This letter is from a father of one of the Nisei students in Ella Evanson's Classroom from an Internment Camp in Missoula, Montana -- the site where many Issei males were taken under custody.  The father, obviously concerned about the educational state of his children is responding to Evanson.  She most likely initiated the contact with him to perhaps find out how she might be able to help out his family.

Notice the stamp on his letter on the lower right-hand corner: "Detained Alien Enemy Mail: EXAMINED."  Imagine how carefully he had to craft his words so as not to be looked upon as "suspect" by the Department of Justice.  Of course he had nothing to hide, as he and others were fully innocent, but he had to remain cautious.
 
Rikimatsu Hideshima
Dormitory 24
Fort Missoula, Montana
February 24, 1942

Dear Miss Evanson:

I wish to thank you very much for your kindness for sending me a statement concerning my past endeavor in cooperating with the school education of my children.

I have mailed the statement to the F.B.I. Office on my behalf.  The Board hearing was over in so far as I am concerned and I'm confident of my case harmless as I have done no wrong t any persons or institutions but only tried my best to bring up my children to the best tradition of the American ideal and principle.

Wishing for your health and prosperity

I am,

very sincerely yours,

Rikimatsu Hideshima

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