Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, Sa-Si

appears to be newspaper article written in German

personal letter written in German

Lansingburgh, N.Y.

Dec 11th 1901

Mrs Jane L. Stanford,

San Francisco. Cal,

My Dear madam -

I have just completed two new and usefull inventions, which I would like to get patented, so I thought I would write you consurning [concerning] them, as you may know many inventions have made the inventor both wealthy and famous but an invention will never amount to mutch [much] no matter how simple or usefull it may be with out a little capital back of it. I am a young man that is alone in the world, and I have allways had to work very hard for an honest living, am steady and honest, and never had

the chance or the good luck of other young men who dont half try to get along. I have often thought if I only had just one chance to succede like some young men I would use the blessing well. I have worked two years on my inventions and have got them right at last, they are very simple and usefull and I know I can make lots of money on them, from what the patent agents say. now what I want to say is, if you would kindly advance a little capital so I could push the inventions along, I will give you one half interest in them, it will not take but a small sum, I will be honest with you, and will do what is right. I only wish I could see you for about ten minuts [minutes] I could explain matters more fully. from a small boy up I have always had a desire to invent things. I also have a number of musical instruments

I made myself sutch as a voilin guitor banjo an harp, which people say are as fine a lot of instruments as they every saw both in tone and finish. I also have composed a number of songs and waltzes, I compose both words and music, what I know about music I learnt myself by reading books on music and the like. I never took a lesson in my life. now my dear woman I hope you will think well of this letter, please give it your fullest consideration, no doubt you will think it strange for me to write to you in this manner, I pray do not think any the less of me, or think me dishonest. I mean just what I say in this letter. I am a yound man struggleing hard for honest success. perhaps some day I will be abel