Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, Bit-Bu

save my dear husband from a collapse and me from a broken heart. It is him that I want to save, and the doctors say that is the only thing that will save him, is to get his financial trouble straightened out, and I cannot do it unless I get some wealthy and kind friend to help me. and then my property will be in such a shape that I could pay back with the rents and would. I never expected to have this trouble, always having an abundance, but if I can get some kind friend to help me tide over, I can pay, and will pay every penny back; as I do not want anyone to give me a penny for nothing. I know if you knew me, and I could see you, and explain my situation more fully you would help me. If we are strangers, we could become great friends, I could send you references to who I am

If you would help me and would wish to know, do please let me hear from you, and won't you make me happy this Xmas. I can assure you, you will never regret any kindness shown to me, hoping to hear from you soon, so I can prevent a foreclosure.

Wishing you a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year Sincerely Yours

Mrs Fannie Brown 483 East High St

P.S. Please do not cast this aside but let me hear from you, and I will be so grateful

Phila Dec 15

My Dear Lady I have read of you great gift have you a gift fore poor Widow with 5 Children May the Lord be with us all

Mrs { ?} Bradford 2671 Treven Ave Philadelphia

Deer Lodge Montana Sept 3rd /93

Mrs. Leland Stanford, Menlo Park, Cal.

Dear Madam:

I trust that the following explanation will be sufficient excuse for addressing you; although I am aware of and deeply sympathize with you in your grief at the loss of your noble husband. I hope that your kindness of heart will prompt you to be charitably disposed towards an unfortunate.

I was formerly in the employ of your husband at Palo Alto, and the Senator was interested in my efforts to obtain a Pardon from this place, as I am here for no act of dishonesty but for defending myself from assault.

I forwarded to the Senator at Washington D.C. a pair of engraved buffalo horns, which was delivered

to him at that City on April 10th 1893. I wrote to his Secretary Mr Nash, but have received no answer from him. They were valued at $27.00, and as I am sadly in need of money to defray the expenses of obtaining a Pardon, any assistance you could render me would be gratefully received.

I enclose a letter that I received for a cane that I made and presented to the Senator.

Trusting for an early reply, I am Madam

Yours Most Resp'y John C. Bray

P.S. Please address John C. Bray care Couley & McTague, Drawer H