Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, M

I would do this But I think such a noble lady as you have proved to be will not if you do help me or not you are the same & I hope you wont publish it for my children's sake its Is the first time I was so poor in fourtheen [sic] years So I hope you will help me a little I dont care how little But God only knows how bad I need it

Yours

Mrs Maria Moore

305 Montana Ave

Victor Colorado

please Lady Stanford dont publish this

photograph

Rehoboth, Dec. 12th 1901.

Mrs Stanford

Dear Madam,

Again your name comes before the appreciating public. The papers are full of your good deeds. They give me courage to write and ask your aid in the nearest and dearest wish of my life, [?], the education of my daughter Olive.

We are people reduced in circumstances, it is not even possible for us to make both ends meet, so that the higher education is only a thing to be dreamed of, unless some one aids us in some wonderful manner. I appeal to you to know, if you will place my daughter Olive (18 years) in your university and give her a chance for life, she has been brought up in a retired county school room. She has not had advantage, but she is a good girl, her ideals are high, and I think, with the help of God, she will make a noble woman, if only some one will help her. It is a chance for you also to add another jewel in your crown.

I am reading 'The Portion of Labor' by Mary Wilkins. In this story Miss Lennox sends Ellen Brewster to Vassar College for four years. Are all these wonderful things 'only in books'? I have never had occasion to call upon any body before this, and I await your answer with fear and trembling and so I trust, dear Madam, you