MOORHEAD C. KENNEDY 1035 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK 10028 Friday, December 14 Hurray ! Hurray ! Hurray! Oh darling Mike, when you get this you will be FREE and I don't have to watch Every word in the letters you probably never get. I can't bear to think of what you have been through - Every day for these nearly six weeks I have thought of you and prayed for you - The thought of your courage, your intelligence and your inner resources have kept me going- The hostages who came back described to Louisa your unfailing courage, your encouragement and high morale were a constant (over) Page 2 Example and help. One wan girl said, "I will never forget when he said to me, 'keep smiling'. We are all so proud of you - and as Louisa said "always be as he is thinking of you" So we have tried, and somehow born the constant anxiety. Louisa has been a shining example. - She has worked unceasingly at the Iran Working Group at the State Department which she organized within an hour of the terrible news on Nov. 4th. She has kept all the families in touch, has talked with the President, and a lot with Vance She has worked from 8 Am to 6 P.M and has kept in touch with us every day- I suppose you never got my letters. How the only time she broke Page 3 MOORHEAD C. KENNEDY 1035 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK 10028 down with me was when she burst out, "Oh Mum, I've seen the President, I've seen the Secretary of State, and I don't give a damn all I want to see is Mike Kennedy" yesterday I told her I had told John Oakes (Editor in chief of the Times until recently, now Op Ed writer) that with the charge not there, you were number one in the Embassy, and she said "He is number one in every thing in the world." We stayed at your house last week and every thing is so beautiful and immaculate to greet you- Louisa was interviewed by Barbara Walters on T.V who murmured "I Suppose you'll skip Xmas" Louisa turned on her "Certainly not, Xmas will be just as he and I planned it in Page 4 September - the four boys, his parents, Every thing he will he imagining"- Every one has said she was more moving than any one even Carter - There is no talk of anything but the hostages - head lines every day - Brian Urquart told me the whole world was with you and fighting for you - Christian, Jew, muslim, Budhest etc, 100 % vote in the Security Council. you will have so much to hear I suddenly thought of Mademoiselle at Buckley a [[?]] of your absent mindedness about clothes " Tant fis - un jour vouis en Serez bien fieres de votre petit Jean de la lune- I Suppose you never got the description of the Service in the Washington Cathedral for you - 2000 people including Carter, Mondale, Page 5 MOORHEAD C. KENNEDY 1035 FIFTH AVENUE NEW YORK 10028 and Vance, the colors in full regimentals - all organized by Louisa alone in 2 days Wonderful letter from Carter. There was another Service in the NY Cathedral- - you & Queene specially prayed for by Archbishop Moore. as your parents were there in front row. What rejoicing there will be when at last you are on your way !!! The boys have been wonderful. I wish you could have received Phil's first letter " Dear Pop, having never written to a hostage before, I am rather at a loss -----Duncan is a hero at school another grandmother told me as he is the only boy whose of father is a hostage! Mark is wonderful- quiet, adult and always thinking of you. He has written you every 3 days, Page 6 often very bright postcards to bring brightness- It often happens that a shock of reality takes them right out of their dream world - He is quiet, serious, very intelligent. Andrew has always insisted you would be back soon Oh my darling, I could write forever but we are off to young Edgar's wedding to Linday Scott. There is so much to Lay, but the only important thing is that you are safe and well I love you with all my heart, Mum