. Next year it is goingYes  
 1963/no/no HNS[x]from Muste, A.J.Found this in my file. It is affecting to one who knows Birmngh but I don't think it's good enough  rejecting Merton's poem "And the Children of Birmingham" for "LIB" - likely <i>Liberation</i> magazine
 1964/01/15 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonThanks for your letter. I am glad thw [sic] calligraphies were acceptable. I will try to send moreYes  
 1964/01/15 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for your letter. I am glad thw [sic] calligraphies were acceptable. I will try to send moreYes  
 1964/01/29 (#01)TL[x] from Merton to Michigan Local Board n. 90This letter is written in support of Mr Robert Kachnowski who is hoping to be classified  [from Merton to Local Draft Board 90 of Detroit, Michigan in support of Robert Kachnowski's petition for conscientious objector classification - Forest asked Merton to write to them]
 1964/01/29 (#02)TLS[x]from Kachnowski, Robertit is wild, but controlled. havn't [sic] copied lax stuff yet but am hunting for nimble-fingered  [letter from Robert Kachnowski to James Forest thanking Forest for asking Merton to write to the draft board on Kachnowski's behalf]
 1964/02/07 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonGood to get letter and copy of letter from Bob which fitted his description wild but controlled.Yes  
 1964/02/07 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonGood to get letter and copy of letter from Bob which fitted his description wild but controlled.Yes  
 1964/02/27 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonAlready a long time since your letter of the 16th, which took a while to get through in any case.Yes  
 1964/02/27 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonAlready a long time since your letter of the 16th, which took a while to get through in any case.Yes  
 1964/03/16 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonCertainly you can use the material fro [sic] that preface. Really no need to ask permissionYes  
 1964/03/16 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonCertainly you can use the material fro [sic] that preface. Really no need to ask permissionYes  
 1964/03/30 TLSto MertonAfter over a year of patient saving of store stamps - we get one every time we spend a dime,   
 1964/05/20 TAL[c]from MertonThanks letters and everything, all the good things and the not so good ones like that nerve gas dealYes  
 1964/05/20 TLS[x]from MertonThanks letters and everything, all the good things and the not so good ones like that nerve gas deal  recent visit of the Hibakusa - gift of paper crane / Ernesto Cardenal / Miguel Grinberg / readings on Islam by Louis Massignon - reviewing Buddhist and Hindu books - Walpola Rahula / Robert Lax "Impossible to edit" / Sister Prisca and the Shakers
 1964/06/14 TL[x]to MertonThese are the hurried last days before we leave on the FOR journey. My head is responding   
 1964/07/20 TALSto MertonWe have been back a week--and I am conscious that four weeks ago at this moment we were on the brink   
 1964/07/22 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonThanks for the letter. Glad to hear the trip was a success. Time moves fast and you have coveredYes  
 1964/07/22 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the letter. Glad to hear the trip was a success. Time moves fast and you have coveredYes  
 1964/08/07 TL[x]to MertonLord, these are unpleasant times. We have Vietnam, we have Goldwater, we are stuck with Johnson,   
 1964/08/27 TALSto MertonEnclosed is my semi-annual grab bag, sent to you without rhyme not reason as things which I somehow   
 1964/09/01 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonThanks for the letter and the big packet of things. I am very grateful as always. I need this kindYes  
 1964/09/01 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the letter and the big packet of things. I am very grateful as always. I need this kindYes  
 1964/09/10 (#01)TALSto MertonThank you for your letter and thoughts both on Vietnam and the Vietnam article I had written.   
 1964/09/10 (#02)TCSto MertonOne important item which isn't mentioned in the attached letter. We are currently in the process  [verso: "Joy is the most infallible sign of the presents of GOD. - leon bloy"]
 1964/10/02 (#01)TL[c]from MertonThanks for the letters and all the things sent. I am sorry I forgot about the name business.Yes  
 1964/10/02 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the letters and all the things sent. I am sorry I forgot about the name business.Yes  
 1964/10/05 TALSto MertonHow I sympathize with your hesitancies concerning name use; ever since the Pax experience I have had   
 1964/10/09 TLS[x]to Deming, BarbaraI am writing to you in haste, wanting to do little more than share with you a paragraph  [in the Deming papers at Radcliffe, in Merton's correspondence file - Jim Forest quotes to Deming a recent letter of Merton's in which he mentions something she wrote]
 1964/10/16 TALSto MertonLet me bother you momentarily with a few requests for some recent articles. Could you send as many   
 1964/10/21 (#01)TAL[c]from MertonThanks for the latest. I am sending back Jean's review of Perrin which is very good. For the CW?Yes  
 1964/10/21 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the latest. I am sending back Jean's review of Perrin which is very good. For the CW?Yes  
 1964/12/09 TALS[x]from MertonThanks for letters and clippings. The stuff on the bomb was hallucinating. And all the rest too.Yes  
 1965/01/09 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonHere is the "to whom it may concern". You are right about the prejudices of the draft law.   
 1965/01/09 (#02)TL[x]by MertonTo Whom it may concern: I have examined the reasons advanced by Stephen Spiro in his claim  [see also the "Spiro, Stephen" file]
 1965/02/26 HNS[x]from MertonI am sorry I have not been able to type up the November talk yet. Have been very busy and still   
 1965/03/08 HNS[x]from MertonI thought you would like to see this letter to the <u>Commonweal</u> which they may or may not printYes  
 1965/03/13 (#01)TL[c]from MertonThanks for sending along the clippings about Selma. There does not seem to be much hope of veryYes  
 1965/03/13 (#02)TALS[x]from MertonThanks for sending along the clippings about Selma. There does not seem to be much hope of veryYes  
 1965/03/18 HNS[x]from MertonThanks for clippings on Selma. The other day I sent some stuff to you at the old Staten Island Box   
 1965/04/03 TNS[x]from MertonDo you know Dave Kirk's address in Pittsburgh? He wrote from B'ham that he wanted to see me   
 1965/04/09 HNS[x]from MertonThis is just to say that I will offer my Palm Sunday Mass for the CPF and all your needs. Very busy.   
 1965/05/16 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonHere is a first draft of a letter I am hoping to send off to Paul VI tomorrow. I was shocked butYes  
 1965/05/16 (#02)transcriptfrom MertonHere is a first draft of a letter I am hoping to send off to Paul VI tomorrow. I was shocked butYes [photocopy from published letters]
 1965/05/no? TNS[x]from MertonHere are copies of another letter I sent to the CWL. Yours was good. Dan's article on Selma was   
 1965/06/14 HNS[x]from MertonI hope I am not too late with these signatures, all from the monks. Don't put them on your mailing   
 1965/08/02 TLS[x]from Schworer, FrankPlease find enclosed our check #3838 for $125.00 which Father Thomas Merton asked us to send you   
 1965/08/20 TALS[x]from MertonThanks for the letter and for letting me see the statement, which is very good. Is it too long?Yes  
 1965/09/04 TL[c]to MertonThere are about seven lbs. of correspondence here waiting to be answered, some going back as far  Catholic Peace Fellowship statement on Vietnam (was enclosed not extant) by Herbert Burke, Leslie Dewart, Gordon Zahn, Jim Douglass, and Dan Berrigan / Merton's permission to live as a hermit and Forest's reaction / requests Merton's "Schema XIII: An Open Letter to the American Hierarchy"
 1965/11/11 (#01)HNS[x]from MertonJust heard about suicide of Robert Laport [sic] While I do not hold Catholic Peace FellowshipYes [handwritten note to be sent as telegram - original note on back of 1965/08/24 letter from Howard B. Gotlieb - suicide (self-immolation) of Roger Laporte]
 1965/11/11 (#02)telegramfrom MertonJust heard about suicide of Roger Laport [sic] While I do not hold Catholic Peace FellowshipYes [transcript of telegram concerning suicide (self-immolation) of Roger Laporte]
 1965/11/11 (#03)TAL[d]from MertonThis morning, shocked to hear of the suicide of Roger Laport [sic], I sent you a telegram in which I  [Merton's handwritten note - "1st draft. Not sent."]
 1965/11/11 (#04)TAL[d]from MertonThis morning, shocked to hear of the suicide of Roger Laport [sic], I sent you a telegram in which I  [Merton's handwritten note - "1st draft. Not sent."]
 1965/11/11 (#05)TAL[d]from MertonThis morning, shocked to hear of the suicide of Roger Laport [sic], I sent you a telegram in which I  [Merton's handwritten note - "To James Forest - First draft - rev note is shorter and clearer. Please return."]
 1965/11/11 (#06)TAL[c]from MertonThis is a bitter letter to have to write. This morning, after receiving the news of the suicide ofYes [Merton's handwritten note - "Copy of 2nd draft. <u>Sent</u>." In file is a separate photocopy of the signed and sent letter from Nazareth College]
 1965/11/16 TL[x]to MertonThis is not going to be a totally adequate response to your letter. It will most likely run a few   
 1965/11/19 (#01)TL[c]from MertonI am really grateful for your long letter. Also for the enclosures. The whole package was a veryYes  
 1965/11/19 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonI am really grateful for your long letter. Also for the enclosures. The whole package was a veryYes  
 1965/11/26 TL[x]to MertonMy original intention was to write this letter out myself, but after starting it I found that my   
 1965/12/03 TALS[x]from MertonI was glad to get your letter of Nov. 26. Before I received it I had reached the conclusion thatYes [see Section E.1 of the classification (Manuscript Essays) under the title "Concerning the Catholic Peace Fellowship" - annotated carbon copy of this letter is included in file for this unpublished essay - also included are letters of December 4 and 5 from Merton to John Heidbrink and Tom Cornell (respectively)]
 1965/12/22 (#01)TALSto MertonMerry Christmas, good monk, from all of us here. It has been a tough year, much good has happened,   
 1965/12/22 (#02)other Thomas Merton, a founding sponsor of the Catholic Peace Fellowship, has asked that we release  [2 signed copies]
 1965/12/22 (#03)other STATEMENT [-] For many years, idle rumours have claimed that I was leaving the monastery  [2 copies - see also "Circular letters to friends (for mimeographing)" file in Section A under item labeled "Statement to Friends 66"; and see also Sub-Section E.1, "Statement for Catholic Peace Fellowship (CPF)"]
 1965/12/29 (#01)TL[c]from MertonYour letter, statement, Christmas wishes and all reached me yesterday, no doubt held up whileYes [2 copies - an abridged copy of the letter published in The Hidden Ground of Love with an unabridged version published in Signs of Hope]
 1965/12/29 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonYour letter, statement, Christmas wishes and all reached me yesterday, no doubt held up whileYes [an abridged copy of the letter published in The Hidden Ground of Love with an unabridged version published in Signs of Hope]
 1966/01/06 TALSto MertonHere it is, the new year has actually arrived. And with it it [sic] your long and exciting letter.   
 1966/01/17 TLS[x]from MertonI want to get this off to you before our retreat starts tomorrow. The pamphlet for objectorsYes  
 1966/02/15 (#01)TLSto MertonValentine's Day has passed: no let up to the war in Vietnam, however. Love continued to find its   
 1966/02/15 (#02)other Vietnam Peasants Are Victims of War By NEIL SHEEHAN [-] Special to the New York Times [-] GIAHUU,  [enclosed with 1966/02/15 letter - from the 1966/02/15 edition of <u>The New York Times</u>]
 1966/02/21 (#01)TL[c]from MertonThanks for the letter and for the awful, and illuminating, enclosure I can well understand yourYes [parts also published as "Letter to a Young Activist"]
 1966/02/21 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for the letter and for the awful, and illuminating, enclosure I can well understand yourYes [parts also published as "Letter to a Young Activist" / this copy sent to John Heidbrink with a note from Forest to Heidbrink / enclosure an article from the <u>New York Times</u>, Febraury 15, 1966, by Neil Sheehan, "Vietnam Peasants are Victims of War"]
 1966/04/25 HNS[x]from MertonOK - on the feast of San Mario how could Marco Frisbee refuse? Print it - and send me 2 dozen copiesYes  
 1966/05/23 TLSto MertonPerhaps you will remember in your masses the soul of Addison Wilkins, a young non-Catholic CO whose   
 1966/05/27 TLS[x]from MertonI am shocked to hear of the violent death of Addison Wilkins but from your account he is a martyrYes  
 1966/09/21 TLS[x]from MertonIt was rather an eerie experience a few weeks ago to receive a Vietnamese translation ofYes  
 1966/10/01 TLSto MertonA chilly, in fact icy, day here at 5 Beekman Street. We have a floor heater laboring, as it has   
 1966/11/11 TLSto MertonI'm out of CPF stationary at the moment, hence the above. This letter comes out of just having read   
 1966/11/16 TALS[x]from MertonI have letters from both of you and both are important so I want to make sure I get answers outYes [to James Forest and Tom Cornell]
 1966/11/21 TL[c]from MertonHere is a collection of shapes, powers, flying beasts, cave animals, bloodstains, angelic mistakesYes  
 1967/01/25 TALSto MertonThe appearance this morning of the new issue of Fellowship prompts me at last to write, sending   
 1967/01/28 (#01)TL[c]from MertonThanks for your letter-- and for the others I owe you too. I have not been writing because I was   
 1967/01/28 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonThanks for your letter-- and for the others I owe you too. I have not been writing because I was   
 1967/02/08 (#01)TLSfrom MertonThis is really nothing more than a note of thanks to you and the abbot for the $500 check which   
 1967/02/08 (#02)other[x] The Mystical West Puzzles the Practical East By F. M. ESFANDIARY [-] An American couple recently  [article from <u>The New York Times Magazine</u>, Feb. 5 ,1967 (pp. 22, 23, 28, 30, 32, 33) - article mentioned by Merton in Feb. 13 letter and likely sent by Forest to Merton in Forest's Feb. 8 letter]
 1967/02/13 (#01)TL[c]from MertonIt is true, I do have files and I do keep copies of letters. But I can never find anything in theYes  
 1967/02/13 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonIt is true, I do have files and I do keep copies of letters. But I can never find anything in theYes  
 1967/02/16 TNSfrom MertonThis bit in IF Stone says pretty much the kind of thing I am trying to sound off about in connection  [includes a copy of <u>I.F. Stone's Weekly</u> of February 13, 1967 with a mark next to the front page article entitled, "More Than Steel and Chrome Can Bear"] technology / absurdity of technological society and war / Ping Ferry's bursitis and Merton's bursitis
 1967/02/17 TLSto MertonOn this day some years ago (my calenar [sic] assures me) the Daughters of the American Revolution   
 1967/02/22 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonHere is mere raw material for a statement, nothing more. It is a hasty first draft, not evenYes  
 1967/02/22 (#02)other[x]from MertonNOTES FOR A STATEMENT ON AID TO CIVILIAN WAR VICTIMS IN VIET NAM. 1. Most of the war victimsYes [sent by Merton to Forest with letter of 1967/February/22]
 1967/02/23 (#01)TL[c]from MertonOne more note before I take off for the hospital. I have been through (rapidly) the dossier youYes  
 1967/02/23 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonOne more note before I take off for the hospital. I have been through (rapidly) the dossier youYes  
 1967/03/02 TL[x]to MertonI have sent a copy of your statement regarding assistance to civilian victims of the Vietnamese war   
 1967/03/03 HNS[x]from MertonDon't have your last letter right at hand here - left it in the monastery infirmary -   
 1967/03/21 (#01)TL[c]from MertonYour letter about Dorothy's offer to resign as sponsor has waited ten days for an answer.Yes  
 1967/03/21 (#01)TLS[x]from MertonYour letter about Dorothy's offer to resign as sponsor has waited ten days for an answer.Yes  
 1967/03/21 (#03)TL[c]from MertonThis morning I am sending out an airmail special delivery letter to you regarding the personal   
 1967/03/22 TLSto MertonFirst of all, thanks from all of us here for your Katzenbach letter and the three page statement   
 1967/03/31 TLSto MertonI expect to write a longer and more personal letter in the next few days, but did want   
 1967/05/02 (#01)TALSto MertonI have put off writing so that I would have time for a reply to your long and predictably thoughtful   
 1967/05/02 (#02)TLto Merton (et al.)The Executive Secretary of Movimiento de Reconciliacion, Earl Smith, wrote to the FOR recently  [memo concerning enclosed letter by Earl Smith to Merton, Daniel Berrigan, Claire Hutchet Bishop, James Douglass, Hermene Evans, Msgr. Furfey, Edward Keating, Justus George Lawler, Fr. Richard McSorely, Ned O'Gorman, Edward Rice, Archbishop Roberts, Karl Stern, Marguerite Tjader, Gordon Zahn and others]
 1967/05/02 (#03)TLS[x] from Smith, Earl / to ?I wrote Nevin hurriedly yesterday, but now I want to write you both about something that may be both  [1967/04/21 letter to "Nevin and Hildegard" - possibly John Nevin Sayre and Hildegard Goss-Mayr - enclosed with 1967/05/02 letter from Forest to Merton]
 1967/06/17 (#01)TL[c]from MertonI just got Gary Gagner's letter. Thanks for taking such good care of him and for being so helpfulYes  
 1967/06/17 (#02)TL[c] from Merton to To whom it may concernGary Gagner is well known to me because he was under my care and spiritual direction during more  [enclosed with 1967/06/17 letter to Forest]
 1967/06/23 TLSto MertonI just thought you would be pleased to see (in black and white, sadly) the cover of your forthcoming   
 1967/06/26 (#01)TL[c]from MertonMany thanks for the proof of the cover. Very handsome indeed: wonderful structural quality, veryYes  
 1967/06/26 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonMany thanks for the proof of the cover. Very handsome indeed: wonderful structural quality, veryYes  
 1967/06/28 TLSto MertonEnclosed is a small batch of letterhead which Linda and I give to you as a small thank-you for the   
 1967/07/10 TL[c]from MertonMany thanks to you and particularly Linda for the letterheads. Lots of friends I can use them on.Yes  
 1967/07/22 HLS[x]from Gagner, GaryI talked to Tom Cornell at the beginning of the week concerning the press release. He also told me  [see "Gagner, Gary A." file for a copy of the letter]
 1967/07/26 TLSto MertonThe enclosed story was written a month or two ago by a friend of ours, Paul Velde; I have profited   
 1967/07/27 TLSto MertonA very hurried note, just to send you a copy of a document I thought you would find of interest   
 1967/08/04 TLS[x]from MertonThanks for your note and the letter of Lillian Marcks. I am sending a carbon of my reply to her.   
 1967/08/08 TLS[x]from Douglass, JamesThanks for your letter. I'm enclosing the essay, retitled for your purposes, "War, Conscience,  [from Jim Douglass writing from Hedley, British Columbia, to "Jim" (likely Jim Forest)] article by Douglass, "War, Conscience, and the Gospel" / Paul Ramsey and Just War theory / Betty Bartelme / Thomas Merton pamphlet / Joan Baez
 1967/08/15 TNS[x]from Hudson ReviewWe are pleased to inform you that a one-year gift subscription to THE HUDSON REVIEW has been  note to Forest that a one-year subscription had been purchased in his name by Merton
 1967/09/05 (#01)TALSto MertonJust a thank you for the gift sub to The Hudson Review, which I've always admired from afar   
 1967/09/05 (#02)HLS[x]from Harabo, T.Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kindness and guidance you accorded me.  [originally dated 1967/08/29 - forwarded to Merton on 1967/09/05]
 1967/09/20 TALSto MertonIt was good to get your signature this morning for the Peace or Politics statement; the response   
 1967/09/24 (#01)TL[c]from MertonThis is just a quick answer on the proposal that I should write an article on the CRS involvement   
 1967/09/24 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonThis is just a quick answer on the proposal that I should write an article on the CRS involvement   
 1967/09/27 TL[x]to O'Gara, JamesThought I haven't as yet heard from Merton myself (perhaps you have), we did get the letter out   
 1967/10/10 TLSto MertonThanks for the September 24 letter--and, on Linda's behalf, for your encouraging words about her art   
 1967/11/02 (#01)TL[x] from Forest, Jim; and Tom Cornell / to CPF BoardEnclosed is a statement that has been released in the name of the American members of the CPF Board  [from Jim Forest and Tom Cornell to American members of the Catholic Peace Fellowship Board of Sponsors with enclosed statement "Politics or Peace?" and a list of signatures endorsing the statement]
 1967/11/02 (#02)other[x] POLITICS OR PEACE? "…this Council lays stress on reverence for man; everyone must consider his every   
 1967/11/02 (#03)other[x] The following signatures have been offered for use in connection with the Peace &amp; Politics  [list of "Peace and Politics" signatories includes "Thomas Merton [-] Author, Trappist Monk"]
 1967/11/09 (#01)HLS[x]from MertonMany thanks for the two xeroxes. I was very happy with the letter from Japan.   
 1967/11/09 (#02)other[x]from MertonCOMMENTS ON ART. 79 OF CONSTITUTION ON CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD  [copy of Merton's typescript with (also copied) handwritten corrections and minor inserts]
 1967/11/13 TLSto MertonGrateful for the comment on the <u>Constitution on Church and the Modern World</u>, which is so   
 1967/11/18 transcriptfrom MertonMany thanks for the letter and the cards. The cards are handsome and stark, and I'll probably shoutYes [photocopy of published letter]
 1967/12/05 TLSto MertonAfter turning my book shelves, at home and office, upside down in the search for my copy   
 1967/12/09 HNSto MertonJust to wish you a good Christmas and to thank you so much for the years of friendship which have  [see 1967/12/09 letter from Linda Forest for original note written by James Forest on Linda' letter to Merton]
 1967/12/20 TL[c]from MertonI can't find a copy of <u>Peace in the Post Christian Era.</u> If I do I'll send one.Yes  
 1967/12/25? TALSto MertonAn ice-cold day here. Looks like Nyack was transported during the night to the northern reaches   
 1967/12/31 (#01)TL[c]from MertonJust a hasty note. I have written a letter for Gary, enclosed. Edit it as you see fit. I thinkYes  
 1967/12/31 (#02)TALS[x]from MertonJust a hasty note. I have written a letter for Gary, enclosed. Edit it as you see fit. I thinkYes  
 1967/12/31 (#03)TL[c]from MertonGary Gagner was a novice here at Gethsemani when I was novice master. He was an exemplary novice  [enclosed with 1967/12/31 letter - labeled "Re-the case of Gary Gagner"]
 1967/12/31 (#04)TLS[x]from MertonGary Gagner was a novice here at Gethsemani when I was novice master. He was an exemplary novice  [enclosed with 1967/12/31 letter - labeled "Re-the case of Gary Gagner"]
 1968/02/24 telegramto MertonThich Nhat Hanh wishes to see you could we be picked up Louisville Airport 1103 AM February 29 be   
 1968/02/25 telegramto MertonSad news wont be able to come must go to Washington Wednesday for press conference on recent Saigon   
 1968/02/27 (#01)TL[c]from MertonI received your two telegrams. Funny part of it was that I got the second one first. They phonedYes  
 1968/02/27 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonI received your two telegrams. Funny part of it was that I got the second one first. They phonedYes  
 1968/02/27 (#03)other THOMAS MERTON BACKS RESISTER IN PLEA FOR C.O. STATUS [-] By Religious News Service (2-27-68)  [article concerning conscientious objector, Joseph Mulloy]
 1968/04/06 (#01)TL[c]from MertonSorry I didn't send Monks Pond before. Am doing so now. I have had to put it together myselfYes  
 1968/04/06 (#02)TLS[x]from MertonSorry I didn't send Monks Pond before. Am doing so now. I have had to put it together myselfYes  
 1968/04/15? (#01)HNS[x]from MertonI liked your piece in <u>Critic</u>. Blessings and love to you and Linda. Happy Easter [-] Tom  [(date from stamp of received date) handwritten note accompanying "Easter 1968" circular letter - seems to be "To Jim" and mentions "Linda" so likely sent to James Forest (A.J. Flogge had photocopies of many of Forest's letters)]
 1968/04/15? (#02)TL[x]from MertonAs I write this there is snow on the ground from a blizzard we had the other day, but the sun is  ["Easter 1968" circular letter]
 1968/07/11 (#01)TLSto MertonUnderstand from Dan that you're on the road this summer but hopefully this'll catch up with you   
 1968/07/11? (#02)TALto MertonBecause 1969 is the 100th anniversary of Gandhi's birth, the annual WRL calendar for that year will   
 1968/07/20 TL[c]from MertonWell, I was on the road for a while and will be on the road again a while. Right now I'm tryingYes  
 1968/07/22 TLSto MertonVery good to hear from you, and to see your new Monks Pond letterhead. I am reminded I never told   
 1968/08/05 (#01)TL[c]from MertonSteamy hot here now, and I have to try to catch up on some mail. All will have to be brief.Yes  
 1968/08/05 (#02)TALS[x]from MertonSteamy hot here now, and I have to try to catch up on some mail. All will have to be brief.Yes  
 1968/09/no? HNS[x]from MertonWe are at the meeting at Redwoods in an atmosphere of love and peace. Thinking much of youYes  
 1970/12/29 TLS[x]from Laughlin, JamesIt was good indeed to hear from you, your letter of December 11, and I am especially grateful  publication of <i>The Asian Journal</i> / Ed Rice's <i>The Man in the Sycamore Tree</i> - Laughlin hoping Forest will refute Rice's charactarizations in the book of Merton being "a communist, and finally a Buddhist"
 1971/03/10 TL[x]to Laughlin, JamesI notice I never thanked you for the December letter re the Griffin and Rice books. No doubt you've  publication of <i>The Asian Journal</i> / Ed Rice's <i>The Man in the Sycamore Tree</i> - Laughlin hoping Forest will refute Rice's charactarizations in the book of Merton being "a communist, and finally a Buddhist"
 1973/03/20 TL[x]to Laughlin, JamesJust back from a Merton-dominated pilgrimage that included about a week in Louisville.  idea of a collection of letters from Merton regarding peacemaking
 1973/03/20 TL[x]to Laughlin, JamesJust back from a Merton-dominated pilgrimage that included about a week in Louisville.  idea of a collection of letters from Merton regarding peacemaking
 undated/no/no (#01)TLSto MertonThought you would like to see the attached piece, which appeared last Sunday in the <u>Times</u>   
 undated/no/no (#02)other Prayer for Peace [-] Almighty and merciful God, Father of all men, Creator and Ruler of the Universe  [photocopy - note from verso: "This Prayer, written by T. Merton, was read in the House of Representatives by Congressman Frank Kowalski (D. Connecticut) on April 12, 1962. (Wednesday in Holy Week.)"]
 undated/no/no (#03)other A PRACTICAL PROGRAM FOR MONKS [-] 1) Each one shall sit at table with his own cup and spoon,  [photocopy - note at bottom: poem by Merton - "PAX Number 7 --- Bob Lax's"]
 undated/no/no (#04)other If you seek a heavenly light [-] I Solitude, am your professor! [-] I go before you into emptiness,  [photocopy of poem by Merton with copied signature]
 undated/no/no (#05)other[x]from MertonHoly Family Hermitage McConnelsville, Ohio (near Pittsburgh) Dom Maurice (Prior)  [note pad entry by Merton in his handwriting with addresses of a Camaldolese hermitage in Ohio and Dom Gregorio Lemercier in Cuernavaca, Mexico]
 undated/no/no (#06)other MERTON-FOREST CORRESPONDENCE [-] July 31, 1961 F. to M. from 175 Chrystie St.  [William Shannon's notes for the preparation of the published letters - lists dates of letters between Merton and Forest but only transcribes or summarizes letters by Forest in this listing]
        

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