Letter from Irena Kapinos and Wisia Kwaśnińska to Maria Łotysz (Maryla Łotyszówna) dated 15.07.1942 - manuscript, written in blue ink on two sheets (bifolium) of smooth blue paper (four written pages), in Polish. Contains few deletions. The letter was written in Równe, and the authors inform Łotysz about the death of Barbara Klimkowska, her sister Jolanta and her mother. They all perished in the Holocaust in Równe.
Full letter content:
"Równe, 15 July 1942.
Dear Marylka.
Don't be surprised[,] that we write to you this way, we know you but from Baśka's stories [for a long time], although you know nothing about it. We do not want this letter to be just an official notification of a terrible accident. We are, after all, closer to each other than we think - if only because we share a common friendship with Baśka. Marylka[,] reading these opening words you don't actually know who is writing to you. Therefore, get to know us. You already know a little about us[,] which is only to say that we were friends with Baśka and are of the same age. But to the point. We are Wisia and Irka ([definitely] your age)[.] Someday you may learn more about us. We had wanted to notify you of this accident for a long time, but the lack of your address[,] and later time[,] prevented us. We went to the people with whom Basia and her mother and Jola lived to find out your address. [2nd page] Unfortunately, the lady did not remember it. However, we knew that Basia had written to you, so we waited patiently for your reply. Once we got there[,] we were hampered by a lack of time (final exams course). Finally today[,] taking advantage of a free moment[,] we write to you. Thus we re getting to the point[,] why we are writing you. You were probably already surprised at the beginning that this is not a letter from Basia, but from some 2 friends, but Basia, Jola and their Mother are [no longer there]. We could write to you about it. It happened so suddenly. Initially we were hopeful, we even had a message from her. As much as we could, we tried to help her, even though they said it was very dangerous. A message was also sent from Basia the Father to Warsaw. All efforts were in vain. This lasted for 10 days. And then suddenly the end came... We've been through a lot, by the way, which is completely understandable. You too will certainly not be able to come to your senses after losing such a friend. We know that Basia really loved you and [3rd page] always thought of 'her Marylka'. A few days before the accident she and I were talking about you[.] Dear Marylka[,] now there is nothing more we can write to you than that[,] Basia[,] Jola and their Mother are gone. We will be able to give [you] more details in the next letter. Now we have written too much for the first time already. If you would like[,] we would be very happy to correspond with you. This is, of course, entirely up to you. But be so good and let us know[,] that you have received this letter, because we will always have it on our conscience that we did not notify you of this accident. Please, forgive us that this letter is v. chaotic, but we are now struggling with a workload due to exams in Ukrainian. It takes a lot of time. We send your letter to Basia back. Forgive us[,] that we have read it, but in this case it is acceptable. Our condolences. We know that your pain will be immense[,] but we understand you perfectly that even now we still cannot get used to this [4th page] terrible thought that she is gone. Be so kind as to respond to this letter though. Maybe we'll get to know each other better someday[.] We kiss you.
Wisia, Irka."
prepared by Monika Harchut
