To His Majesty, the President.
While the contributions and the interesting letters connected with them are the source of some merriment, the whole custom and institution is a very serious one to a majority, if not to all, the penitents. Many of the letters reveal a condition of poignant remorse. Some of them are pathetic in the genuineness and simplicity of the suffering revealed.
One letter that deeply impressed the officials of the Treasury Department was from a little girl fifteen years of age. It was during the administration of President Cleveland. The child's letter disclosed intelligence and keen regret for using two canceled postage stamps. The missive read:
To His Majesty, President Cleveland,
Dear President:
I am in a dreadful state of mind, and I thought I would write and tell you all. About two years ago—as near as I can remember, it was two years—I used two postage stamps that had been used before on letters, perhaps more than two stamps, but I can only remember of doing it twice. I did not realize what I had done until lately. My mind is constantly turned on that subject, and I think of it night and day. Now, dear President, will you please forgive me, and I promise you I will never do it again? Enclosed find cost of three stamps. Please forgive me, for I was then but thirteen years old, for I am heartily sorry for what I have done.
From One of Your Subjects.
That was from a child. Here is a letter from a woman of evident cultivation. It was dated at Roanoke, October 12, 1905, and was sent to the President of the United States. It reads:
The Hon. Theodore Roosevelt,
President,
Enclosed you will find two dollars, which please place in the National Treasury, as it should be there by rights. Some time ago I made a purchase of an article and evaded paying duty when the custom-house official came around. My conscience has hurt me sorely, and I desire to pay the government, and know of no better way than by sending it to you. I am very sorry indeed to trouble you, but please help me out of my trouble by giving the money to Uncle Sam, and you will have the thanks and gratitude of one who is penitent.