Correspondence (incoming): begging letters, Wi-Wo

is so hard for me and I find it impossible to earn means to take me back home

or if I could go to Cal where it is mild I could soon earn means. I am a good housekeeper also a good nurse and I can do most any thing with a needle & I would be so glad to work at any thing if I could get to Cal as the climate's mild.

I have saved 35 dollars & if I had a pass I could go to Cal and soon earn means to go home

I know by what I have heard of you & read of you that you have a kind heart and I am constrained to believe all I hear of your kindness

feeling that it was in your power to help me I write these lines I am far from my friends & loneley [sic] oh so loneley My husband died 3 years ago last August & I feel all alone in the wourld [sic] as I am without children and

all my family have passed away. I am past middle age but I am well and strong & able & willing to work & I will do any thing if you in your kindness of heart will help me to get to California I will pray God to bless you all my life and you will do me the greatest favour of my life pleas [sic] forgive me but I could not help writing you to day

and hoping to hear from you I will anxiously wait your answer

Moste [sic] Truly yours Amanda {?} Wilkinson

Withers N. C. Jan 15 1902

Dear Mrs Stanford

I have read in the comfort where you have been giveing [sic] to charity I have 6 little girls & one little boy to educate my little boy is too young to go to school yet but have one girl that is ready to go to colage [sic] and would be so very glad if you would help me a little $50 if no more would be thankfully received it will help me so much & reckon you would not miss it I would be so glad to edgicate [sic] her for a