Letter XII, no date[1]
And now, dear Boys, we want to thank you for all you do for us.
Books were received with great enthusiasm; they are read constantly, even several times. It seems as if they are a medicine soothing our bitterness and concerns. We think that we may keep those books – with longing, we wait for the next. We wait for your poetry, novels, and music compositions with great impatience. Next time if you like, we will send you part of our poetry again and maybe odds and ends made of toothbrush handles (let us know if you got medallion and eagle). As you are so kind, we ask you to send us several letters (they do not have return addresses. If you think it is necessary, please write them accordingly to your liking). We want to do it as soon as possible because we never know what might happen. They again catch Poles to work in some new ammunition factory near Berlin. However, our labour team (eight people) was withdrawn from the last transport by the political office for an unknown reason, but we have no idea what will happen. One thing more, please send a Communique to the men’s camp (separately with information). As far as we are concerned, we would like to get them as well – you are aware of how much we need them. And you know – all that is happening is not going to break our spirit; on the contrary – every misfortune makes us more vital; the big smile never disappears from our faces because we believe strongly in the bright future of our Nation. After all, before our eyes appears the happy day of Freedom, which soon enlightens the farmlands of our Motherland. – The one who did not die – let her live!
- Be prepared!
Boys – we are sending you the list of surgically operated[2] and the list of executed 3 Poles, for now only from our group transported to Ravensbrück – later, we will send you the list of the rest from other transports. We assume that you know what to do with that; it might be possible that none of us who knows those things ever leave that place. You must carry those lists out to show the world in daylight.
One more thing – we could not get either your names or your personal history from our predecessors. Is it possible to provide us with the information once more?
We would appreciate it.
[1] Written by Zofia Pociłowska, probably in the second half of October or in November 1943. The letter is placed in the order because it is included in the request to send communiqués to POWs camps, while in letter XIII, the request is renewed. The letter has traces of being folded in four parts. According to the earlier agreement, the date was possibly written on one of the folded quarters, but it was damaged.
[2] Written by Krystyna Czyż-Wilkgat