Chapter IV: The Royal Adventurers and the Plantations (5)

_Kind Sir_: I have been takeing the Defender 4 months I injoy
reading it very much I dont think that there could be a grander
paper printed for the race, then the defender. Dear Editor I am
thinking of leaving for Some good place in the North or West one
I dont Know just which I learn that Nebraska was a very good
climate for the people of the South. I wont you to give me some
ideas on it, Or Some good farming country. I have been public
working for 10 year. I am tired of that, And want to get out on a
good farm. I have a wife and 5 children and we all wont to get
our from town a place an try to buy a good home near good Schools
good Churchs. I am going to leave here as soon as I get able to
work. Some are talking of a free train May 15 But I dont no
anything of that. So I will go to work an then I will be sure, of
my leaving Of course if it run I will go but I am not depending
on it Wages here are so low can scarcely live We can buy enough
to eat we only buy enough to Keep up alive I mean the greater
part of the Race. Women wages are from $1.25 Some time as high
as $2.50. just some time for a whole week.

Hoping Dear Editor that I will get a hearing from you through
return mail, giving me Some ideas and Some Sketches on the
different Climate suitable for our health.

P. S. You can place my letter in Some of the Defender Colums but
done use my name in print, for it might get back down here.

TALLADEGA, ALA., Apri 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: I am a subscriber for the Chicago Defender and have
been reading in your paper of occupations waiting to be filled.
And as I understand you want the person writting to state just
what kind of work they can do. I can car petter work and have
been off and own for some years. I am not a finished up
carpenter, I can do ware-house work, I can work in a wholesale, I
have not sufficient money to come on will you be obliging to send
me my transportation. I am near thirty eight (38) years old and
weighs about one hundred and ninety five (195) pounds. If you
will send a transportation please write me at once at Talladega.

MOBILE, ALA., April 21. 17.

_Dear Sirs_: I am a man that would like to get work in some place
where I can elevate my self & family & I think some where in the
north is the place for me & I would like to get you gentlemen to
advise me in getting a location my trade is cook rail Road camp
cars pre fered but will do enything els that I can do. so if you
all can help me out in eny way I will Sure take it as a favor.

PALESTINE, TEX., Mar. 24, 17.

MR. EDITOR--

_My dear Sir_: I have been reading your paper for some time my
farther is a subscriber for the New York age I have read a few
letters in your paper asking for help of securing a position in
the North I am trying to make a man of myself I can get any work
down here in the South and owing to prejudice I cant get a start
I am 18 yrs. of age weighs 152 lbs. and any position that you can
get me will work at any job--untill I can get better I am asking
how can I get transportation from here it can be deducted from
salary and I will certainly appreciate any thing you do for me
toward helping me leave the south a gol any where in the
north--please help me if you possible can

I am hoping to hear from you some time soon Your agent of
Palestine Mr. ---- is a cousin to me my farther is principle of
D---- School but refuses to help me any I havent any special
trade a little expierence in stage work and drawing.

BESSEMER, ALA., 5/14/17.

_Sirs_: Noticing an ad in Chicago Defender of your assitance to
those desiring employment there I thought mayhaps you could help
me secure work in your Windy City I'm a married man have one
child. I have common school education this is my hand write. I am
presently employed as a miner has been for 14 years but would
like a Change I'm apt to learn would like to get where I could go
on up and support myself and family. You know more about it than
I but in your opinion could I make anything as pullman porter
being inexsperienced? I'd be so grateful to U. to place me in
something Ive worked myself too hard for nothing. I'm sober and
can adjust my life with any kind and am a quiet Christian man.

NEW ORLEANS, 4/25/17.

_Kind Sir_: I noticed in last weeks Defender an issieu relating
to ocupations in your territory I am a Laborer of N.O. and desire
to get information concerning Best ways and means of securing a
Position I am absolutely willing to do manual Labor any-where
will you--Kindly inform me as to what step can be taken for
further reference if necessary apply to ---- Hoping this will
meet with your generous approval I remain

NEW ORLEANS, April 22, 1917.

under the head lines in the Chicage Defender of Saturday April
22-17 I red how some of us that goes up north are being treated.
there is a few that have gone from this city north, and came back
a few weeks. some say they came back on account of being to cold
"The others Say they ware to pay so much to get work etc" I would
like to go north. and would rather be in some place. other then
Chicago. or near Chicago. I am a union man" but dont exspect to
work at union only" there is a few of us union men that are
planing to go north and Kindly please write me" all so I mail you
one of my union cards hoping to heare from you soon I am
respectfully, Yours.

MEMPHIS, TENN., May 12 8 17.

_Dear Sir_: I am a constant reader of your paper which can be
purchased here at the Panama Cafe news stand. Mr. ---- at present
I am employed as agent for the Interstate Life and acc'd ins. Co.
but on account of the race people leaving here so very fast my
present job is no longer a profitable one. I have a number of
young friends in your city who are advising me to come to Chicago
and I have just about made up my mind to come. but before leaving
here I wanted to ask Some advice from you along certain lines. I
am buying property here and taking up notes each month on Same
these notes now are aroun $14 per month. and with my present
Salary and the unusual high price on everything I can't possibly
protect myself very long against a foreclosure on above mentioned
property on account of my Salary being less than $50.00 per
month. Mr. ---- do you think I could come to your city with
myself and wife rent this place out here and better my condition
financially? I am strong and able to do anything kind of work so
long as the Salary is O. K. I have a fair experience as a meat
cutter and can furnish the best of reference from business houses
one of them is Swift & Co of this city. I hope you can understand
me clearly, it is my aim to make an honest living and would not
dream of any other method. I am prepared to leave here at any
time and must go Some place but Chicago is the place that impress
me most. and having the confidence in you as a great race man I
am writing you for your honest opinion concerning the facts in
the matter. Many thanks for the information in today's paper
under the Caption ("Know thyself") hoping this will meet with
your hearty Cooperation.

P. S. What is about the average salaries paid there for unskilled
laborers and what is board and room rent? if I come would it be
advisable to come alone and Secure location and everything and
then have my wife come later?

JACKSON, MISS., May 10-17.

_Kind Sir_: I saw your ad., in the Chicago Defender. Where you
wonted 15 or 20 good men. So I am Writing you asking you do you
still wont them. Also you said that you would send transportation
for them. If you still wont them I can get good steady working
men that wount to work and not gambling no rounders but working
men. I am working man can work at anything not a left hand man
but work both right and left. So please let me hear from you at
once. For I wont to work and wont to work now. So if you Can not
send transportation for all send me one. Please Oblige me.

P.S. Please let me hear from you at once.

MEMPHIS, TENN., May 22nd, 1917.

_Sir:_ As you will see from the above that I am working in an
office somewhat similar to the one I am addressing, but that is
not the purpose with which I sat out to write.

What I would like best to know is can you secure me a position
there? I will not say that I am capable of doing any kind of
labor as I am not. Have had an accidental injury to my right
foot; hence I am incapable of running up and down stairs, but can
go up and down by taking my time. I can perform janitors duties,
tend bar, or grocery store, as clerk. I am also a graduate of the
Law Department, Howard University, Washington, D. C. Class of '85
but this fact has not swelled my head. I am willing to do almost
any thing that I can do that there is a dollar to it. I am a man
of 63 years of age. Lived here all of my life, barring 5 or 6
years spent in Washington and the East. Am a christian, Bapitst
by affiliation.

Have been a teacher, clerk in the government department, Law and
Pension offices, for 5 years, also a watchman in the War Dept.
also collector and rental agent for the late R. R. Church, Esq.
Member of Canaan Baptist Church, Covington, Tenn. Now this is the
indictment I plead to.

_Sir_, If you can place me I will be willing to pay anything in
reason for the service. I have selected a place to stop with a
friend of earlier days at ----, whenever I can get placed there.
An early reply will be appreciated by yours respectfully.

PASCOQOULA, MISS., April 8 17,

_Dear Sir:_ As you have charge of the Urban League, I want to
know if the League can locate work for about 8 or 10 men. We are
all middle-aged men and would like to have our faires paid and
deducted from our wages.

We will work in any small town in Illinois. All of these men are
property owners and have large families. We'll _leave_ families
'till later on.

Any good you can do for us Will be highly appreciated.

P.S. Some of these men have trades and are capable of working in
railroad shops.

HAMLET, N. C., May 29, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ I am very desirous of changing my location and am
writing to know whether or not you can find a lucrative opening
for me somewhere in the North.

I am 42 years old, married, wife and four children and a public
school teacher and printer by profession and trade. Will accept
any kind of work with living wages, on tobacco farm or factory. I
am a sober, steady worker and shall endeavor to render
satisfaction in any position in which I am placed.

BEAUMONT, TEXAS, July 16, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am a colored, am desiring work in New York or some
of the adjoining states. I am not a skilled workman but I can do
most any kind of common labor. I have spent several years in the
plaining mills of the south. I know all about feeding planers and
I can also keep them up very well. I have checked lumber and in
fact, I can do a number of different things.

Will you be kind enough to put me in correspondence with some one
who would like to employ a good conscientious steady laborer.

I have a family and I would be glad to come north to live. So
please be so kind as to do me the favor above asked. I have a
little education too if it could be used to any advantage.

Hoping an early reply.

COLLINS, MISS., May 1st, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ By being a Subscriber and reader of the Chicago
Defender, I read an advertisement where they are wanting and
needing help. Needing Moulders and Machinist of course I do not
know anything about the trade. But they Said they would pay men
$2.25 begin with and Learn the trade And transportation forworded
and they would deduct it Out of their wages.

I am Very Anxious to Come Up North. And I would put all of my
energy and mind on my work. And try in every way to please the
One for whom I am working for. They could get about five men from
here. One that is a Pretty good Machinist I am Writting you as
they Gave two branches for Colored and that you is the head of
the ---- So Any favors extended towards Me will be highly
Appreciated hoping to hear from you at an early Date I remain
yours truly.

MCDONOGHVILL, LA., May 1--1917.

_dear Mr. ----:_ it afford me With pleasur to right to you on
Some infermashian how to get me a transportation to Some town in
the North as i Would like to Come out there to Live and better my
condition as i am A young Man and desire to get With the good
Clase of Laboring people i have not got a trade but i have Work
all My time around oil Mill and Coopper Shop for the Last 8 years
and i cand work at Moust enj thing if i get A Little experence.

My age is--24--years good healt good behaver goof record in the
south this is all to tell now but if you would Like to no My
record i caNd give it to you from my Lodge--are from my
church--good by

HATTIESBURG, MISS., May 27th, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ by reading in the defender of the position you are
in for securing jobs. I thought I would write, and see if you
could place me. Now my job pay me well, but as my wife and
Children are anxious to come north I would try and get a job now
I am a yellow Pine Lumber inspector and checker can furnish
recomdation from some reliable Saw Mill Firms as there is in
South Miss. As Gradeing Triming & Checking yellow pine lumber.

P. S. I know I can make good in any Lumber Yard such as checking
& stowing Lumber if you Will place me write on what terms to--

WINONA, MISS., 4/13/17.

In reading the defender I saw your advertising for more men I
would like very much to come up their I wants to leave the South
and go whear I can make a support for myself and Family. I have a
wife and six children to take cair of and I would like to bee
whair I could cair for Them my occupation is Carpenter but I can
do most any kind of work will you furnish me a Transportation to
com up thair on

GREENWOOD, MISS., Apr. 22nd, 17.

_Sir:_ I noticed in the Defender about receiving some information
from you about positions up there or rather work and I am very
anxious to know what the chances are for business men. I am very
anxious to leave the South on account of my children but mu
husband doesn't seem to think that he can succeed there in
business, he is a merchant and also knows the barber trade what
are the chances for either? Some of our folks down here have the
idea that this Northern movement means nothing to any body but
those who go out and labor by the day. I am willing to work
myself to get a start. Tell me what we could really do. I will do
most anything to get our family out of _Bam_. Please let this be
confidential.

WININA, MISS., Mar the 19 1917.

_My dear driend:_ it is With murch pleaser that i rite to You to
let You no i reed Your letter & Was glad to hear from you all so
i excepts all you Said that you wood do for me so i am a Painter
and Carter to So i am willing to learn in neything in works kind
So mr. ---- i thank You for Your kindes for all of Your aid so i
am a Barber to so i am a good farmer to al all kind So i am not
Set do Wn at all so if You Can healp pleas do So So i hay niCe
famely so i will tell you i am a Curch member for 38 years i and
all of my famely but 3 children so i am not a de Sever So mr.
---- i wood ask you for if the monney So i Was so glad to get
your letter dear Sit When I com up thire look for me at your
offes Pleas so mr ---- i all waYs hold gob When i get wone So in
god name pleas healp me up there and i will pay you When i com up
thire mr ---- i Cant raise my famely hear i wanter to So this all
Your friend

KNOXVILLE, TENN., Apr. 30, '17.

_Dear Sir:_ I am anxious to come to Chicago. I have thirteen
years experiance as janitor in large residence apartment house,
am also handy with tools.

I have a wife and four children. If you can place me where I can
earn a decent living for my family will appreciate it.

MONTGOMERY, ALA., Dec. 3rd, 1916.

_Dear Sir:_ in Reading The Defender I See Where you are Disirious
of Communicating With a better class of working men To supply the
different trades. Please advise Some place by which I could
better my condition North or East.

I would be glad To come in to a better Knowing by writting you
before Starting

JAZOO CITY, MISS., 4/3/17.

_dear sir:_ I owe in Con sist to write you a few lines as in the
regards of my ability as I am anxus to get some work to do I have
a famely to work for and I habe bin workin as helper and bon do
most any Kind of work. Has been in the Bixness as MoChinest
helper for 7 years and Have fally good ExpernCe in it and would
like for you to Help me out if possibl to do so I Would like to
work in some Shop or Millplant and I Would lik for you to send me
a transpotation and I will pay out of my salry so answer soon and
let me no what yo Can do for me I Will Close.

MOBILE, ALA., May the 4, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I write you a few line to find out about the Work and
if I could get you to Send me and Wife and Son a transportation I
am not a loafer and can send references that I will work.

P. S. Please rite me at once I am anxious to here from you.

PENSACOLA, FLA., 30th, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ in answer to your advertisment for labors I am a man
want to work am noes a opertunity Please notiefie me at ane as I
Want to get Job with you I Will Ask a Transportation an will leve
when its reaches me Please take my letter in canceration ans me
at once as I very anxious to from I am stiedy drink no whiskey or
eny thing that is intosicating an can give fot the infomation
Right soon

MACON, GA., 4/30/17.

_Mr. ----:_ i War took and Read the Chicago Defender and i read
for the Wanted laborers and i am rinten to you to let you here
from we all that Wold liKe to taKe a laborers part with this
Manufacturing and We or Willing to do ennery kind of Work and We
or men Will Work and or Glad that me seet With this canne and We
will gladly come if you will Send us transportation fore 9 Mens
and We Will Come at once and these Mens is Men With Famly and We
all or hard work men and i Will Say A Gin that Me Will do enny
Kind of Work dut Me thave a tirde Some us

PENSACOLA, FLA., April 29-1917.

_Sir:_ While sitting reading the Chicago defender I found that
you are in need labering mens that will work sir I am a labering
man and I womts to came but are able to pay my way so I ask you
to send me a transportation and I will come Just as soon as I get
it I am a married man have a wife and six childrens and I wonte
to take car of them but con not here in the south so let me here
from you in return mail.

PENSACOLA, FLA., 4-25-17.

_Dear Sir:_ Having read in the "Chicago Defender" are helping the
negroes of the South to secure employment I am writing you this
note asking you to please put me & my friend in touch with some
firm that are employing men.

Please do what you can for us.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., June 12, 1917.

_dear sir:_ I am writing to you for information concerning a Job
I have a wife and 2 children and who so ever my employer may Be I
would ask that they may send trancipertation for me and my family
and I will pay as i work I am a come laber man my wife is a good
launders all So my daughter and My Son is a laber all so I am a
railroad mon By trade please aBlige mr ----

Port Arthur, Texas.

_Kind sir:_ inclose you will find Just a word to you in reading
the News I found your address and was very glad to see it Kind
sir I write you with my hole heart and I do not mean Just to pass
off time my brothers and I are now writing you to please send 2
tickets one for ---- and one for ----

we are Very Well Experence long many lines so long as publice
work I am now employed in the largest Company in the south it is
the Gulf Refining Co. I have ben Working for them for a number of
years Write soon I remain yours very truly.

BEAUMONT, TEXAS, May 7, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I see in one of your recent issue of collored men
woanted in the North I wish you would help me to get a position
in the North I have no trade I have been working for one company
eight years and there is no advancement here for me and I would
like to come where I can better my condition I woant work and not
affraid to work all I wish is a chance to make good. I believe I
would like machinist helper or Molder helper. If you can help me
in any way it will be highly appreciate hoping to hear from you
soon

BEAUMONT, TEXAS, May 8th, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I wrote you some time ago, and never received any
answer. I learn you can assist me in bettering my condition. I
would like very much to come North. I have no trade but Im a
willing worker, and the Job I have now I have had it for eight
years and there is no advancement here for me. I can give eight
year refference I would like mechinist helper or some thing where
I could learn a trade I have a fair education and I wish is a
chance I need no transportation Im very well fix financial Im
single and 29 years old if you can help me in any way it will be
highly appreciate. hoping to hear from you soon.

HOUSTON, TEXAS, April 21, 17.

_Dear Sir:_ As I was looking over your great news paper I would
like very mutch to get Some information from you about Comeing to
your great City, I have a famile and Can give you good Referns
about my Self. I am a Working man and will Prove up to what I say
and would be very glad to Know from you, about a Job Allthough I
am at work But, If I Could get Something to do I would be very
glad to leave the South, as I Read in the Chicago Defender about
Some of my Race going north and makeing good.--well I would like
to be on the List not with Standing my reputation is all O.K.

I thank you.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 22, 1917.

_Chicago Defender:_ I wish to go North haven got money enuff to
come I can do any kind of housework laundress nurse good cook has
cook for northen people I am 27 years of age just my self would
you kindly inderseed for me a job with some rich white people who
would send me a ticket and I pay them back please help me. I am
brown skin just meaden size.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., August 27, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ i am wrighting you for help i haird of you by telling
my troble i was told to right you. I wont to come there and work
i have ben looking for work here for three month and cand find
any i once found a place $1 a week for a 15 year old girl and i
did not take that, now you may say how can that be but New
Orleans is so haird tell some have to work for food and the only
help i have is my mother and she have work 2 week now and she
have four children young then me and i am 15teen and she have
such a hard time tell she is willing for me to go and if you will
sin me a pass you will not be sorry i am not no lazy girl i am
smart i have got very much learning but i can do any work that
come to my hand to do i am set here to day worry i could explane
it to you i have ben out three time to day and it only 12 oclock.
and if you please sire sine me a pass, it more thin i am able to
tell you how i will thank you i have clothes to bring wenter
dress to ware, my grand mama dress me but now she is dead and all
i have is my mother now please sire sin me a pass and you wont be
sorry of it and if you right and speake mean please ancer i will
be glad of that but if you would sin a pass i would be so much
glader i will work and pay for my pass if you sin it i am so
sorry tell i cant talk like i wont to and if you and your famely
dont wont to be worry with me I will stay where i work and will
come and see you all and do any think i can for you all from
little A---- V---- excuse bad righting.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., April 29, 1917.

_My dear Sir:_ I take grate pleazer in writing you. as I found in
your Chicago Defender this morning where you are secur job for
men as I realey diden no if you can get a good job for me as am a
woman and a widowe with two girls and would like to no if you can
get one for me and the girls. We will do any kind of work and I
would like to hear from you at once not any of us has any
husbands.

MOSS POINT, MISS., May 5, 1917.

_Dear Sirs:_ Will you please send me in formation towards a first
class cookeing job or washing job I want a job as soom as you can
find one for me also I want a job for three young girls ages 13
to 16 years. Pease oblidge.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 7, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ I read Defender every week and see so much good
youre doing for the southern people & would like to know if you
do the same for me as I am thinking of coming to Chicago about
the first of June, and wants a position. I have very fine
references if needed. I am a widow of 28. No children, not a
relative living and I can do first class work as house maid and
dining room or care for invalid ladies. I am honest and neat and
refined with a fairly good education. I would like a position
where I could live on places because its very trying for a good
girl to be out in a large city by self among strangers is why I
would like a good home with good people. Trusting to hear from
you.

SELMA, ALA., May 19, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am a reader of the Chicago Defender I think it is
one of the Most Wonderful Papers of our race printed. Sirs I am
writeing to see if You all will please get me a job. And Sir I
can wash dishes, wash iron nursing work in groceries and dry good
stores. Just any of these I can do. Sir, who so ever you get the
job from please tell them to send me a ticket and I will pay
them. When I get their as I have not got enough money to pay my
way. I am a girl of 17 years old and in the 8 grade at Knox
Academy School. But on account of not having money enough I had
to stop school. Sir I will thank you all with all my heart. May
God Bless you all. Please answer in return mail.

NATCHEZ, MISS., Oct. 5, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ Now I am writing you to oblige me to put my
application in the papers for me please. I am a body servant or
nice house maid. My hair is black and my eyes are black and
smooth skin and clear and brown, good teeth and strong and good
health and my weight is 136 lb.

CORINTH, MISS., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am a good cook age 35 years. I can bring my
recermendation with me my name is ---- ----. I am in good health
so I would like for you to send me a transportation I have got a
daughter and baby six months old so she can nurse so I would like
to come up there and get a job of some kind I can wait table
cook housegirl nurse or do any work I am ready to come just as
soon as you send the passes to us I want to bring a box of quilts
and a trunk of clothes so you please send us the passes for me
and daughter. Write me at once I am a negro woman. We will leave
her Sat. if you send the passes if you are not the man please
give me some infamation to whom to write to a negro friend.

BILOXI, MISS., April 27, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I would like to get in touch with you a pece of
advise I am unable to under go hard work as I have a fracture
ancle but in the mene time I am able to help my selft a great
dele. I am a good cook and can give good recmendation can serve
in small famly that has light work, if I could get something in
that line I could work my daughters a long with me. She is 21
years and I have a husban all so and he is a fireman and want a
positions and too small boy need to be in school now if you all
see where there is some open for me that I may be able too better
my condission anser at once and we will com as we are in a land
of starvaten.

From a willen workin woman. I hope that you will healp me as I
want to get out of this land of sufring I no there is som thing
that I can do here there is nothing for me to do I may be able to
get in some furm where I dont have to stand on my feet all day I
dont no just whah but I hope the Lord will find a place now let
me here from you all at once.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., April 28, 1917.

_Kind sir:_ I seen your name in the Chicago Defender I am real
anxious to go north I and my family I am a married womon with
family my husbon and 3 children my olders boy 15 younger 13 baby
4 my sister 20. I can wash chamber mad dish washer nurse or wash
and my boy can work my sister can cook or wash or nurse my
husband is a good work and swift to lern we are collored pepel a
good family wonts a job with good pepel pleas anser soon

_Kind Sir:_ We have several times read your noted paper and we
are delighted with the same because it is a thorough Negro paper.
There is a storm of our people toward the North and especially to
your city. We have watched your want ad regularly and we are
anxious for location with good families (white) where we can be
cared for and do domestic work. We want to engage as cook, nurse
and maid. We have had some educational advantages, as we have
taught in rural schools for few years but our pay so poor we
could not continue. We can furnish testimonial of our honesty and
integrity and moral standing. Will you please assist us in
securing places as we are anxious to come but want jobs before we
leave. We want to do any kind of honest labor. Our chance here is
so poor.

MOBILE, ALA., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I after seeing your jobs advertised in the Defender
was moved to write to you for clear information of the ---- ----.
I am a laundress wanting a position in some place where I can get
pay for what I do, work here are too scarce to support me
necessarily so I humbly wish you to favor me with an early answer
stateing the entire nature of the great colored society. Your
answer are daily and impatiently expected by your humble servant.

VICKSBURG, MISS., May 7, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ This comes to say to you will you please inform us of
some place of employment. We are working here at starvation wages
and some of us are virtually without employment willing to accept
any kind of work such as cooking, laundering or as domestics no
objection to living in a small town, suburb or country. There are
fifteen wants work. You can just write me and I will notify them
please let me hear from you at your earliest convenience.

LETTERS ABOUT CLUBS AND GROUPS FOR THE NORTH

SAUK, GA., May 1, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ There are about 15 or 20 of us hard working mans
seeking employment an we would be more than glad if you assis us
in finding work i see here in the Chicago Defender laborers
wanted i am a skill labor at most anything except molder but i am
willing to learn the trade we are hard working mans no lofers
neather crap shooters work is what we want and can not get it
without you assistant, if you will assis us with transportation
please rite and let us no what way to came to you these white
folks here having meeting trying to stop us from going off to
seek work an noing they haven got work nor wagers for us here.

We have had jobs but loose it and have not the money to get away
if you except my letter please give us some assistant to leave
because is send you a letter Monday but i see afterward that it
was send rong so i send you this one. have you got employment up
there for female if so let us no please if you send me a speciel
please dont put 15 or 20 men and i will under stand if you say 15
or 20 mans they will put me in jail. please answer just as soon
can as i want to get away as soon as i can there nothing here to
do. some industrious female want employment answer at once
please.

MOBILE, ALA., April 21, 1917.

_Dear Sirs:_ We have a club of 108 good men wants work we are
willing to go north or west but we are not abel to pay rail road
fare now if you can help us get work and get to it please answer
at once. Hope to hear from you.

MOBILE, ALA., May 11, 1917.

_Dear sir and brother:_ on last Sunday I addressed you a letter
asking you for information and I have received no answer, but we
would like to know could 300 or 500 men and women get employment?
and will the company or thoes that needs help send them a ticket
or a pass and let them pay it back in weekly payments? We have
men and women here in all lines of work we have organized a
association to help them through you.

We are anxiously awaiting your reply.

ATLANTA, GA., April 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I was reading you advertisement in the Chicago
Defender and it come intresting to me and I thought I would rite
you to get information about it. There are 5 or six families of
us wants to know would you send us a ticket if you would we would
like to heare from you at once and we will explain our statement
in my next letter. I am looking for reply soon.

JACKSON, MISS., May the first, 1917.

_sir:_ I was looking over the Chicago Defender and seen ad for
labers both woman an men it is a great lots of us woud come at
once if we was only abel but we is not abel to come but if you
will send me a pas for 25 women and men I will send them north at
once men an women

MOBILE, ALA., April 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ In reading the defender I seen where you are acting
as agent for some big concerns and that you are in need of men.
I am a married man and would like to get up there to work but it
seems a hard proposition to get enough money to pay my fare and
there are a lots more men around here that follow the very work
that you want men for but cant get away upon that reason. but if
you could plan to get us up there and let us pay after we got
there we will be very thankful. At present I am employed as a
boiler makers helper and all the men I speak of are boiler makers
and machinists helpers and all are hard working men and have
families but we want to come north. Let me hear from you please
and I can get (12) twelve men at least that have reputation.
Looking for an early reply, I am, Your friend for betterment.

CHARLESTON, S. C., April 2, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I saw your want in the paper and I thought i would
right you and find out about it and if you have work for me and
my wife I will be glad to come and if you have no work for her
you can send for me and I will be glad to come and bring along
manny more if you want them. You can let me know at once and i
will be glad to do so. so you can write me at once and I will
know just what to do.

MOBILE, ALA., April 23, 1917.

_Dear Sirs:_ You will find my full name and address from which
please give infermation about jobs and also tell me will you pay
my fare up there and take it out of my work after geting to work
and i can get a great many men and family if you want them. they
wants to come but they cant get no work to do so they can get the
money to come on. I can get men women and families so please
answer and let me me no what you will do if you need them.

PASCAGOULA, MISS., May 3, 1917.

_Dear Sirs:_ Whilse reading over the want adv. of the Defender I
find where you wants bench molders 20 not saying I am one but I
am a labering man and verry apt to lern anything in a short while
and desires to come and give it a trile or something else I can
do eny thing in common labor hoping you will send me a
transportation and give me a trile and I can all so bring you as
meny men as you want if you dont want me to bring eny men send me
a transportation for my self. hopeing to hear from you by return
mail.

HATTIESBURG, MISS., April 13, 1917.

_Sir:_ Please oblige me in getting me a pass to Chicago to some
firm that are in need of labors I have three in family besides
myself I have four or five other men with me now want to know if
you can secure that pass we will come at once this would be about
eight passes, my self and two in family and five men which will
be eight passes. these are able and good work man if you can
arrange this & let the list of passes bear each name so as to
form a club. let hear from you soon.

DE RIDDER, LA., April 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ there is lots of us southern mens wants
transportation and we want to leave ratway as soon as you let us
here from you some of us is married mens who need work we would
like to bring our wife with us there is 20 head of good mens want
transportation and if you need us let us no by return mail we all
are redy only wants here from you there may be more all of our
peoples wont to leave here and I want you to send as much as 20
tickets any way I will get you up plenty hands to do most any
kind of work all you have to do is to send for them. looking to
here from you. This is among us collerd.

PLAQUEMINE, LA., April 288, 1917.

_Der sir:_ only a few lines in regards you advertismen this week
Chicago Defender and it verry intresting to me and other that why
Im wrighten you because it my benifit me in the futur I know
about twenty five young men would like to go north but accorden
to present conditions in the south wont allow them to save enough
to go if their a possible chance of you doing enything we all
good worker and think if you will give us a chance will proof to
you that we can work and if you give us transportation we will
work and pay it back from the start. I will close hope you will
kindly except our offer and give it your persinel intrest.

NEW ORLEANS, April 27, 1917.

_Dear Sirs:_ I have been engaged in the hotel business for
eighteen years. And I am personally acquainted with at least
fifty of our leading citizens of your city. And in my home I
would refer you to Mr. ----, asst. Depot Ticket agent of the ----
R. R. He told me that any corporation that was in need of Labor
and placed passes with them for the same, that they would haul
the people. I could furnish you at least one thousand in the
next sixty days. And you will not have sixty dead beats. I will
furnish the names, and each pass should have the name of the user
on it before leaving Chicago. The greater number that I know have
families and do not wish to leave without them. Let me hear from
you at once. I can give you the business and my people will go
any where sent and do any kind of work, if the wages are right.

PATTERSON, LA., May 1, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I was reading one of the Chicago Defender papers and
I seen a splendid opportunity to grasp a good job. Now if you
could fowerd me a pass from New Orleans I would be very glad
because I am a willing worker, write me a letter as soon as
possible and let me know just what job you will put me to, of
cours I dont know any trade but will be willing to learn a good
trade. this aid I seen reads like this:

Laborers wanted for foundry, warehouse and yard work. Excellent
opportunity for learning trades, paying good money start
$2.50-$2.75 so I would like to learn a trade. I might can get you
some more from here. I will close hope I will hear from you at
once. Before sending the transportation write me a letter.

CHATTANOOGA, TENN., May 1, 1917.

_Dear Sur:_ will you send me a transportation i am a foundry man
i want to come where i can get same pay for my work and you plese
send me a transportation for 4 good hard labore man please send
and i can get you some good mens here i am down here working hard
and gett nothing for it so i hop you will ancer soon and let me
here from you i have had 7 years exprense in foundry works i noes
my jobe well i will expet to here from you rat way so good by.

MOBILE, ALA., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ In answer to your Ad. which apeared in the Chicago
Defender for laborer wanted to work in Foundry warehouse and yard
work I can recruit 15 good honest men whom I believe would make
good and can leave as soon as transportation for same is
provided. Hopeing to hear from you soon I remain Yours truly.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., 4/30/17.

_Kind sir:_ only a few lines wanting to get some information
concerning of work i want to find out when could you send
transportations for fifteen men eight of them is molders and the
balance of them is experienced warehouse men and experienced
firemen if required i saw your ad in the CHicago Defender.

This is all at present hopeing to get an early reply.

CHATTANOGGA, TENN., 5-2-17.

_Dear sir:_ i only had the chance to see your ad to day at noon.
i was to glad to see it and hop that i am not to lat to full it i
am fuly sattisfied i can get as many as 10 or 15 reddy by the 7
or 8 and we will be reddy by that time if you will tret us rite
we will stand by you to the las

CHATTANOOGA, TENN., May 2, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I beg to call you tension of some employment in your
country. I has been inform that you will give instruction an get
work any wher in the northern stats. I have some of the best
labor that is in south an some of the best molders if we can get
employment in north we wil go.

a waiting your reply.

SAVANNAH, GA., March 16, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ Having learned that you ar short of laborers, I
respectfully offer myself as an applicant for a situation, and
would be glad to get a hearing from you as soon as it would be
convenient for you to reply. There are also many of my friends
that would be glad to get a situation. I am willing to do most
eny kind of earnest work. I am 36 years of age and can read and
wright the english language. and have good experance in busness.
Any communication whitch you may be pleased to make addressed as
above will receive prompt attention.

ST. PETERSBURG, FLA., May 1, 1917.

_Dear sir:_ I am in receipt of your letter of the 16th of April
in reply to a letter I written to you. I will say at this
junction that there are more than 250 men desire to come north
but is not able to come if your manufacture men would like to
have 75 men labores from the south why he can get them for the
fair from here to New York is only 19.00 nineteen dollars and I
do not think that is a high transportation cost to get good
labor. Now there are men here that will work that can and have
10.00 ten dollars on there fair and for a little assistance they
will come at once for the condishion there is terrible the low
wage and high cost of living and bad treatment is causing all to
want to come north. Now I have a family of 8 only, one boy that
can work in the north for he is 18 years the others is school
children and I would like to get them up there with me for I was
raise in the eastern state Massachusett Cambridge and pass as a
master workman in Denver Colorader making brick. Now if there is
any way to assist why do so now if you can only assist me why
just do it as a brother & friend I have 5 to pay for but I have a
little moeny but not enough to pay all way 3 full and 2 half fair
so you can readily see just where Im at but I got my fare but
rather bring my family with me.

ASHFORD, ALA., Dec. 8, 1916.

_Dear sir_: I take great pleasure in writing you and replying to
your advertiser that you all wanted colored laborers and I want
to come up north and could get you 75 more responsible hands if
you want them so if you please send me 3 passes are as manny as
you like and I garontee you that I will fill them out with
responsible hands and good ones so please let me here from you at
once.

ORANGEBURG, S. C., June 14, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: your addess was gave to me this after noon by a young
man by the name of Mr. ---- who is now in Conn. and I write him
to see if he could get me a good job so he said to me on his card
that he was listening for a vacan place to apply for but hesen
found any thing not as yet but he said he wood do his very best
for me. This time of the year most people are now goeing north so
much I thought I wood come two so he told me to write you and see
if I could get you to get me a good job and have the people to
write me and advance me a transportation from Orangeburg to New
York. He said you are the best man in New York to assist good
fellow in to good paying jobs. I will look two here from you very
soon.

GRAHAM, LA., May 18, 1917.