Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, L

yearly outcome of the crop. The crop in 1897 turned out to be very scanty, I could not collect my outstanding accounts and finally was obliged to ask my creditors for an extension of my indebtedness which they granted me till Dec. 1899. The business has never recovered from this blow. In spite of all efforts possible I could not meet my obligations in full and finally got a discharge for the balance. Since that the business has walked on crutches which are becoming shakier right along having to contend with keen competition and the capital being very limited which is at my disposal, in fact should I wind up the business, I would, I believe congratulate myself if I came out even. I hope that my brief recital has not wearied you, but that you may give it a little thought, and if my case finds even the least bit of sympathy, may your generosity urge you to make a poor struggler happy and a new man by assisting him, to a new start in life, never during the rest of their lives would his wife and children forget the day when they were comforted. A new year has just begun, our wishes could not bring you more happiness than it must have for you now; it surely must have special joys for one who devotes herself so sacrificingly to make mankind nobler, better and happier. May it also bring happiness to us. Permit me to add that I and my family are of protestant religion.

Believe me, I am your most devoted servant

Isaac Loewen