Your very kind letter received yesterday and am glad that your meeting at the church was successful. I also hope ere this that you have arrived safely in —— and that your trip was pleasant.
Mrs. Roberts, briefly concerning myself; words can not express my appreciation of the interest you are taking in me, and I hope I may be spared to prove to you that your efforts have not been in vain. I hope the day may not be far distant when I may make myself worthy of your friendship and interest—and hoping that you may think of whatever goodness I may possess, and not of what my life has been, I beg to remain,
Sincerely yours,
J—— W——.
The foregoing letter was written in a beautiful hand.
FROM A VERY YOUNG MOTHER.
N——. Cal.
My dear Mama Roberts:
I will now sit down to answer your most dear and welcome letter of so long ago, which has not been answered; but do not think I have forgotten you. You have been so kind and good to me that I will ever love you and not forget you…. The baby was pretty sick before the 4th of July, but he is well and fat now. I feed him on Mellin's food…. My stepfather says that the day I speak to the baby's father I will lose the home I have. He (the baby's father) does not give me five cents. All that the baby has I work good and hard to get. What he and I need, I earn honestly. I work whenever I have the opportunity, as my stepfather is the only one we can depend upon [she was only sixteen years old], and we are four boys and three girls, grandma, mama, the baby, and himself; so it is hard for him, and I haven't the heart to ask them for anything, no matter how bad I need it. I take in washing from the boarders at the two hotels, also sewing and ironing, or go out to do housework whenever I can.
I must close, as I must help mama to get the supper. With love and regards to Mama Roberts from all…. I don't forget my Bible and verse. Your loving,