Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, L

Diamond Pa. December 18, 1901 Dear Jane L Stanford, San Francisco, Cal.

Dear Madam.- In reading my paper a few days ago, I saw an account in it, of a Charitable deed you had done. I have thought a great deal about it as I'm in great need. I have a nice little place of 12 acres left to me by my Mother at her death five years ago last month there was a little mortgage on it

but I thought I could pay it off. I layed the funeral expenses by calling some things off and working, but I see it is impossible for me to buy the mortgage. and the Lday that holds it say she wants it, as she is in need of it.

I can say that if you would want any one to state to what I have said, is true I can tell you of some Honorable people that will tell the truth about it.

I will ask you if you can help me. it is now $283.60 up to the first of Dec.

I will hope this will not give any offence, and I will be greatly oblige. hoping to hear from you soon.

Your humble servant Mrs Nora E. Lance Titusville, Pa Route 5

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

You will think I have a husband that ought to support me but I havent, I am a widow.

Chicago December 19, 1901

Dear Madam:

You will kindly excuse that I write a letter to you. I have read, that you are so exceedingly kind and so extremely generous. I ask you to be my protector and accord to me your strong and helpful aid financially by a loan on my honor, of the sum of $100. This sum would be to me the greatest help, as it would permit me to emerge from the present financial embarassment, in which I find myself through sickness. I am a young man, 26 years of age, being in American since 1898, coming from a very good aristocratic family from Germany

and lend me $100 without interest, that I can return the $75, I do owns here through sickness, to save the high interest, and that I can take lessons with the rest of $25. I will return the money to you, dear Madam, as sure as God is in heaven, prompt and honest in small monthly payments, I assure you this on my honor and conscience I am not a beggar or bum, and I dont want the money as a present, no, I am honest and respectable and will return every cent with great thanks. I am a honest young man, have no bad habits, do not smoke or drink, go in no lead companys and can give best references.

many, my Father was Baron von Lahtz Falckenhoff, my mother was Countess von Stollberg, both of them was murdered 20 years ago. Through my grandfathers death I have inherited $53000, but have lost everything through bad business, dishonest people and speculations and am working very hard now to make a living. I came here to Chicago and have invested the rest of my money in the Real Estate of John Cresap, 1369 W. Van Buren Str, and I have lost same too, because Mr. Cresap failt in business, went to Klondike. I would get along nice with my small wages, I do earn, but I was sick a very long time, went in debt owns $75, for which I have to

pay $7.50 interest per month. I only earn $24 per month, have to pay $16 for my room and board, $7.50 per interest, it left me only 50 cents per month. By this small wages I never in my life can pay the principal of the loan, and I dont know what to do. I would like to take lessons in telegraphy and typewriting during the evenning [sic] to get a better paying position but I dont have the money to start with. I know, that you dear Madam, are so very kind and generous, I see this out of the newspaper clipping, which I enclose, and your kind picture show the great kindness, out of your eyes, so I take the liberty and ask you to have the kindness