Through letter and mail, Harry often corresponded with friends and family back in North America. In the back of his journal, he kept track of the Christmas cards he received while in the Soviet Union, and makes mentions of the cards he sent back home as well.
In many of his entries, Harry expresses homesickness from receiving mail:
[...] got 16 letters to day at [1 word illegible] to day. will not admit to each other we are Home sick. [...]
— March 30, 1930
At the same time however, the couple looked forward to the letters and photographs, which helped them get through their stay.
Rec'd [i.e. received] some pictures from home sure was great to get letters or pictures from America. also some news papers. we read them [space] over and over.
— April 15, 1930
getting fed up on the whole affair. glad to hear from folks at home to-day. encouraged By Letters. But want to get out of here soon. We must.
— September 17, 1930
By late 1930 however, the couple had difficulty acquiring the material necessary to write and send off letters of their own:
[...] Can't write letters, no paper, Sent interpetor [i.e. interpreter] after stamps, is none. papers full of news.
— December 29, 1930
One of Harry's friends, signed H.L.L, expresses bewilderment at the Byers' dire circumstances. Even though he had been exposed to the situation through the American media, he had not believed it until Harry confirmed it himself:
