Atticus Finch
647 Main St.
Maycomb County, Alabama

April 15, 1946

Dear Scout,

I've missed you so much since you've been away in college. I was wondering how you were getting along by yourself. You've always been independent, but it's different when you're away, isn't it? That is what I find at least.
Things are just the same as they always were in Maycomb. I have been drawing up wills and have had a few cases, but none of them have been as big or important as Tom Robinson's trial.
I think your decision to be a writer and write an autobiography is a great decision. You certainly have enough to put in a novel: Tom Robinson's trial, Mrs. Dubose, Miss Maudie, Arthur Radley, Bob Ewell and all the other things that happened to you as a child.
You know, when you were little I was afraid your experience with Bob Ewell would affect you in a very negative way. But now I see that you have just made the best of the situation by simply going on with your life and now, using it as material for a book.
Answering to your question about writing to your mother, no I don't think it is strange. You never really got a chance to know her and I know that must have been very hard on you. You had Aunt Alexandra for a while of corse, but I don't think that was at all the same. She didn't have the right influence on you. Truth be told I never asked her to come live with us. She just called up and said she was coming and that she thought it would be best for you and Jem. But despite the limitations she put on you, you still managed to be yourself. Scout, you have been through so much that must have been so painful but you have always managed to pull through. I hope you realize that you are an amazingly strong person. I love you forever and ever.

Love,
Atticus