Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, Sa-Si

Steubenville, O.,

Dec. 17, 1901.

Dear Mrs. Stanford,--

Reading of your many kind and charitable acts in the name of your dear son Leland Stanford Jr, I will ask that you do one more act in the name of your beloved son. God in his infinite mercy has seen fit to take from you your son and husband whom you no doubt loved most tenderly; but in his powerful wisdom has endowed you with a vast fortune to distribute and

nails torn off. Oh horrible fate! Sometimes I think I have the most horrible misfortune of any one in the world to bear. But God is just and loves us all and he will not put upon us more than we can bear.

So I desire to ask of a charitable Christain [sic] woman to lend a helping to or hand to one of God's less fortunate children, namely, that you will present me with enough fund to build myself and family a home. I would like to be able to build a doub-

-le six roomed house with bath rooms; so that I could rent one side for an income. As for reference, please write to Rev. George W. Hinkle, rector of St. Paul's Episcople [sic] Church this city private address N. 4th St.

I was left the worst off of the three widows Mrs. Robertson has a lovely home, the money for which was accumulated while Mr. Robertson kept saloon. Mr. R. was insured for $1200 so that his wife was left comfortably situated. Mrs.

[Olenna?] Sept 1893

Dear Mrs Standford [Stanford]

I cam across the enclosed $4 bill among dear Father's effects; the 1st money ever issued by the United States Government.

I thought you might wish to frame & put it in the [university?] started by your dear Son.

Enclosed also find the piece of poetry, which you delivered when I last saw you.

Bishop Nichols [& co.?]

said tells this story of California hospitality _

A Cal [Californian] boot black had just polished an Eastern gentleman's boots. How much do you charge, said the gentleman turning to the boy? Ten cents sir replied the boy, but - [ ? ] responded the gentleman, why in the East I can get my boots shined for 3 cents. Indeed said the boy, that is very cheap! All you from the East? Yes Sir said the man I am from Boston

Indeed! said the boy a visitor to this Coast & a stranger, there is no charge for blacking your boots, consider your self my guest.

With my best wishes to you in the work before you

I remain sincerely

Yours, Payne J Shafter