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Merton's Correspondence with:

Jim Forest; James Forest; Forest, Jim; James H. Forest; Forest, James H.; James Hendrickson Forest

Forest, James H., 1941-2022  printer

 
 

Descriptive Summary

Record Group: Section A - Correspondence
Dates of materials: 1961-1968
Volume: 231 item(s); 373 pg(s)

Scope and Content

This is a file in the correspondence of Thomas Merton under the heading: "Forest, James H.".

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

Please click here for general restrictions concerning Merton's correspondence.

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

Click icons for links: ✓="Published | Library Record", ✉="Scanned" | 🗷="Scanned, Viewable Only at Merton Center"

#DateFrom/ToFirst LinesPub ✓Notes
 y/m/dMerton Scan ✉ 
1. 1961/07/31 HLS to Merton Dorothy showed us the poem you sent - which she said you described as "gruesome" - and we formed ✉ «detailed view»
2. 1961/08/09 TALS[x] from Merton There are complications about that Auschwitz Poem. First of all if it is to get published at all ✓ «detailed view»
3. 1961/08/11 TALS to Merton I am at a loss for words, I'm afraid, as eight days ago we went to press and, as you no doubt know ✉ «detailed view»
4. 1961/10/21 TALS[x] from Merton Your letter of the 17th or rather 18th reached me today. I had not received the previous one ✓ «detailed view»
5. 1961/10/29 TALS[x] from Merton I want to get this text to you so that you can at least read it. I am trying to get it through the ✓ «detailed view»
6. 1961/11/02 TALS[x] from Merton Thanks for your letter and for the enclosure. I will make good use of it, as the article I sent you ✓ «detailed view»
7. 1961/11/05 HLS[x] from Merton Here is the revised article. It is a little longer. I have beefed it up quite a lot. I will let ✓ «detailed view»
8. 1961/11/08 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the letter and all the enclosures. Pax bulletin is fine. Today Father Abbot will ✓ «detailed view»
9. 1961/11/08 (#02) telegram[x] from Merton NO FINAL APPROVAL RECEIVED YET BUT EXPECT NO MAJOR REVISION. [-] MERTON «detailed view»
10. 1961/11/13 telegram[x] from Merton ARTICLE FULLY APPROVED GO AHEAD = [-] MERTON == «detailed view»
11. 1961/11/14 TLS[x] from Merton The telegram announcing the censors' approval of the article was sent the other day. We made it ✓ «detailed view»
12. 1961/11/29 TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the letters, the copies of the paper, and all the other clippings etc. You have been ✓ «detailed view»
13. 1961/12/20 HNS[x] from Merton This is being sent to Jubilee, and they will possibly want to print it. If CW wants it also, ok ✓ [note on title page of Merton's essay "Christian Ethics and Nuclear War"] «detailed view»
14. 1962/01/05 TLS[x] from Merton Are there still one or two copies left of the October issue of CW with the Roots of War? ✓ «detailed view»
15. 1962/01/29 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton It is really quite providential that the Peace article I wrote for the Commonweal Christmas issue ✓ [Cold War Letters #25] «detailed view»
16. 1962/01/29 (#02) other from Merton It is really quite providential that the Peace article I wrote for the Commonweal Christmas issue ✉ ✓ [Cold War Letters #25 - printed in the Catholic Worker newspaper, February 1962] «detailed view»
17. 1962/01/29 (#02) transcript from Merton It is really quite providential that the Peace article I wrote for the Commonweal Christmas issue ✓ [Cold War Letters #25 - copy from bound set] «detailed view»
18. 1962/02/05 HLS[x] from Merton The poem by Walter Kerrell is a good one. It perhaps needs more working over. It gives me the ✓ «detailed view»
19. 1962/02/06 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Today is Dorothy's feast and I am remembering her in a special way. Do please give her my ✓ [Cold War Letters #31] «detailed view»
20. 1962/02/06 (#02) transcript from Merton I was very moved by your account of the civil disobedience at the AEC. It must have been very ✓ [Cold War Letters #31 - copy from bound set] «detailed view»
21. 1962/02/27 TL[x] from Merton I have no class today, so don't come over. But I will be over here in the guesthouse around ten «detailed view»
22. 1962/03/21 TLS[x] from Merton I oweyou [sic] a lot of letters, and I want to get this one off in a hurry to say I will at least be ✓ «detailed view»
23. 1962/03/28 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Your note just arrived and put an end to my wondering about the sentence. I too had hoped it would ✓ [Cold War Letters #61] «detailed view»
24. 1962/03/28 (#02) transcript from Merton Your note just arrived and put an end to my wondering about the sentence. I too had hoped it would ✓ [Cold War Letters #61 - copy from bound set] «detailed view»
25. 1962/04/29 (#01) TALS[x] from Merton First of all I ought to have congratulated you and Jean long ago. The reason why I didn't was ✓ [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] «detailed view»
26. 1962/04/29 (#02) transcript from Merton First of all I ought to have congratulated you and Jean long ago. The reason why I didn't was ✓ [Cold War Letters #69 - copy from bound set] «detailed view»
27. 1962/05/15 TLS to Merton Hot weather, moving, painting, work - all things working together have kept me from answering you. ✉ «detailed view»
28. 1962/05/17 (#01) HLS[x] from Merton Yesterday I received a very moving letter from Hal Stalling telling me about Everyman ✓ [copy of original] «detailed view»
29. 1962/05/17 (#02) transcript from Merton Yesterday I received a very moving letter from Hal Stalling telling me about Everyman ✓ [William Shannon's transcript - no extant copy of original] «detailed view»
30. 1962/05/23 TALS to Merton I have just finished reading over your long Low Sunday letter (on the axe), reading over it for the ✉ «detailed view»
31. 1962/06/14 (#01) TALS[x] from Merton Thanks for all your letters and for the enclosures, particularly theBulletin [sic], and George's ✓ [letter's date typed as "June 14, 1892 (more or less)"] «detailed view»
32. 1962/06/14 (#02) TALS to Merton This note must be typed in a hurry as I have some reading to do before I get back to work this ✉ «detailed view»
33. 1962/06/14 (#03) other by 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 The Church in Council - Forest encloses with his letter of June 14, 1962] «detailed view»
34. 1962/06/30 HPCS[x] from Merton Those 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] «detailed view»
35. 1962/07/07 TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for your long letter, and the remarks on the book. That just goes to show what a mess one ✓ «detailed view»
36. 1962/07/17 TLS[x] to Merton I had just gotten off the phone with CNVA when Jean called to let me know that there was a letter «detailed view»
37. 1962/08/01 HPCS[x] from Merton Sorry 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] «detailed view»
38. 1962/08/07 HLS[x] from Merton The leaflet for "Individuals for Peace" is excellent. Could you send me a few more? «detailed view»
39. 1962/08/16 TLS[x] from Fox, James You have a long memory-- and I appreciate your gracious note of August 8 with the enclosed copy «detailed view»
40. 1962/08/27 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for all the letters, poems etc. I will comment on the latter when I have more time. ✓ [Cold War Letters #101] «detailed view»
41. 1962/08/27 (#02) transcript from Merton Thanks for all the letters, poems etc. I will comment on the latter when I have more time. ✓ [Cold War Letters #101 - copy from bound set] «detailed view»
42. 1962/08/no? HLS to Merton Tom 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)] «detailed view»
43. 1962/09/22 TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for letting me know that the people at SANE are mimeographing my book. ✓ «detailed view»
44. 1962/11/07 (#01) TL[c] from Merton I was happy to hear about your visit to Regina Laudis. I have never met Mother Benedicta but ✓ «detailed view»
45. 1962/11/07 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton I was happy to hear about your visit to Regina Laudis. I have never met Mother Benedicta but ✓ «detailed view»
46. 1962/11/19 other[x] from Merton Very 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 Catholic Worker under the name "Benedict Monk"] «detailed view»
47. 1962/12/08 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Sorry I am so late, as usual, in answering. First of all, I don't trust my own judgment on any ✓ «detailed view»
48. 1962/12/08 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Sorry I am so late, as usual, in answering. First of all, I don't trust my own judgment on any ✓ «detailed view»
49. 1962/12/08 (#03) other from Merton Letters .. . 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 Liberation (New York), VIII #2, April 1963, p. 30] «detailed view»
50. 1962/12/no (#01) HCS[x] from Merton THIS GIFT FROM: Uncle Louie and the Novices. ✓ «detailed view»
51. 1962/12/no? (#02) HCS to Merton Thanks 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] «detailed view»
52. 1963/01/17 (#01) TL[c] from Merton How many letters of yours haven't I answered? First I must get in my congratulations and blessings ✓ «detailed view»
53. 1963/01/17 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton How many letters of yours haven't I answered? First I must get in my congratulations and blessings ✓ «detailed view»
54. 1963/03/27 TLS[x] from Merton I am again behind any thought of schedule in answering letters, late with everyone. ✓ «detailed view»
55. 1963/04/17 HPCS[x] from Merton Here is a poem which you can perhaps use in Liberation -only wait for the censors please! ✓ [verso of postcard: religious art from Maria Laach, Germany] «detailed view»
56. 1963/04/23 HNS[x] from Merton Your letter and the stuff came today (April 23) [-] I was waiting around for the poem to be ✓ «detailed view»
57. 1963/04/26 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Quick note. Here is the letter I spoke of in my last note to you, the one with the poem. ✓ [the enclosed piece with the letter seems to be Merton's letter-essay, "Neither Caliban nor Uncle Tom"] «detailed view»
58. 1963/04/26 (#02) TAL[c] from Merton The Caliban piece is deeply disturbing. It is another reaction to the terribly explosive situation [letter/article on James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time - 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] «detailed view»
59. 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 Liberation, June 1963 - Merton comments on a review, also included, of David Lytton's The Goddam White Man, "Let's Along and Do the Murder First" by Wallace Hamiton] «detailed view»
60. 1963/06/07 TAL[c] from Merton About the paragraph on Danish Non-Violence. Let's recast it as follows: "The whole Eichmann story ✓ «detailed view»
61. 1963/06/10 HLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the terrific Rustin piece. Clear and definite and saying what is what. I am glad this ✓ «detailed view»
62. 1963/06/24 TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the last two letters and enclosures. About the business in Miss. the murder of Evers ✓ «detailed view»
63. 1963/06/29 TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the letter and the Libs, also for the Cuban book. I always like to see good stuff ✓ «detailed view»
64. 1963/07/15 TLS[x] from Merton Did I send back that copy of Dellinger's piece? It was terrific, and Barbara Deming's also, ✓ «detailed view»
65. 1963/07/19 TLS[x] from Merton Here are some copies of Letter to Papal Volunteer. Thanks for the Hazard stuff, in case I didn't ✓ «detailed view»
66. 1963/10/19 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton The main reason why I have not been answering is that I was for some time in the hospital, and if I ✓ «detailed view»
67. 1963/10/19 (#02) TALS[x] from Merton The main reason why I have not been answering is that I was for some time in the hospital, and if I ✓ [note verso contains list of eight essays and prefaces Merton sent to Forest with letter] «detailed view»
68. 1963/12/19 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton As usual I have been very bad about writing and cannot promise to get better. Next year it is going ✓ «detailed view»
69. 1963/12/19 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton As usual I have been very bad about writing and cannot promise to get better. Next year it is going ✓ «detailed view»
70. 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 Liberation magazine «detailed view»
71. 1964/01/15 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton Thanks for your letter. I am glad thw [sic] calligraphies were acceptable. I will try to send more ✓ «detailed view»
72. 1964/01/15 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for your letter. I am glad thw [sic] calligraphies were acceptable. I will try to send more ✓ «detailed view»
73. 1964/01/29 (#01) TL[x]  from Merton to Michigan Local Board n. 90 This 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] «detailed view»
74. 1964/01/29 (#02) TLS[x] from Kachnowski, Robert it 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] «detailed view»
75. 1964/02/07 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton Good to get letter and copy of letter from Bob which fitted his description wild but controlled. ✓ «detailed view»
76. 1964/02/07 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Good to get letter and copy of letter from Bob which fitted his description wild but controlled. ✓ «detailed view»
77. 1964/02/27 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton Already a long time since your letter of the 16th, which took a while to get through in any case. ✓ «detailed view»
78. 1964/02/27 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Already a long time since your letter of the 16th, which took a while to get through in any case. ✓ «detailed view»
79. 1964/03/16 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton Certainly you can use the material fro [sic] that preface. Really no need to ask permission ✓ «detailed view»
80. 1964/03/16 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Certainly you can use the material fro [sic] that preface. Really no need to ask permission ✓ «detailed view»
81. 1964/03/30 TLS to Merton After over a year of patient saving of store stamps - we get one every time we spend a dime, ✉ «detailed view»
82. 1964/05/20 TAL[c] from Merton Thanks letters and everything, all the good things and the not so good ones like that nerve gas deal ✓ «detailed view»
83. 1964/05/20 TLS[x] from Merton Thanks 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 «detailed view»
84. 1964/06/14 TL[x] to Merton These are the hurried last days before we leave on the FOR journey. My head is responding «detailed view»
85. 1964/07/20 TALS to Merton We have been back a week--and I am conscious that four weeks ago at this moment we were on the brink ✉ «detailed view»
86. 1964/07/22 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton Thanks for the letter. Glad to hear the trip was a success. Time moves fast and you have covered ✓ «detailed view»
87. 1964/07/22 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the letter. Glad to hear the trip was a success. Time moves fast and you have covered ✓ «detailed view»
88. 1964/08/07 TL[x] to Merton Lord, these are unpleasant times. We have Vietnam, we have Goldwater, we are stuck with Johnson, «detailed view»
89. 1964/08/27 TALS to Merton Enclosed is my semi-annual grab bag, sent to you without rhyme not reason as things which I somehow ✉ «detailed view»
90. 1964/09/01 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton Thanks for the letter and the big packet of things. I am very grateful as always. I need this kind ✓ «detailed view»
91. 1964/09/01 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the letter and the big packet of things. I am very grateful as always. I need this kind ✓ «detailed view»
92. 1964/09/10 (#01) TALS to Merton Thank you for your letter and thoughts both on Vietnam and the Vietnam article I had written. ✉ «detailed view»
93. 1964/09/10 (#02) TCS to Merton One 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"] «detailed view»
94. 1964/10/02 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Thanks for the letters and all the things sent. I am sorry I forgot about the name business. ✓ «detailed view»
95. 1964/10/02 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the letters and all the things sent. I am sorry I forgot about the name business. ✓ «detailed view»
96. 1964/10/05 TALS to Merton How I sympathize with your hesitancies concerning name use; ever since the Pax experience I have had ✉ «detailed view»
97. 1964/10/09 TLS[x] to Deming, Barbara I 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] «detailed view»
98. 1964/10/16 TALS to Merton Let me bother you momentarily with a few requests for some recent articles. Could you send as many ✉ «detailed view»
99. 1964/10/21 (#01) TAL[c] from Merton Thanks for the latest. I am sending back Jean's review of Perrin which is very good. For the CW? ✓ «detailed view»
100. 1964/10/21 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the latest. I am sending back Jean's review of Perrin which is very good. For the CW? ✓ «detailed view»
101. 1964/12/09 TALS[x] from Merton Thanks for letters and clippings. The stuff on the bomb was hallucinating. And all the rest too. ✓ «detailed view»
102. 1965/01/09 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Here is the "to whom it may concern". You are right about the prejudices of the draft law. «detailed view»
103. 1965/01/09 (#02) TL[x] by Merton To Whom it may concern: I have examined the reasons advanced by Stephen Spiro in his claim [see also the "Spiro, Stephen" file] «detailed view»
104. 1965/02/26 HNS[x] from Merton I am sorry I have not been able to type up the November talk yet. Have been very busy and still «detailed view»
105. 1965/03/08 HNS[x] from Merton I thought you would like to see this letter to the Commonweal which they may or may not print ✓ «detailed view»
106. 1965/03/13 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Thanks for sending along the clippings about Selma. There does not seem to be much hope of very ✓ «detailed view»
107. 1965/03/13 (#02) TALS[x] from Merton Thanks for sending along the clippings about Selma. There does not seem to be much hope of very ✓ «detailed view»
108. 1965/03/18 HNS[x] from Merton Thanks for clippings on Selma. The other day I sent some stuff to you at the old Staten Island Box «detailed view»
109. 1965/04/03 TNS[x] from Merton Do you know Dave Kirk's address in Pittsburgh? He wrote from B'ham that he wanted to see me «detailed view»
110. 1965/04/09 HNS[x] from Merton This is just to say that I will offer my Palm Sunday Mass for the CPF and all your needs. Very busy. «detailed view»
111. 1965/05/16 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Here is a first draft of a letter I am hoping to send off to Paul VI tomorrow. I was shocked but ✓ «detailed view»
112. 1965/05/16 (#02) transcript from Merton Here is a first draft of a letter I am hoping to send off to Paul VI tomorrow. I was shocked but ✓ [photocopy from published letters] «detailed view»
113. 1965/05/no? TNS[x] from Merton Here are copies of another letter I sent to the CWL. Yours was good. Dan's article on Selma was «detailed view»
114. 1965/06/14 HNS[x] from Merton I hope I am not too late with these signatures, all from the monks. Don't put them on your mailing «detailed view»
115. 1965/08/02 TLS[x] from Schworer, Frank Please find enclosed our check #3838 for $125.00 which Father Thomas Merton asked us to send you «detailed view»
116. 1965/08/20 TALS[x] from Merton Thanks for the letter and for letting me see the statement, which is very good. Is it too long? ✓ «detailed view»
117. 1965/09/04 TL[c] to Merton There 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" «detailed view»
118. 1965/11/11 (#01) HNS[x] from Merton Just heard about suicide of Robert Laport [sic] While I do not hold Catholic Peace Fellowship ✓ [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] «detailed view»
119. 1965/11/11 (#02) telegram from Merton Just heard about suicide of Roger Laport [sic] While I do not hold Catholic Peace Fellowship ✓ [transcript of telegram concerning suicide (self-immolation) of Roger Laporte] «detailed view»
120. 1965/11/11 (#03) TAL[d] from Merton This 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."] «detailed view»
121. 1965/11/11 (#04) TAL[d] from Merton This 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."] «detailed view»
122. 1965/11/11 (#05) TAL[d] from Merton This 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."] «detailed view»
123. 1965/11/11 (#06) TAL[c] from Merton This is a bitter letter to have to write. This morning, after receiving the news of the suicide of ✓ [Merton's handwritten note - "Copy of 2nd draft. Sent." In file is a separate photocopy of the signed and sent letter from Nazareth College] «detailed view»
124. 1965/11/16 TL[x] to Merton This is not going to be a totally adequate response to your letter. It will most likely run a few «detailed view»
125. 1965/11/19 (#01) TL[c] from Merton I am really grateful for your long letter. Also for the enclosures. The whole package was a very ✓ «detailed view»
126. 1965/11/19 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton I am really grateful for your long letter. Also for the enclosures. The whole package was a very ✓ «detailed view»
127. 1965/11/26 TL[x] to Merton My original intention was to write this letter out myself, but after starting it I found that my «detailed view»
128. 1965/12/03 TALS[x] from Merton I was glad to get your letter of Nov. 26. Before I received it I had reached the conclusion that ✓ [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)] «detailed view»
129. 1965/12/22 (#01) TALS to Merton Merry Christmas, good monk, from all of us here. It has been a tough year, much good has happened, ✉ «detailed view»
130. 1965/12/22 (#02) other   Thomas Merton, a founding sponsor of the Catholic Peace Fellowship, has asked that we release ✉ [2 signed copies] «detailed view»
131. 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)"] «detailed view»
132. 1965/12/29 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Your letter, statement, Christmas wishes and all reached me yesterday, no doubt held up while ✓ [2 copies - an abridged copy of the letter published in The Hidden Ground of Love with an unabridged version published in Signs of Hope] «detailed view»
133. 1965/12/29 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Your letter, statement, Christmas wishes and all reached me yesterday, no doubt held up while ✓ [an abridged copy of the letter published in The Hidden Ground of Love with an unabridged version published in Signs of Hope] «detailed view»
134. 1966/01/06 TALS to Merton Here it is, the new year has actually arrived. And with it it [sic] your long and exciting letter. ✉ «detailed view»
135. 1966/01/17 TLS[x] from Merton I want to get this off to you before our retreat starts tomorrow. The pamphlet for objectors ✓ «detailed view»
136. 1966/02/15 (#01) TLS to Merton Valentine's Day has passed: no let up to the war in Vietnam, however. Love continued to find its ✉ «detailed view»
137. 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 The New York Times] «detailed view»
138. 1966/02/21 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Thanks for the letter and for the awful, and illuminating, enclosure I can well understand your ✓ [parts also published as "Letter to a Young Activist"] «detailed view»
139. 1966/02/21 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for the letter and for the awful, and illuminating, enclosure I can well understand your ✓ [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 New York Times, Febraury 15, 1966, by Neil Sheehan, "Vietnam Peasants are Victims of War"] «detailed view»
140. 1966/04/25 HNS[x] from Merton OK - on the feast of San Mario how could Marco Frisbee refuse? Print it - and send me 2 dozen copies ✓ «detailed view»
141. 1966/05/23 TLS to Merton Perhaps you will remember in your masses the soul of Addison Wilkins, a young non-Catholic CO whose ✉ «detailed view»
142. 1966/05/27 TLS[x] from Merton I am shocked to hear of the violent death of Addison Wilkins but from your account he is a martyr ✓ «detailed view»
143. 1966/09/21 TLS[x] from Merton It was rather an eerie experience a few weeks ago to receive a Vietnamese translation of ✓ «detailed view»
144. 1966/10/01 TLS to Merton A chilly, in fact icy, day here at 5 Beekman Street. We have a floor heater laboring, as it has ✉ «detailed view»
145. 1966/11/11 TLS to Merton I'm out of CPF stationary at the moment, hence the above. This letter comes out of just having read «detailed view»
146. 1966/11/16 TALS[x] from Merton I have letters from both of you and both are important so I want to make sure I get answers out ✓ [to James Forest and Tom Cornell] «detailed view»
147. 1966/11/21 TL[c] from Merton Here is a collection of shapes, powers, flying beasts, cave animals, bloodstains, angelic mistakes ✓ «detailed view»
148. 1967/01/25 TALS to Merton The appearance this morning of the new issue of Fellowship prompts me at last to write, sending ✉ «detailed view»
149. 1967/01/28 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Thanks for your letter-- and for the others I owe you too. I have not been writing because I was «detailed view»
150. 1967/01/28 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for your letter-- and for the others I owe you too. I have not been writing because I was «detailed view»
151. 1967/02/08 (#01) TLS from Merton This is really nothing more than a note of thanks to you and the abbot for the $500 check which ✉ «detailed view»
152. 1967/02/08 (#02) other[x]   The Mystical West Puzzles the Practical East By F. M. ESFANDIARY [-] An American couple recently [article from The New York Times Magazine, 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] «detailed view»
153. 1967/02/13 (#01) TL[c] from Merton It is true, I do have files and I do keep copies of letters. But I can never find anything in the ✓ «detailed view»
154. 1967/02/13 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton It is true, I do have files and I do keep copies of letters. But I can never find anything in the ✓ «detailed view»
155. 1967/02/16 TNS from Merton This bit in IF Stone says pretty much the kind of thing I am trying to sound off about in connection [includes a copy of I.F. Stone's Weekly 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 «detailed view»
156. 1967/02/17 TLS to Merton On this day some years ago (my calenar [sic] assures me) the Daughters of the American Revolution ✉ «detailed view»
157. 1967/02/22 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Here is mere raw material for a statement, nothing more. It is a hasty first draft, not even ✓ «detailed view»
158. 1967/02/22 (#02) other[x] from Merton NOTES FOR A STATEMENT ON AID TO CIVILIAN WAR VICTIMS IN VIET NAM. 1. Most of the war victims ✓ [sent by Merton to Forest with letter of 1967/February/22] «detailed view»
159. 1967/02/23 (#01) TL[c] from Merton One more note before I take off for the hospital. I have been through (rapidly) the dossier you ✓ «detailed view»
160. 1967/02/23 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton One more note before I take off for the hospital. I have been through (rapidly) the dossier you ✓ «detailed view»
161. 1967/03/02 TL[x] to Merton I have sent a copy of your statement regarding assistance to civilian victims of the Vietnamese war «detailed view»
162. 1967/03/03 HNS[x] from Merton Don't have your last letter right at hand here - left it in the monastery infirmary - «detailed view»
163. 1967/03/21 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Your letter about Dorothy's offer to resign as sponsor has waited ten days for an answer. ✓ «detailed view»
164. 1967/03/21 (#01) TLS[x] from Merton Your letter about Dorothy's offer to resign as sponsor has waited ten days for an answer. ✓ «detailed view»
165. 1967/03/21 (#03) TL[c] from Merton This morning I am sending out an airmail special delivery letter to you regarding the personal «detailed view»
166. 1967/03/22 TLS to Merton First of all, thanks from all of us here for your Katzenbach letter and the three page statement ✉ «detailed view»
167. 1967/03/31 TLS to Merton I expect to write a longer and more personal letter in the next few days, but did want ✉ «detailed view»
168. 1967/05/02 (#01) TALS to Merton I have put off writing so that I would have time for a reply to your long and predictably thoughtful ✉ «detailed view»
169. 1967/05/02 (#02) TL to 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] «detailed view»
170. 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] «detailed view»
171. 1967/06/17 (#01) TL[c] from Merton I just got Gary Gagner's letter. Thanks for taking such good care of him and for being so helpful ✓ «detailed view»
172. 1967/06/17 (#02) TL[c]  from Merton to To whom it may concern Gary 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] «detailed view»
173. 1967/06/23 TLS to Merton I just thought you would be pleased to see (in black and white, sadly) the cover of your forthcoming ✉ «detailed view»
174. 1967/06/26 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Many thanks for the proof of the cover. Very handsome indeed: wonderful structural quality, very ✓ «detailed view»
175. 1967/06/26 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for the proof of the cover. Very handsome indeed: wonderful structural quality, very ✓ «detailed view»
176. 1967/06/28 TLS to Merton Enclosed is a small batch of letterhead which Linda and I give to you as a small thank-you for the ✉ «detailed view»
177. 1967/07/10 TL[c] from Merton Many thanks to you and particularly Linda for the letterheads. Lots of friends I can use them on. ✓ «detailed view»
178. 1967/07/22 HLS[x] from Gagner, Gary I 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] «detailed view»
179. 1967/07/26 TLS to Merton The enclosed story was written a month or two ago by a friend of ours, Paul Velde; I have profited ✉ «detailed view»
180. 1967/07/27 TLS to Merton A very hurried note, just to send you a copy of a document I thought you would find of interest ✉ «detailed view»
181. 1967/08/04 TLS[x] from Merton Thanks for your note and the letter of Lillian Marcks. I am sending a carbon of my reply to her. «detailed view»
182. 1967/08/08 TLS[x] from Douglass, James Thanks 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 «detailed view»
183. 1967/08/15 TNS[x] from Hudson Review We 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 «detailed view»
184. 1967/09/05 (#01) TALS to Merton Just a thank you for the gift sub to The Hudson Review, which I've always admired from afar ✉ «detailed view»
185. 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] «detailed view»
186. 1967/09/20 TALS to Merton It was good to get your signature this morning for the Peace or Politics statement; the response ✉ «detailed view»
187. 1967/09/24 (#01) TL[c] from Merton This is just a quick answer on the proposal that I should write an article on the CRS involvement «detailed view»
188. 1967/09/24 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton This is just a quick answer on the proposal that I should write an article on the CRS involvement «detailed view»
189. 1967/09/27 TL[x] to O'Gara, James Thought I haven't as yet heard from Merton myself (perhaps you have), we did get the letter out «detailed view»
190. 1967/10/10 TLS to Merton Thanks for the September 24 letter--and, on Linda's behalf, for your encouraging words about her art ✉ «detailed view»
191. 1967/11/02 (#01) TL[x]  from Forest, Jim; and Tom Cornell / to CPF Board Enclosed 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] «detailed view»
192. 1967/11/02 (#02) other[x]   POLITICS OR PEACE? "…this Council lays stress on reverence for man; everyone must consider his every «detailed view»
193. 1967/11/02 (#03) other[x]   The following signatures have been offered for use in connection with the Peace & Politics [list of "Peace and Politics" signatories includes "Thomas Merton [-] Author, Trappist Monk"] «detailed view»
194. 1967/11/09 (#01) HLS[x] from Merton Many thanks for the two xeroxes. I was very happy with the letter from Japan. «detailed view»
195. 1967/11/09 (#02) other[x] from Merton COMMENTS ON ART. 79 OF CONSTITUTION ON CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD [copy of Merton's typescript with (also copied) handwritten corrections and minor inserts] «detailed view»
196. 1967/11/13 TLS to Merton Grateful for the comment on the Constitution on Church and the Modern World, which is so ✉ «detailed view»
197. 1967/11/18 transcript from Merton Many thanks for the letter and the cards. The cards are handsome and stark, and I'll probably shout ✓ [photocopy of published letter] «detailed view»
198. 1967/12/05 TLS to Merton After turning my book shelves, at home and office, upside down in the search for my copy ✉ «detailed view»
199. 1967/12/09 HNS to Merton Just 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] «detailed view»
200. 1967/12/20 TL[c] from Merton I can't find a copy of Peace in the Post Christian Era. If I do I'll send one. ✓ «detailed view»
201. 1967/12/25? TALS to Merton An ice-cold day here. Looks like Nyack was transported during the night to the northern reaches ✉ «detailed view»
202. 1967/12/31 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Just a hasty note. I have written a letter for Gary, enclosed. Edit it as you see fit. I think ✓ «detailed view»
203. 1967/12/31 (#02) TALS[x] from Merton Just a hasty note. I have written a letter for Gary, enclosed. Edit it as you see fit. I think ✓ «detailed view»
204. 1967/12/31 (#03) TL[c] from Merton Gary 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"] «detailed view»
205. 1967/12/31 (#04) TLS[x] from Merton Gary 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"] «detailed view»
206. 1968/02/24 telegram to Merton Thich Nhat Hanh wishes to see you could we be picked up Louisville Airport 1103 AM February 29 be ✉ «detailed view»
207. 1968/02/25 telegram to Merton Sad news wont be able to come must go to Washington Wednesday for press conference on recent Saigon ✉ «detailed view»
208. 1968/02/27 (#01) TL[c] from Merton I received your two telegrams. Funny part of it was that I got the second one first. They phoned ✓ «detailed view»
209. 1968/02/27 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton I received your two telegrams. Funny part of it was that I got the second one first. They phoned ✓ «detailed view»
210. 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] «detailed view»
211. 1968/04/06 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Sorry I didn't send Monks Pond before. Am doing so now. I have had to put it together myself ✓ «detailed view»
212. 1968/04/06 (#02) TLS[x] from Merton Sorry I didn't send Monks Pond before. Am doing so now. I have had to put it together myself ✓ «detailed view»
213. 1968/04/15? (#01) HNS[x] from Merton I liked your piece in Critic. 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)] «detailed view»
214. 1968/04/15? (#02) TL[x] from Merton As 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] «detailed view»
215. 1968/07/11 (#01) TLS to Merton Understand from Dan that you're on the road this summer but hopefully this'll catch up with you «detailed view»
216. 1968/07/11? (#02) TAL to Merton Because 1969 is the 100th anniversary of Gandhi's birth, the annual WRL calendar for that year will ✉ «detailed view»
217. 1968/07/20 TL[c] from Merton Well, I was on the road for a while and will be on the road again a while. Right now I'm trying ✓ «detailed view»
218. 1968/07/22 TLS to Merton Very good to hear from you, and to see your new Monks Pond letterhead. I am reminded I never told ✉ «detailed view»
219. 1968/08/05 (#01) TL[c] from Merton Steamy hot here now, and I have to try to catch up on some mail. All will have to be brief. ✓ «detailed view»
220. 1968/08/05 (#02) TALS[x] from Merton Steamy hot here now, and I have to try to catch up on some mail. All will have to be brief. ✓ «detailed view»
221. 1968/09/no? HNS[x] from Merton We are at the meeting at Redwoods in an atmosphere of love and peace. Thinking much of you ✓ «detailed view»
222. 1970/12/29 TLS[x] from Laughlin, James It was good indeed to hear from you, your letter of December 11, and I am especially grateful publication of The Asian Journal / Ed Rice's The Man in the Sycamore Tree - Laughlin hoping Forest will refute Rice's charactarizations in the book of Merton being "a communist, and finally a Buddhist" «detailed view»
223. 1971/03/10 TL[x] to Laughlin, James I notice I never thanked you for the December letter re the Griffin and Rice books. No doubt you've publication of The Asian Journal / Ed Rice's The Man in the Sycamore Tree - Laughlin hoping Forest will refute Rice's charactarizations in the book of Merton being "a communist, and finally a Buddhist" «detailed view»
224. 1973/03/20 TL[x] to Laughlin, James Just back from a Merton-dominated pilgrimage that included about a week in Louisville. idea of a collection of letters from Merton regarding peacemaking «detailed view»
225. 1973/03/20 TL[x] to Laughlin, James Just back from a Merton-dominated pilgrimage that included about a week in Louisville. idea of a collection of letters from Merton regarding peacemaking «detailed view»
226. undated/no/no (#01) TLS to Merton Thought you would like to see the attached piece, which appeared last Sunday in the Times ✉ «detailed view»
227. 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.)"] «detailed view»
228. 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"] «detailed view»
229. 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] «detailed view»
230. undated/no/no (#05) other[x] from Merton Holy 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] «detailed view»
231. 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] «detailed view»
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