Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, M

2

not beging [sic] but it seems that God has given no more to do for than we can do justice to? we have nine children seven girls & two little boys, the oldest girl has taught one term of school but failed to get her sertificate [sic] this fall, so we had to send her to Emporia, Kas. to school. She would love to stay the remainder of the time, but it is imposoble [sic] & she will have to come home Xmas. Now dear friend would it not be as much charity to help a proud family as a big institution?

We have not had

3

cause to nead mony untill [sic 3x] now. My Husband borried [sic - borrowed] sixteen hundred dollars to speculate in cattle, cattle went down & with no fault of ours, only bad luck, we are today in debt & strugling [sic] hard to make ends meet. We have a nice home with piano & many conveniances [sic] & with but a little help, we could be Oh so happy, as it is the children cannot take lesons [sic] or atend [sic] schools that they should Oh Mrs Stanford if you only knew how happy you

4

could make htis one family happy, for Xmas you from your bounty shure [sic] would do so, I have a family that I am proud of, & one that is held in the highest esteam [sic] in this community & Oh if my husband or children knew that I was asking charity what would they think. But something seemed to say to me write her, & she will help you, we have been praying God, to help us & perhaps it is through you that he wishes to do so

One thing. Oh pleas [sic] in Gods

5

name do not make our name publick, [sic] & if you should in your charity look favorably on this letter, we would ask Gods choicest blessings on you the remainder of your lives & pleas do not think I am some one that is not honest & that I am lying to impose on you, I would not be afraid for you to know all of our family records, & if you did & knew many things that would take to [sic] long to put on paper. I am shure [sic] I would have your sympathy. In conclusion (over)

pleas [sic] distroy [sic] this letter & pleas [sic] Mrs Stanford do not think ill of me, for I simply do not know just what to do, I have a young baby & of corce [sic] can not do much but if I had no children I would not be afraid but that I could make my way in in this world.

Hoping you will take no ofence. [sic] I am Respectfuly, [sic]

Yours Mrs Mamie Miller

St. Paul. Kansas

Neosho. Co. Box 46