CONCRETE EXAMPLES.

Type No. 1.

September 8, 1905, John H. Harris, 168 Hamlin avenue, editor and publisher of The Pilot, a marriage agency paper, and manager of a cheap mail order house, was raided and arrested by Detective Wooldridge.

Among the letters seized were complaints from his patrons. They received no returns for money paid him, and averred his paper was being used to blackmail men and women. Complaints were also made that many of the names which appeared in the paper were not authorized, and other names attached to the order were forgeries.

The following is the copy of a letter dated September 1, 1906, and is only one among hundreds of others sent out by the thousands by Harris. Many more thousands were sent through the mail to his sub-agents, who worked on a commission. This agent employed other agents, who started an endless chain by copying the letter and having the friends do likewise.

Chicago. Ill., Sept. 1, 1905.

Dear Sir:

We have a very recent application from a brown-eyed widow of 41, medium size, musical, has no children. She informs us that she has recently come into possession of a fortune of over FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS, and that she wishes to marry an honest, affectionate gentleman. We also have a recent application from a pretty, blue-eyed lady of 20, who estimates her present means at FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, and her inheritance at twenty thousand dollars. Her form is graceful, her education good, her disposition gentle and she desires a steady, honest husband. We believe she would start her husband in business. And to accommodate those ladies and quickly find a husband for them we make the following SPECIAL OFFER:

Fill out the coupon at the bottom, and send it to us with one dollar (and six postage stamps) and enclose a sealed and stamped letter to either or both of the ladies referred to above. We will immediately mail your letter to the lady or ladies, and place your name on our books, and send you a certificate of membership for six months, and send you the full names and addresses of the handsome widow of means, and the handsome blue-eyed maiden of means, and also send you a list of names and addresses of other ladies of means and otherwise. And until you are married, or until the end of six months, we will, on or about the first of each month, mail you a list of descriptions, names and addresses of ladies of means and otherwise, without application from you or any expense to you. We have good reason to believe that either of the ladies mentioned above would make you a good wife, but if they do not meet your approval you can select one who will from the stream of ladies of means and otherwise who are constantly requesting us to secure husbands for them, which enables us to introduce you to those whom you would be pleased to meet with a view to marriage.

Faithfully yours,
John H. Harris.
Pub. of The Pilot.

John H. Harris,
Chicago, Ill.

Dear Sir:

I herewith enclose $1.12 as full payment on the above offer.

Name ———— Postoffice ————
Street, or Box No ———— State ————

United States Inspector of Mails at Chicago Postoffice R. W. McAfee compelled John H. Harris to furnish him with the names and addresses of the two women heiresses who were worth $40,000 and $500,000, respectively, who were just dying for the want of a good, kind husband to spend their money for them, and were seeking marriage through his paper and matrimonial agency.

(Interest in Science; Marriage)

Harris gave the name of Mrs. H. R. Adams, at Huntington, Md., as the $40,000 woman and Jennie Ziehler, Lawrence, Mass., as the $500,000 woman. Upon investigation it was found that neither of the women was worth a dollar. The $500,000 woman was in the insane asylum.

This letter, together with The Pilot, marriage paper and its printed advertisements, was plainly intended to draw the unwary and deprive the ignorant of their savings.

John H. Harris then appealed to ex-Mayor Edward F. Dunne of Chicago, under the alias of A. Ingird, taxpayer, citizen and reputable business man, to have Detective Wooldridge stopped from further interfering with him or his business. Men who operate these frauds pretend to be honest and high-minded; by constant practice of their wiles upon others they develop self-deception and come to believe in their own honesty to such an extent that when questioned they assume a good counterfeit of honest indignation.

Mayor Dunne upon investigation learned the large mass of evidence gathered, and ordered the investigation to go forward, which, resulted in the arrest and holding over of John H. Harris to the Grand Jury.

Commits Suicide.

These complaints and evidence were turned over to Colonel James Stuart, Chief Inspector of the Mails at the Chicago Postoffice, for further investigation. A fraud order was requested. On August 18, 1907, Mr. Harris committed suicide by blowing out his brains at 168 N. Hamlin avenue, Chicago, Illinois, after the mask had been pulled off and his methods exposed.

One is unable to state whether John H. Harris is opening a mail order house, paper and marriage agency in the other world. When he left he did not leave word where he would make his next stop, but if he went to the other world, we are not informed that wireless telegraph or balloon companies have as yet perfected the lines of transportation or communication.

Harris is a fairly representative and concrete expression of the regulation matrimonial agent. It was through such agencies as his that the great crimes eventually were pulled off.

Secondary Types.

But in the following letters we have an excellent example of the second type, the little grafter who wants anything you can give, from $5 to $100. From the text of the letters it will be observed that this man was operating as a minister, a lawyer and an employment agency at one and the same time, as the letters are all from one source.

In the case of the lawyer this scoundrel was trading upon the name of Edward H. Morris, one of the foremost colored attorneys of the United States, a man universally respected and admired by men in all walks of life. When the fact of this trading on his name was brought to the real attorney's attention he was furious, and he cheerfully gave all the assistance in his power to Detective Wooldridge.

This smooth one was afterward arrested in New Orleans, convicted and sent to prison for a term.

Here follows the text of the letters:

Matrimonial Agencies' Stock Letters Under the Guise of Ministry.

Rev. Joseph Spencer,
80 Madison Street.
Manager of American Book Concern.
Dealer in Religious Books.

Chicago, Ill., July 26, 1905.

Mr. O. W. Zink,
Marshall, Mo.

Dear Sir:

For many years I have been a MINISTER of the GOSPEL and during that time I have not only performed hundreds of marriages, but have arranged many, and there are at the present time among my acquaintances some half dozen wealthy ladies, ranging in age from twenty to forty or fifty years, one of whom is the handsome widow whose photo I enclose herewith.

She is worth, in actual cash and negotiable securities, fully $50,000, inherited from her worthy husband, who departed this life a year ago and, as she is without friends, relatives or children, her physician, a friend of mine, has on account of her utter loneliness advised her to marry, believing that marriage and change of scene will prove for her a blessing in disguise, and naturally she has turned to me, her spiritual adviser, in whom she has the utmost confidence. I have several times talked the matter over with her, and, knowing that she is very much averse to advertising, I have undertaken to introduce to her some gentleman who would make her a good husband, and to arrange a marriage for her.

As her physician thinks it advisable for her to reside elsewhere than Chicago, I have been somewhat perplexed as to how to secure for her a suitable introduction and in my dilemma consulted a matrimonial agency and, after several conferences with them, I have decided to submit for your kind consideration my proposition and manner of procedure. I have studied the matter carefully, have gone thoroughly into your description and instructions as filed with the agency of which you are a member, and in my mind there is not the slightest doubt as to you two proving mutually suitable to each other. Of course, you cannot form the proper idea of her from the small photo enclosed, but in age, appearance, circumstances, etc., she is just what you have been seeking in a wife.

She is in every respect a thoroughly good woman, unusually bright and intelligent, but knows nothing of business, and is in absolute need of a husband to look after her affairs, but, TO BE CANDID WITH YOU, I am getting along in years, and have a large family to support and as I only arrange a few marriages at intervals, I must necessarily have compensation adequate to the service I render.

Now, I can, by recommending you personally, cause her to enter into a correspondence with you that will undoubtedly lead to your marriage, if you are still desirous of such a marriage, as I presume you are, from the fact that you are registered with a matrimonial agency. I will, for the consideration of $100, introduce you to her by letter and after you have exchanged three or four letters, will have you visit her at her expense, as you may mutually agree, if you will follow my simple instructions.

I am not making you this proposition on the spur of the moment, for I have spent much time and thought before deciding to write you, and all I ask is that, AS AN EVIDENCE OF YOUR GOOD FAITH and to cover the immediate expense necessary thereto on my part (such as asking her to dinner with me a few times in order that I may during the good cheer that abounds at such times dwell at length upon the matter without any unnecessary delay), that you enclose me immediately upon receipt of this letter BANK DRAFT, REGISTERED LETTER, or EXPRESS MONEY ORDER, for $10; the balance, $90, you need not pay me until after you have married her and assumed the management of her affairs. Upon receipt of this small amount, $10, I will absolutely guarantee your marriage to her within sixty days and, if before that time you should feel that you do not care to pursue the matter to a conclusion, I will positively refund your money upon my honor as a MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL.

My standing in my profession is such that I could not do otherwise and, as I have stated before, there are several ladies to whom I could introduce you, now that I have really taken the matter up with you, but I consider you two really suited to each other, so will not go into further particulars. Trusting to hear from you AT THE VERY EARLIEST POSSIBLE MOMENT, I am, with assurance of my regards,

Very respectfully,

Wanted a Rich Husband.

Cedar Rapids, Iowa,
July 15, 1905.

Rev. Joseph Spencer,
80 Madison Street,
Chicago, Ill.

Dear Sir:

You asked me in your letter to give you a description of the man that I would like to become acquainted with. I wish him to be as tall as I am, to have dark hair and a very good disposition. I would like him to be rich. His age to be about 45 years, also have a good education. I want him to be a temperate man, and to have a nice appearance, one who is lovely at home, and does not care for society and likes music. I do not care what his occupation is if he is honest.

Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain

Yours truly,
Miss Vernie Adams.

Oshkosh, Wis., July 20, 1905.

Rev. Joseph Spencer,
Chicago, Illinois.

Dear Sir:

You asked me in your letter to give you a description of myself, which I take pleasure in doing: I am a young man 26 years of age, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weigh 140 pounds; blue eyes, red hair; I am strictly temperate, do not gamble; kind disposition, a farm hand; have no means; income $15 per month.

I would be delighted to make the acquaintance of several of your prospective rich women who are seeking a husband. Send me a list of those who are worth from $50,000 to $75,000, also their photographs, whereby I can make a selection, and I will send you your fee of $5. I remain,

Sincerely yours,
Thomas Flinn.

Matrimonial Agency Under the Guise of an Attorney-at-Law.

Edward Morris,
Attorney-at-Law.
82 Madison Street.
Trusts and Estates a Specialty.

Chicago, Ill., Jan. 4, 1905.

Mr. Geo. Ferlin,
Los Angeles, Cal.

Dear Sir:

I have during my professional career arranged many marriages for ladies of means, and at the present time have among my clients some ten or twelve wealthy ladies, ranging in age from twenty-five to fifty years, desirous of marriage, one of whom is the charming widow whose likeness I herewith enclose.

She is worth $60,000 ($25,000 in ready cash, the balance in high-class tangible property inherited from her mother, recently deceased). She is alone and childless and her physician, on account of her bereavement, has recommended a marriage and change of scene, and in her dilemma she has consulted me, her legal adviser, and I, in turn, without her knowledge, appealed to a matrimonial agency with which I have for several years had business relations in a professional way.

Out of the several names submitted to me I have, after much thought and deliberation, selected yours, and I beg that you will consider carefully my proposition and the fact that I am not in business for my health, but for revenue, together with a desire to please my clients and to give them value received.

This lady, while unusually bright and intelligent, knows little of the ways of the world, and nothing of business, and, to be candid with you, needs a husband to manage her estates, and I can, by recommending you personally, cause her, through me as her attorney, to open negotiations with you for a marriage; so if you desire a wealthy wife, as I presume you do from the fact that you are registered with a matrimonial agency, I will, for the consideration of $100 introduce you to her, have you visit her at her expense, as you may mutually agree, and will absolutely guarantee your marriage to her within sixty days, if you will follow my instructions to the letter.

All that I ask is, as an evidence of your good faith and to cover the immediate clerical expenses necessary thereto, you enclose me immediately upon receipt of this letter, BANK DRAFT OR MONEY ORDER for $10, the balance ($90) to be paid after marriage, and when I have caused her to place in your hands, or under your control, a goodly portion of her worldly possessions.

Now, if you wish to accept my proposition, enclose me immediately the small retaining fee ($10) and promise me that you will follow carefully my instructions; otherwise do not write me, as I positively will not enter into further correspondence until you have engaged me as your attorney upon the lines I have laid down.

If before the end of sixty days you feel that you do not care to pursue the matter to a conclusion I will refund your money. My standing as an attorney is ample evidence that I will faithfully carry out my contract. Remember that I have among my clients, as I have stated before, ten or twelve wealthy ladies to my certain knowledge desirous of marriage.

Awaiting your immediate reply, I am

Sincerely and professionally yours,
Edward Morris.

Edward Morris, Attorney-at-Law.

Chicago. Ill., Jan. 11, 1905.

Mr. Geo. Ferlin.
Los Angeles, Cal.

Dear Sir:

Your letter in reply to mine received, and I will say, that as a leading attorney, and a prominent member of the bar, I could not act for you until you have first retained me as your attorney in this matter, and sent me the small retaining fee of $10, as requested.

OH! OH!! OH!!!
AWFUL CONSTERNATION AT PIKES CROSSING! DIRECTORY GOWN IN TOWN. BY JIMMINEDDY!!

Now, my dear sir, if you really mean business and really want to marry the charming and wealthy young widow in question, I see no earthly reason why you should hesitate for a single instant to retain my services in connection with this matter. You may give me good references, and I can give you the same, but that has no bearing on the case whatever. I cannot, as stated, do any business with you until you first enclose me this small retaining fee, as I must be in a position to truthfully state that you are my friend and client.

You may have had unfortunate dealings with matrimonial agencies, but as an attorney in high standing, I am not to be compared with such concerns, and on receipt of your small retaining fee, I will guarantee to do my part and arrange a speedy marriage if you adhere strictly to my instructions.

Trusting to hear favorably from you at once, I am,

Yours very truly,
Edward Morris.

P. S. I do not ask for the balance of the $100 until after your marriage, and I have caused the lady to place in your hands or under your control a goodly portion of her worldly possessions.

Edward Morris, Attorney-at-Law.

Chicago, Ill., Jan. 23, 1905.

Mr. Geo. Ferlin,
Los Angeles, Cal.

Dear Sir:

Your favor at hand with enclosure accepting my proposition. Now, I wish to assure you that everything you write to me will be treated in the strictest confidence, and I will say that it will be necessary for you to follow to the letter the instructions which I will from time to time give you.

In order to break the ice, I would suggest that you address a letter to Mrs. Lucy Kline, in my care, briefly setting forth the fact that you are a friend and client of mine, and that as you are matrimonially inclined. I have advised you to open a correspondence with her. You can say to her that I have favored you with her photograph, and that same meets your approval, and that you would very much desire her acquaintance and what it may lead to. I have already taken up the matter with her, and she is expecting a letter from you, and in reply will send you her private address.

I would advise you, after receiving her reply, not to write too often or too long letters. In other words, do not appear to be too anxious, for it must devolve upon me to bring you two together. The correspondence you may have with her is simply a preliminary introduction leading to the establishment of congenial relations and eventually, marriage.

Important business prevents my writing a longer letter to you today, and in order that I may be prepared to take the matter up, I suggest that you write your letter so that it will reach my office in about one week from today.

Yours truly,
Edward Morris.

Matrimonial Agency Under the Guise of Employment Exchange.

Positions for Men and Women. Commercial, Technical, Educational, Professional. Those Hardest to Find and Hardest to Fill.

G. H. Cannon, Manager,
Ohio Block.

Chicago, Ill., Sept. 21, 1905.

Mrs. A. A. Burrows,
San Fran. Cal.

Dear Madam:

I am directed by a client for whom we transact much business, to submit you a proposition, which both he and I sincerely hope you will accept. He is a bachelor of middle age, of fine appearance, and is the owner of a large manufacturing plant, as well as of a magnificent residence, in which he lived until recently with his aged mother, who, greatly to his regret, departed this life some six months ago. Since her death he has felt the need of a woman's guiding hand in the management of his household affairs, and it is to offer you a position as his housekeeper that I am addressing you personally.

I beg to state that attached to the position is a salary of $75 per month, your board, and an allowance of $25 per month for your clothing, and you will have full charge of his household expenses, including the employment and discharge of servants, consisting of a butler, two housemaids, driver, cook, etc.

If you accept the position his carriage will be at your disposal at all times, and you will be the actual head of his household, with no restrains of any kind upon you. As I have stated, this client is a bachelor, and on account of his mother's determined opposition to his marriage during her lifetime, he has gone little in society, but since her death he has never ceased to feel the need of a woman's hand and presence in his home.

His first thought was marriage, but after a lengthy talk with me he very cheerfully acquiesced in the suggestion that has led to the writing of this letter, and now to the point.

I suggested that he allow me to secure for him a housekeeper who might possess the qualities he most desires in a wife, and then I consulted a matrimonial agency with that end in view. Your description seemed to fit so exactly his idea of true womanhood and appealed to him so strongly that his first impulse was to address you directly, but being of a sensitive and retiring disposition, he came to the conclusion that he should become thoroughly acquainted with you, and could not do better than allow me to carry out my original plan to make your acquaintance.

To be candid with you, this position is a very lucrative one, and will undoubtedly lead to your marriage with this gentleman, if you see fit to accept the proposition, and for that reason I trust you will give it the consideration it deserves.

As he secures the help necessary to the running of his large factory through this firm, of which I happen to be the manager, you cannot but understand that I am thoroughly acquainted with him, and am in a position to arrange this matter to your mutual satisfaction.

It is a custom to charge a fee of $5, but in this instance we would make no charge at all, only our client, insists that we require our usual fee simply as an evidence of good faith, and that there may be no misunderstanding. If you accept the proposition I have submitted kindly fill out the enclosed form and return to us with EXPRESS MONEY ORDER or BANK DRAFT for $5, which amount will be returned to you as soon as you have taken charge of his household affairs, as your good faith will have then been proved.

As soon as you can start for Chicago I will send you expense, free railroad transportation, and if, after your arrival here, you do not care to accept the position, a return ticket, etc., will be furnished you so that you will not be out one dollar of expense.

This offer is made to you in the strictest confidence, and I sincerely trust you will so regard it, and not discuss it with any one, at least not until all the details have been arranged.

No matrimonial agency in the world can do this for you, nor do I think such an opportunity will ever occur to you again, so kindly sign the enclosed form and return it to me immediately with the small fee necessary, or do not write me at all. No harm will have been done by having submitted the proposition to you, but if you cannot take immediate advantage of it, I simply will not correspond further in the matter. Trusting that you will see your way clear, and wishing you well, I am,

Very sincerely,
G. H. Cannon.

OPINIONS DIFFER

The above are illustrations of the method. Cannon, Rev. Spencer and Attorney Edwards are all one and the same man. We now turn to a few special examples of differences of procedure among the various bureaux.

A Persistent Offender.

One of the most successful operators who ever invaded Chicago with matrimonial schemes was one John Carson, who, on April 8, 1908, was fined $1,000 and costs for misuse of the United States mails after he had plead guilty to the charge, which was preferred by Inspector Ketcham.

Carson, at one time or another, operated no less than eighteen concerns of this nature. He was first discovered in 1902 in Chicago by Detective Wooldridge, operating no less than five matrimonial and fake concerns simultaneously. These concerns were:

Carson evaded arrest and fled to St. Louis, where he was shortly afterward arrested by the postal authorities and sentenced to eighteen months in the State Penitentiary at Jefferson City, in addition to a fine of $500.

Bobs Up Again.

In 1904 Carson bobbed up again in Chicago. Since that time his record is best given from a report made to Chief of Police John M. Collins by Detective Wooldridge, who repeatedly broke up Carson's games. The report, in part, is as follows:

Feb. 9, J. H. Carson Woods' Advertising Agency, 62 Ada St. Goods confiscated; fined $25.

March 9, 1904, J. H. Carson, Mill's Advertising Agency, 71 W. Lake St. Fined $15.

May 4, 1904, J. H. Carson, alias J. H. Hayes, 408 Ogden Ave., raided. Literature seized and destroyed by order of court.

May 4, 1904, J. H. Carson, alias J. H. Hayes, 255 Madison St., raided. Literature seized and destroyed by order of court.

Nov. 15, 1904, J. H. Carson, alias J. W. Bessie, 480 Ogden Ave., raided. Arrested; released; writ of habeas corpus.

Nov. 15, 1904, J. H. Carson, alias J. W. Bessie, 67 Flournoy St., raided. Arrested; released; writ of habeas corpus.

Jan. 4, 1905, J. H. Carson and Oscar Wells, promoted and run the J. H. Hunter Matrimonial Agency, 164 East Randolph St. Oscar Wells was arrested and fined $50 by Justice John K. Prindiville.

April 19, 1905, J. H. Carson and J. R. Ferguson, conducted the Jesse H. Lee Matrimonial Agency, 84 Washington St. Ferguson was arrested and fined $15 by Caverley. The literature seized and destroyed.

Turns Clairvoyant.

May 27, 1905, J. H. Carson conducted the Clay's American Bureau of Correspondence, 62 Ada St. He was arrested and fined $25 by Justice John K. Prindiville. The literature seized and destroyed.

Aug. 21, 1905, J. H. Carson and J. R. Ferguson conduced the Ferguson Directory, a Matrimonial agency at 171 Washington St. This place was raided and Jesse R. Ferguson was arrested and fined $25 by Justice John K. Prindiville.

May 27, 1905, J. H. Carson conducted the Jesse Lee Matrimonial Agency, 84 Washington St. He was arrested and fined $25 by Justice John K. Prindiville.

Aug. 19, 1905, J. H. Carson was arrested for conducting a Chicago Matrimonial Agency at 171 Washington St. and 95 Fifth Ave., under the name of Prof. John C. Hall, Astrologist, Occult, Scientist, Clairvoyant, Medium, and Lifereader.

With this record behind him this rascal actually had the nerve to bring suit for false arrest against Detective Wooldridge, but quite naturally, he failed to appear when the suit came up for trial.

He has not been heard from since the fine imposed on April 8, 1908, by the Federal authorities.

Agents of the Underworld a Nest of Pole-Cats.

But crime is not the only long suit of the Matrimonial Agency. Some of these miserable frauds have descended into the depths and wallowed in the slime of the ultimate shame.

With unbelievable effrontery they have attempted to trade upon the basest instincts in human nature; they have attempted to coin the most abominable of the brute passions of men.

Nothing can exceed the turpitude, the brazen shamelessness of the Matrimonial Agency, when it decides to go the limit.

Attest the following from the literature of the New Era Advertising Agency and Introduction Bureau, Curtis, Clark & Co., Props., formerly located at 112 Clark street, Chicago. This abomination was raided by Detective Wooldridge and the following sample from one of the circulars seized shows the nature of the concern:

"If you are willing to give your name and protection to one who has fallen and wishes again to enter the ranks of respectability, we have some young women who have led fast lives and accumulated considerable money, and want to marry some respectable man, settle down in a new place and be respected and respectable. THEY ARE HANDSOME, STYLISH, LIVELY AND FULL OF FUN: HAVE MONEY ENOUGH FOR BOTH. They will no doubt make good, loving and true wives for some good-natured fellow who is not particular about their past. Through our efforts several wealthy ladies of the demi-monde have married very poor men in return for their name and protection, given them a life of ease and luxury, and the opportunities are greater today than in the past, considering the fact that the world in general is anxious to lend a helping hand to those who have erred and wish to become respectable again."

This pole-cat literature was being sent broadcast through the United States mails. In some way it evaded the inspectors until the 23rd of September, 1902, when Detective Clifton R. Wooldridge descended upon the nest of pole-cats, seized the literature, chased "Curtis, Clark & Co." out of Chicago, and made further evil-smelling operations impossible.

These abominations are now practically impossible, thanks to the activity of the great police detective. But the above illustrations shows to what depths the marriage bureaus can descend, once they have become started on their infamous careers.

November 26, 1902, Detective Wooldridge raided the Climax Matrimonial Agency, located at 418 LaSalle avenue, which is situated on the North Side, in one of the most fashionable places in Chicago.

It was run not only as a matrimonial agency, but a matrimonial paper and mail order house. Among the literature seized was a circular containing a picture of the manager's wife, and of which he sent out over 300,000. which gave the description of her, which read as follows:

Sheriff Duped—Attempts Role of Lothario.

"I am 23 years of age, 5 feet 2 inches in height, weigh 120 pounds, have a turn-up nose, plain-looking and worth about $147,000. I desire to marry a good, honest, affectionate man. On our wedding day I will give my husband $5,500 in cash, and one year later, if we are still living together, I will make over to him $25,000 more. No milk-and-water man need answer."

"GOT A GOOD HOME ALREADY PAID FOR, AN' MONEY IN DE BANK."

"DES A PLAIN LITTLE ONINTERESTIN' FAMBLY ROW."

One letter from a Mississippi sheriff shows that the officer of the law is willing to forsake bachelorhood for a woman who, though plain, advertises that on her wedding day she will give her husband $5,500. This is the gay Lothario's letter:

Miss Ot—I take pleasure in answering your "ad" in the "Hour at Home." You stated in your "ad" you were worth $147,000, and would give the man that married you $5,500 on his wedding day. You say you are plain.

I am good looking, so the people tell me, and if you correspond with me we may come to an understanding. I am willing to marry you if you give me proof you have the money, and will do all that you say in the "ad."

I will do my best to make your life happy. Awaiting your reply, I remain.

Yours truly,
W. M. M., Sheriff.