LOS ANGELES, Apr. 30 – Leslie van Houten appealed to Charles (Tex) Watson today to stop fighting extradition and agree to return to Los Angeles so that Manson family defendants could stand trial with “the strength of unity.”

Watson, 24, is still in jail in McKinney, Texas despite prolonged legal efforts to bring him to California to answer charges in the Tate-LaBianca murder case.

Charles Manson and four other members of his cultist hand — known as “the family” — are due to go on trial June 15 on murder-conspiracy charges stemming from last August’s mass slaying of actress Sharon Tate and six other persons.

Miss Van Houten, 19, sent a letter to Watson declaring:

“You know the strength of unity, myself, as well as the others, would like very much for you to be with all of us throughout this trial.”

Attached to the letter was a poem to Watson, written by the tall, lanky brunette.

Others charged in the slayings are Manson, 35, Susan Atkins, 21, Patricia Krenwinkel, 22, and Linda Kasabian, 20.

Miss Krenwinkel, and Mrs. Kasabian — like Watson — were arrested outside of California, but were returned fairly swiftly. Watson has successfully staved off extradition since Los Angeles police detectives broke the case Dec. 1.

Copies of the letter were released by Miss Van Houten’s attorney, Ira K. Reiner.

In the letter, she reassured Watson the “family” remains united and that love among them has grown stronger since their arrests.

Reiner explained that both Miss Van Houten and Manson have previously said they wanted to talk to Watson.

The attorney revealed he called Watson’s lawyer, Bill Boyd, in Texas and Boyd agreed to let Miss Van Houten write the letter.

According to Reiner, Boyd also said Miss Van Houten could telephone Watson if the latter agrees to talk with her.

Reiner said he was convinced Boyd, in fighting extradition, is doing what he believes is best for Watson.

“Based upon conversations that I have had with my client and other members of the family, including Charles Manson, I believe that it would be in Mr. Watson’s best interests to return to California early enough to stand trial with the other members of the family,” Reiner said.

Reiner declined to elaborate.

The two-page letter was addressed, “Hi, there, Tex.” Watson’s nickname.

Miss Van Houten signed it with her real name and that of “Morning Flower,” her family name.

The letter read in part:

“In spite of what anyone may tell you, the family still is. No matter how many miles, institution bars, and confusion, may try to separate us, we become closer. One cannot be divided.”

Miss Van Houten told Watson she has spoken to those members of the family who are not in jail and “they let me know what’s coming down on the outside.”

She assured Watson, “to know and feel that the love the family shares is inside. No one can take this feeling from us. It only grows stronger.

“We are with each other as much now as when we were in the desert or wherever . .” she said.

Manson’s hippie clan lives at the Spahn Ranch near Chatsworth.

The letter concluded, “Tex, I close this letter now, letting you know that the love and togetherness we all share is the real love and togetherness.

“I truly do hope to see your shining face here soon. Love all ways (sic), Morning Flower.”

Attached to the letter was a poem to Watson, written by Miss Van Houten.

The poem was printed; the letter written in a flowery backhand.

Miss Van Houten drew a flower with a face on it on the poem.

The poem read:
“I sit back and ponder on all that we have done
“We’ve shared so much together, we’re inseparable as one.
“The love bill starts around and round
“Then sometimes up and sometimes down.
“You hold the key to what pleases me
“When we come together we’re freer than free.
“My world I give to you without (sic) hesitation
“As we explore one another with curious fascination.
“I’m with you now as much as before
“The stars are our roof and the ground is our floor.
“The desert will always be our home
“Where someday together we both shall roam.
“True love lives on
“When all else is gone.”

Miss Van Houten printed the letters “B E” at the top of each page of the message.

Reiner said he did not know the significance of the letters.