[MANSON FAMILY]. Archive of Leslie Van Houten Letters. 1970-1983. A binder archive of approximately 70 typed and hand-written letters and cards to and from Leslie Van Houten during her incarceration for the murder of the Labiancas as part of the Manson Family terror spree in 1969. Contains several letters from Van Houten to her mother, Jane, as well as numerous letters to Van Houten from family and friends on the occasion of her second re-trial in 1978. After being on bond for 6 months, Van Houten was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder and re-sentenced. "I guess the jury couldn't see you as you are today but only as you were during the first trial in 1969-1970. Maybe that's their job. People don't seem to be ready for the kind of ideas your defense proposed. All people aren't like that. The power of drugs, mind power, environment, and espirt de corps, folie a menage, youth, innocence, dumbness, etc. Forgiveness and punishment. Where is it all at?" Also of note are a number of letters from a "Michael Chiaramonte," presumed relation of Dr. Peter Chiaramonte, with whom Van Houten carried on a love affair during the 1978 re-trial, chronicled in his book No Journey's End. Almost all letters paired with envelopes, many stamped at inspection. Varied sizes. 

General tining, soiling, handling, and edge wear throughout. Some spotting and minor paper loss. Creases. Letters folded. Overall very good.