Reverend Edward Dumke's Letter: November 1978/Concerning Patricia Hearst

                                                                                     Thanksgiving Day, 1978

Dear Mr. Temme:

Earlier today I visited Patricia. I felt she might be depressed having to
spend this important holiday apart from her family and loved ones.

However, contrary to my expectations, I found her in good spirits. And YOU are responsible- you and others across this country who have spoken out in her behalf. Patricia said it in these few words: " I have much to be thankful for. We always expect our family and friends to provide love and support. But when it pours in from strangers in every walk of life, it gives strength to my faith-in myself and the future."

I knew Patricia long before her kidnapping. I knew her as a bright, witty, gentle, compassionate young lady. She looked forward to a life filled with promise of a home of her own, a family and friends. That hope exploded in terror on the night of February 4, 1974. Torn from her apartment by a gang of fanatic revolutionaries, (SLA) Patricia was subjected to the most extreme forms of physical torture and psychological manipulation. She was, in the words of her captors, "a prisoner of war." She finally broke.

Shortly after Patricia was found, I saw her in the San Mateo County Jail. The cruel consequences of her months of imprisonment by the S.L.A. clouded her face and eyes. She was emanciated, afraid and disorientated.

Over the months, I saw Patricia begin to pull out of the black depths of her prolonged nightmare. I saw a tiny spark of the warm spirit that characterized her life before her brutal abduction. I am convinced that her recovery is a direct reflection of the faith and support you and others have given this fragile yet remarkably strong victim of political terror.

Patricia believes, as I do, that your support will prevail in the court of public opinion. Because of this conviction, I once more solicit your help.

Please write yet another brief letter to President Carter asking him, in this Holy Season, to help correct the evil injustice that caused Patricia and her family to suffer so much for so long. Every letter counts. So please write again and, by your personal plea, help bring Patricia home to her family and friends.

                                                                                            Sincerely,

                                                                     (Signed):          Father Ted Dumke

                                                                                    The Rev. Edward Dumke