Columbia, May 29, 1828.
Sir,— You have probably before this time entirely forgotten
that you ever had an acquaintance by the name of Fanny. It is a long time since
I have heard any thing of you. I lately, by accident, heard that you were
settled in Boston, and in affluence. Very different is my situation. I live in
this town with my aged parents, who are unable to do any thing towards
supporting themselves. I have one sister; we have nothing but our hands to
support our parents and a helpless brother. As a help towards doing this, I
took an orphan child under my care. I was to receive six dollars per month for
board and tuition; I have kept the child two years, and received but forty
dollars, and have no expectation of ever receiving more. His guardian has
failed and fled to parts unknown. I agreed with a merchant in this vicinity for
some of the necessaries of life, expecting to receive payment quarterly, and
pay it to him; he now calls loudly for his pay, and I have nothing to pay with;
I expect he will take the steps of the law; in that case you know how dreadful
would be the situation of a poor defenceless female. I can do nothing towards
paying the debt unless some of my rich friends will help me. The debt due to me
is about eighty dollars, and the debt which I owe about fifty dollars. Should
you feel able and willing to bestow some pecuniary assistance, you will please
to send by mail. I live in Columbia, Brooklyn County, Connecticut. Should you
not find it convenient to assist me, I should be glad to hear of your health
and happiness and that of your dear ones. If you could make it convenient to
answer this the first mail after receiving it, you would much oblige
Your unfortunate
friend.
P. S. Where is Hervey Bingham, and what is his situation? Do
you correspond with him? Perhaps you would be willing to state my condition to
him. My great anxiety to do all in my power to render the few remaining days of
my parents in some measure comfortable, is all the apology I can offer for thus
troubling you.
SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Volume 1, p. 326
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