Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, F

Port Clinton, O. July 6, 1893. Mrs. Stanford, Dear Madam; The enclosed letter I had written to your late husband, knowing from the papers that he had ever been ready to help where it was deserved, in the hope of getting aid from him. Before I got the letter mailed, I read of his death, and not wishing to disturb you in any way at that time, I have delayed, but now send the same to you instead, since his acts of benevolence were to some extent controlled by you, as it is said he consulted you in nearly every transaction. I hope you may see your way clear to do something for me. Yours very truly, James Hall Folloitt

Port Clinton, O., June 16, 1893. Senator Leland S[t]anford, Palo Alto, Cal. Dear Sir: The greatest problem in philanthropy is to make useful citizens of individuals, capable of work who would otherwise become paupers. Many people live a life without work with plenty at their command. I have worked nearly all my life on a farm. Besides, I have traveled in eleven states, also in Toronto & Quebec amid hardships, to try to earn an honest living. You have given to churches, and other institutions, and you are universally known to be liberal when you think it will do good and your name has become a household word. My case is without a parallel. My parents came from England I am American born, Mother died when I was nine years old. Father married again and soon died leaving me an orphan and destitute. I was then taken by an uncle, who married my mothers sister, and helped him on his farm, for 18 years I had charge of it, working like a slave, getting nothing but my

board and clothing, expecting to be an heir of his as he was childless, my aunt died. His relatives there envied me and made trouble. I had rec'd in the mean time an injury to my limb on a mowing machine, which has ever since crippled me badly at times, and causing varicose veins. I wished to marry an estimable young lady who was or would fall heir to $20,000 to $25,000, and asked my uncle to do something for me that I might do so. His relatives secured my imprisonment on false charges to prevent my sharing in my uncle's fortune, or getting any at this time for the purpose mentioned. Five times they suceeded in doing this, until set free by the judge who saw their purpose. I lost all and suffered mentally and physically. For three months I slept on a table in a printing office, with my coat for a pillow for want of means to pay for lodging. Some days I got one meal only, and that not always palatable. Fever and ague followed me for three years, unfitting me for active work. I have traveled for different firms, sold books and novelties, but am now broken in health, and reduced to that condition that I am deprived of means and almost deprived

of society, so necessary to enjoyment. I cannot rest day or night until life has become a burden to me. It is hard for a man of wealth to enjoy life with means at his command, much harder for a man reduced to [ ?] and want, and broken in health and spirit to do so. I would like to go to Washington or some other good western state with a good climate and purchase land, and settle down to married life so that I could have a home, the sweetest name on earth to man, but have not the means. I have a car coupler, which if patented, would help me greatly, but have not even the means to get that. I have the reputation (by those knowing my work) of being a good manager, and feel satisfied that with some help I could do well, enjoy life, and in a few years, be able to return the amount to the donor, to be given in turn to some other benevolent object. I believe you would be glad to assist me, if you but knew me, as well as some of the best men in this community. I can't tramp as some do, and yet this is the way tramps are made, thrown on to the world without means and without friends to aid financially to give encouragement to efforts. Night gives me little rest. The mind rules

the body, and I arise in the morning, not refreshed as nature intended the sleep to give, but a trial seemingly as when retiring. I can not tell you half the misery and suffering I have endured, lest I weary you. I am human nature placed in my circumstances, I shrink at the thought of going on through life without any of the comforts after working so hard that I might enjoy life in my declining years. Death is preferable to that, yet without help we have but to wait and suffer on until death comes to our relief and breaks the chain which binds us to this slavery and misery. With this I come to you to humbly ask help for one who labored eighteen years without reward. I dont come to beg aid for the purpose of defrauding you, but can give you many other references, besides the letter of the probate judge, which I enclose. Yours very sincerely, James Hall Folliott Please return these and references