Clarence Darrow to Ruby Darrow, March 21, 1903
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Law Offices
Darrow, Thompson & Cross,
1202 Ashland Block,
Chicago.
Saturday
Dear Ruben
Your letter came this PM. I am sorry you are in trouble over the matter. I think you need not worry, I presume this was some one either on account of politics, or some personal enemy of mine, or possibly some mean paper who has sent this man. Probably it was political & most likely only to come up in case of need, which case will never come.
I dont believe it had any relation to Mr. O. it might possibly come through the one person in my past whom [__?] I have told you about. Within the last four or five years this has happened before & I rather presume it is a way they have of keeping track of people & using it
If occasion requires.
Of course it might be ued used but I hardly see how,I think most of the har newspapers are friendly, and I don't see how such a thing could be used. As to Stewart & Harrison they are both afraid of me, & ei neither side would dare attack me, & what is there in it any how. Of course it might be carried back to Chicago but still I cant see how it could get in.
Now my dearest Ruben I know you are brave. You know I love you dearly. You know I have never deceived you in any way, I have enough money to live on & you & I can go alone up into the mountains if we want & th no one can harm us. The only thing is if Fred & Geo should go back on you — but even then you & I are of age, & if any thing serious happens
we dont need to wait until June 15 and as long as it is all arranged & settled you & I will know it is voluntary & what is the difference about any one else.
But I dont think any thing will happen per perhaps I had better not be there quite as much in the future but my dear darling sweet heart it wont be long although it may seem long.
As for me I am 45 years old, I know I have lived an upright life. I know I have been generous & kind & considerate of every one in the world — and I am willing to face any thing that comes. Any how if you are with me dearest old Ruben, you can talk with Fred if you think best & you can tell him what I say if you think but, there is nothing in my life that I care much to conceal & I am not afraid & I believe you are not. Besides all of this
I hardly believe I have more friends then any one in Chicago, & while I have fought many interests hard & lived a fearless life still I am on the whole respected & there are many who love me as devotedly as any one I ever knew. These could not be effected & they would absolutely destroy any one who would do a miserable cowardly thing like this.
If any one comes again I think Dr. Smith should treat them as he did before. As for you there is nothing that is any ones business. It is probably some cheap detective — but at any rate dear girl be brave & you know that I will always be ready to come to you or go to you at any time & place & what more is there in it.
Ever your devoted lover
Clarence S. Darrow,
Visual Description: Envelope with postmark from Chicago, Ill. Dated March 21, 1903
From: Darrow, Thompson & Cross 1202 Ashland Block Chicago
To: Miss Ruby Hammerstrom 3949 Washington Ave St. Louis Mo
Postmark: Chicago, Ill March 21, 1903 8:30 PM