Untitled Page 3

to my bible?] and read the precious promises and try so hard to trust but oh if I could only do something more. I am very willing to work hard, and expect to while I live but a little woman can earn so little with only two hands to work with, and then I thought if out of your abundant wealth you could feel to help me a little for the sake of my dead old Father and Mother and sick husband oh I would be so thankful and happy and will prey [sic] the dear Lord to bless and prosper you whether you help me or not and give you many kind friends and a Happy Chrismastime., No one knows of my writing this letter and I earnestly beg of you never make this letter or my name public, and if you can not feel to help me please distroy [sic]this and forget all about it. I am so ashamed to send it and never would but for my dear old father and mother. Yours hopefully Celia E Oakes Fredonia N.Y.