Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, O

that you must be one of the grandest women on this earth If you do not care to invest my money perhaps you could give a position in your house so as I could wait on you or be near you I am so lonely if any thing would happen my mother would be all alone in this world

Trusting you will pardon

me for daring to write you but hoping in my heart to hear from you I am

Respectfully

Mrs F O'Neill

3411 So. 20 St.

Phila,

Pa

a little home I will bless and love you all my life and ask God to bless you I would love to go out where you live have always wanted to since I was a little girl perhaps you tell me how to make a living out there as I think my health would be better I would love to be near a woman like you feel

brought on from trouble and continually aggravated through our financial trouble. He succeeded at last in getting a position under the Conservative Government through our kind friend Sir John Thompson, who died at the Queen's feet a few months later. A change of Government followed soon after so we are left at the same small salary, instead of what we expected had the Conservatives remained in power, still we are fortunate, not to have been discharged as so many others were. My husband's health is so bad that some one has to meet him at his office every evening. We have six children four boys, aged sixteen, nine, six, and our baby who is eighteen months, our little girls are thirteen and four. Our eldest boy is a very bright clever child but, not very strong, and, to try to fit him for the battles of life we have had to sacrifice everything, even life insurance my husband had in the Equitable Co. I have tried to do all our own work laundry included, but, we find it impossible to keep our son at school after Christmas, unless we get some aid from some such generous person as yourself. He requires at least another year to fit him for a position we have in view for him, but, it will take at least one hundred and fifty dollars to keep him there and that is utterly beyond our reach where we have rent, fuel, and every

255 Lyon St. Ottawa, Can.

Dec. 16th 1901.

My dear Madam,

Before proceeding I must ask your forgiveness for the liberty I take in addressing you, but, real, actual, want has made me desperate, and seeing an account of your generous, charitable disposition I thought I would test it myself. Up to fourteen years ago my husband was a successful Railroad Contractor and Civil Engineer, but then at one blow lost all, even his health, and was unable to continue his profession. When he recovered a little we came penniless to Ottawa, where he has been under medical treatment ever since for neuristinia

thing to pay. It almost breaks our hearts to take him away, but, I fear we must, for we have no money to send him, and besides we need him to help us to do something for the others. He is a dear good boy and tries not to show how badly he feels for he knows it troubles his poor Father so much. Oh! if you in your goodness would only deign to aid us a little, if you only sent a part, even, perhaps something might turn up later to help us out. Of ourselves we can do no more, we have done all we could deprived ourselves of everything even the necessaries of life. Until lately my health and courage have been good but, I find both going quickly. Under these cir

soon as Otto is through and able to help us, or we will take it as charity if you prefer it, for our pride is gone with everything else. I enclose only a copy of Lord Strathcona's letter, also one from the Mayor of our City to prove our respectability, and necessity for I assure you it is the most vital necessity drives me to beg, but I cannot see my little ones suffer without trying to do something for them. As I intend anything you send as a joyful Christmas present to my dear husband. I did not like to send the original letters for fear he would miss Lord Strathcona's which he values very highly. I can quite understand how

presuming and indelicate you will think me for worrying you with even a few of our trials, but I feel sure your kind heart will help you overlook all, and perhaps lighten our burden a little. I take the liberty of enclosing an addressed envelope to save you trouble in case you send us nothing, you can just return it and relieve my anxiety as a refusal will be almost better than suspense. Wishing you all the joys of this festive season and imploring your kind consideration.

I remain,

Yours respectfully,

Ada O'Regan.