LYNETTE FROMME

LYNETTE FROMME
(b. 1948) 'Squeaky', follower of Charles Manson, later attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford, failing to get a shot off when her gun jammed. Superb content A.L.S. 'Red', 8pp. 4to., [n.p, n.d.], to Nuel Emmons about his biography of Charles Manson and her history with Manson. In part: 'I have had many occasions to be without food but somehow faith and love were enough to carry between the times...which is really all I needed. That one meal tasted better than a dozen all crammed together...In the desert, I learned to appreciate water - that easy-to-come-by, taken-for-granted commodity that is more valuable than food and when you don't have it - you know that. We went some days with just one sip of water. It was hot. We each kept a round stone in our mouths. These experiences are all part of Manson but, Mel, - I don't know if they'll fit in your book...I don't know how far you're taking his life, what you've written and although I was interested in corroborating, giving stories I have - I've since felt it would be a loss to me... I believe that thoughts strap you in...whatever thoughts have gotten in your way, make you appear uncertain - even guilty...so now instead of a book, we are dealing with your thoughts...I can't count on you to do as you say...It's bad business to talk about 'next letter' and have someone expecting something that never arrives...you wouldn't do it to a Hollywood producer. Or a N.Y. publisher. If your word to them is more important than your word to us, something's wrong between us...Grab hold of the car and the house and the things, and that's all you'll ever have. No life, light, faith or experience....I wrote to C [CHARLES MANSON] and told him that as long as you won't come down and give up that habit, I can't really deal with you...I learned my lessons hard, Mel, and I know.' Fromme signs at the conclusion. Folds, else fine. From a grouping of Fromme's letters in the estate of Manson's biographer NUEL (MELTON) EMMONS (1927-2002), who had once been jailed with and later befriended Manson. He co-wrote 'Manson in His Own Words'.