Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, Wi-Wo

photograph of college at top of page

St. Mary's College.

St. Mary's College was founded at San Francisco in 1863, for the purpose of higher Christian Education. In 1872 the College was chartered by an Act of Legislature of the State of California, and endowed with the rights and privileges accorded a University. In 1889 it was transferred to Oakland.

It has always been the aim of the Trustees and Faculty of the College to make it as efficient as possible; for this purpose neither money nor labor has been spared; but an institution of this kind can never be said to be complete.

As the Trustees have many improvements still in contemplation, for which additional funds will be required, they have resolved to offer a certain number of Scholarships to persons interested in the cause of Christian Education.

A scholarship is a foundation for the perpetual support of s student in this College. In other words, it is a sum of money invested in the Corporation, in consideration of which the Corporation guarantees to the investor, by a legal instrument, the right to have perpetually, a student in the College, free of charge.

The Scholarships in St. Mary's College are of two kinds: one covers Tuition only, and is valued at Two Thousand Dollars; the other covers Board Lodging and Tuition, and is valued at Five Thousand Dollars.

The founding of a Scholarship is a work which forcibly commends itself to persons charitably disposed. First, by such foundation Christian Education will be placed within the reach of a perpetual succession of well deserving and talented young men who otherwise, for want of means, would be deprived of it. Secondly, the capital thereby accruing will serve to increase the efficiency of the College, and enable it to realize for the rising generation, that good which society has a right to expect.

Further particulars may be obtained by applying to the President or Secretary.

ST. MARY'S COLLEGE, Oakland, Cal.

Napa January {?} 1902

Mrs Stanford

I want to pen you a few lines to see if you will not lend a helping hand to one who is desperately in need. I am in debt to the extent of $200. and I would like to borrow that amount from you at the lowest (as [?]) interest possible. I am not a pauper or begger as I receive a salary of $50 monthly from the Government for services as a letter carrier.

But I very foolishly married a few months ago with but $600. and was compelled to go in debt to the extent of $200 That debt is driving me to desperation as I have always [borne ?] an excellent reputation and I am afraid my inability to pay up soon will cause me much humiliation.

I[f] you could help

me, I would pay you in monthly installments, none of which would be for less than $10. By helping me you will be gaining the prayers of a devout Christian, and lifting a heavy burden.

You can easily ascertain as to my standing from any one who has ever lived in Napa during the past ten years.

I hold a Goverment [sic] position as letter carrier, at a salary of $850 a year, so you see I am not very bad off if I could only get properly started.

I hope you will at least consider my request

Address

Frank Wilson Letter Carrier Napa, Cal

F.E. WILSON Restauranteur, Caterer

Fancy Baker and Ice-Cream Man'f'r. 171 Main Street, Danielson, Conn.

Danielson, Conn.

Dec 14, 1901

Mrs. Jane L. Stanford

San Francisco, Cal.

Dear Madam:--

I am a young man of good habits and I conduct a Restaurant. The Small Pox scare has killed my business for the past six months, my mother is sickly and I am her only support. To take care of my Mother, pay Doctors bills, and my business so dull has made me go in debt about four hundred dollars and no way to pay this debt, and they are going to close up my Restaurant and clean