Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, P - Q

Hoping that you will not pass this by without some consideration I sign myself in all sincerity.

Mrs. W. S. Paulson,

543 — Fifth Ave.,

Council Bluffs, Ia.

Office of

Supreme Lodge

Columbian Brotherhood of Honor,

931 West Jefferson Street,

Louisville, Ky. Dec 22, 1901

Mrs. Standiford: [sic]

Kind Madam:

Your reply per Pres't of University received. I have tried hard and find the chances for one to earn money to pass through College are not flattering. Colleges here in this state as a rule bar colored boys. I would enter Leland next month if I could raise the fees and board and fare, but I cannot. I now ask if you find anyone in need of a trusty industrious polite Colored boy aged about 19 years, for service, give my address. If I can only be employed by some one of wealth I can economize and yet succeed. Respt.

Will S. Peyton 931 Jeff

Louisville Ky.

Knoxville Tenn 12/28/1901

Mrs Jane L. Stanford

Sanfrancisco [sic] , Cal

Dear Madame:-

I intrude myself upon your notice from reasons of necessity, and because I have heard much of your kind, sympathetic, and generous character. But for these I should never venture to risk a rebuff at your hands, or perhaps at least a cold refusal.

To be brief, I am 34 years of age and have spent about 17 years of my life in Railroad and Telegraph Service which I abandoned about three and a half years ago because I could not longer conscientiously perform secular duties on the Sabbath day in violation of the commandments of God.

Since that time I have made many

ineffectual attempts to secure a position in railroad or telegraph service that would not require Sunday work but met with nothing but discouragement, opposition, and cold indifference.

I am not qualified for any other profession, and am not physically strong enough to be worth much as a day laborer.

I write to know if you will help me to help myself out of my difficulties.

First, will you permit me to go to California and take one years practical course in some profession, at your great University in the course of completion,

Or, Second, will you advance me a sufficient amount each month, as [needed] to carry me through a course of one year in some good business college, and permit me to refund the amount in [small?]

monthly payments from my earning after graduation.

Or, Third, will you use your influence to secure for me a good position with some Railroad or Telegraph Company in which I would not be required to work on the Sabbath day. Anxiously awaiting your reply I am my dear Madame

Most Respectfully

Frank L. Pendleton