Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, Bit-Bu

Belmont June 25th 1901

To Mrs Stanford Dear Madam

In addressing you on so delicate a subject, I trust you will pardon me for so doing. Having read of your great acts of charities which you have been doing in memory of your beloved son in California I feel that in placing before you my case your heart will in sympathy go out to me also.

Although a perfect stranger I think I can venture to tell you all about myself and dear Mother.

We are both here in Trinidad the West Indies and I may here say that

Fremont, Ohio Dec. 13 1901

Mrs Jane L. Stanford Dear Madam

you no doubt be surprised to be addressed by a stranger. But thought it no harm to do so. In the first place I am a woman who is true to her womanhood, and who's [sic] character is above reproach.

I have recommenditions [sic] from the best of People. To be brief: a few years ago my Husband was killed left me with a child to

strugle [sic] along to gain an honest living, and with God's help brought up my daughter a credit to any one's family. Well it seem at times I never would find the silver lining to the darkest clouds that seem to hang ove [sic] me; but I had hope, even when trouble was so great that I drank from the cup of sorrow to the bitter diggs [sic]. I cannot tell why I am writing to you, unless the inspiration

comes from Heaven. I know you are a good, kind lady, who has had sorrow. I often read about you, and as the Cleavland [sic] Leader is before me telling of your kind deeds. Something tells me to write, over a year ago I married a man who enlisted in the late war had an honorable discharge, and is a honorable man. But poor ah so poor he has not been able to get work as yet, is a Sir Kinght [sic] but

out of the Lodge unable to to keep dues. I am very neat and {tasty ?} and handy with the needle, can make old things look like new. Now kind lady for humanity sake, will you please help me, any thing clothes, if ever so little would be appreciated and thankfully received. With a God Bless You I can puve [sic] to you I am no fraud. if you wish to know more of me can give