Chapter IV: The Royal Adventurers and the Plantations (10)

_Dear Sir:_ Wright a fiew words for work i ask to hand this
editor to read we are work mens wont to work but wages is so
little we cant get out we wont to leave the south and work. Pleas
wright let me know 10 mens able body men will stick to work we
well come.

DALLAS, TEX., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I read your advertisement in the Chicago Defender and
having been unable to find work here I want a chance of this kind
also a friend of mine, we are both willing to work. Tell me how
soon you can send and how many you are willing to send for.

AUGUSTA, GA., 5-28-17.

_Gentlemens:_ In reading the defender the paper of our race the
numerous wanted of labor in your state I would like make some of
the good pay for God knows we need it in Augusta. Gentlemens I
made very effort to come out in Illinois or some other place
where I can live deason. I have payed as much as too dollars &
that I cant get away from here, we can scarcely live in Augusta
not say anything about debt. I wish you gentlemens would asist me
in getting away from here not only my self but some friends or
send an agent threw here I mean agent not some so call agent--or
if you gentlemens see I get a transportation I am real in what I
am saying any kind that a living in. I am twenty years
exspierince in yellow pine lumber willing to do any thing else
that pays gentlemens answer at once. I like to come now to get
settled by winter.

PENSACOLA, FLA., April 23, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I saw your advice in the Chicago Defender I thought
to wright for farther in fennashion I would be glad to now how I
can get ther I am a laborn man want to get where work is
plentiful & good wedges i want to get in a Christian nise place i
have a good family and car for them I want to come up there to
see the place & then latter on send for family can u send for me
or describe me to some one who will send for me.

ST. LOUIS, April 28, 1917.

_Dear Gentlemens:_ I have been advise through the columns of the
Chicago Defender to get in connection with you as they claim that
you are in position to look after colored labor and help I am
anxious to get a study position in some small villiage or town
near Chicago. I am from Alabama and dont believe in loafing I am
now employed at a firm as porter, packer, asst. shipping clerk
but I cant live on the pay. I am to go to Detroit next Saturday
but if I can hear from you I would rother take your advise.
Please let me hear from you. I was intending to go by Chicago and
call on you but I thought it wise to write because here in St.
Louis they dont like to see a man idle.

_Dear sir:_ I am a reader of the Chicago Defender and enjoy it
very much. I saw in todays defender where labor was wanter
transportation advanced from Chicago. Now I have a good steady
position where I have been working for three years with the
American Sugar refinery but I would like to make a change I know
that I can better my condition where I work it 12 hours.
Therefore I would welcome the 8 hours with pleasure. Please send
me full information. I would like to get a transportation for my
self and son 16 years of age. I will enclose self address
envelope for a reply at once.

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

_Sir:_ In reading the Chicago paper we find advertisement asking
for labor men. I am a man of family and would like very much to
come to this kind of job but having a wife and five children to
support couldnt very well leave on a railroad pass as I hate to
leave my family behind without support for at one dollar and
seventy five cents per day I couldnt do very much in a short
while. Now will you please inform me of this transportation that
is advertised. I am a colored man weighs about 160 pounds and
forty nine years old. Please write me full particulars at this
address.

COLLINS, MISS., April 7, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I saw where you needed labor and I am a hard working
man but I cant make above a living here and hardly that and so if
you can assist me your kindness will never be forgotten. I shall
look to hear from you by return mail.

GREENVILLE, S. C., April 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I would like for you to write me and tell me how is
time up there and jobs is to get. I would like for you to get me
a job and my wife. She is a no. 1 good cook, maid, nurse job I am
a fireing boiler, steame fitter and experiences mechencs helpe
and will do laboring work if you can not get me one off those
jobs above that i can do. I have work in a foundry as a molder
helper and has lots of experense at that. I am 27 yrs of age. If
you can get me job I would like for you to do so please and let
me no and will pay for trouble. looking to hear from you wright
away please if you new off any firm that needs a man give them my
address please I wont to get out of the south where I can demand
something for my work. I will close.

LUTCHER, LA., May 13, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I have been reading the Chicago defender and seeing
so many advertisements about the work in the north I thought to
write you concerning my condition. I am working hard in the south
and can hardly earn a living. I have a wife and one child and can
hardly feed them. I thought to write and ask you for some
information concerning how to get a pass for myself and family. I
dont want to leave my family behind as I cant hardly make a
living for them right here with them and I know they would fare
hard if I would leave them. If there are any agents in the south
there havent been any of them to Lutcher if they would come here
they would get at least fifty men. Please sir let me hear from
you as quick as possible. Now this is all. Please dont publish my
letter, I was out in town today talking to some of the men and
they say if they could get passes that 30 or 40 of them would
come. But they havent got the money and they dont know how to
come. But they are good strong and able working men. If you will
instruct me I will instruct the other men how to come as they all
want to work. Please dont publish this because we have to whisper
this around among our selves because the white folks are angry
now because the negroes are going north.

WINSTON, N. C., May 17, 1917.

_Dear Friend:_ a little information i am asking concerning work i
am a stranger to you and you is one to me but i saw your optunity
to the colorred people of the south as i am a reader of the
Defender and all so the new York age to i seen Sunday that you is
wanting labers i wants to come up there i am working eavery day
but wedges is cheap don her i am a firman and cannot make a
living hardly and am married man too. if you can secure me a job
and send me past for me and a nother friend he is married no
children i would like to lern how to do molding as the colorred
man is bared of from that kind of work in the south.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 18, 1917.

_Sir:_ this is John ----. will you please get me a job as I have
had bad luck an it left me in pour shape I am a molder and
machinists but I will work as helpe a while jest I an wife sen
transpertation for two I an wife.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 5, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ Kindly inform me by return mail are there any
factories or concerns employing colored laborers, skilled or
unskilled, the south is ringing with news from Chicago telling of
the wonderful openings for colored people, and I am asking you to
find the correct information whether I could get employment there
or not. Please find postage enclosed for immediate reply.

CHARLESTON, S. C., April 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I saw your add in the Chicago Defender where you
wanted laborers and I taught that this would be a grand
oppotunity for me to better my present conditions so I taught I
would write you and ask you would you be kind enough as to give
me a job dear sir. I am a single man and would be willing to do
any kind of work, dear sir would you be kind enough as to forward
me a transportation and I would come write away so please do the
best you can for me. There is but little down here to be gotten
dear sir will you kindly grant me that favor. Hopeing to receive
a favorable answer.

GREENWOOD, S. C., May 8, 1917.

_Dear Friend:_ I saw in the Chicago Defender where you waned
labor. pleas send pass for as many men as you can are let me know
what I must do to get one by return mail because I wont to leave
the south and go north where you get a better chance. So please
answer at once.

SUMTER, S. C., May 12, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ Could you get me a job in the ---- Tin Plate Factory
at ----, Pa. a job for (3) three also a pass from here for (3) I
am a comon laborer and the other are the same. If you could we
will be ever so much ablige and will comply with your
advertisement. If you cant get a job just where we wish to go we
will thank you for a good job any where in the state of Pa. or
Ohio. I am in my 50 the others are my sons just in the bloom of
life and I would wish that you could find a place where we can
make a living and I also wish that you could find a place where
we all three can be together. If you will send us a pass we will
come just as soon as I receive it. If you find a place that you
can send us please let us hear what the job will pay. Nothing
more. I am yours respectfully.

CARRIER, MISS., May, 1917.

Please sir will you please send me transportation for me and my
wife I am willing to work anywhere you put me at the rate I am
going it would take me from now until Cristmas to feed myself and
get money enough to come with. Wages is so low and grocery is so
high untill all I can do is to live. Please answer soon to.

NEWBERN, ALA., 5-21-1917.

_My dear Sir:_ Your letter of the 11th inst. to hand and contents
noted. In reply I wish to thank you for the kind offer relative
to the laides. We shall leave for New York on or before June
20th; I desire to know if it be possible to secure our
transportation fare from the parties to whom they shall work?
Owing to conditions (here) in the south one is hardly able to eke
out an existence on the paltry salaries allowed by our white
friends; therefore we need help. If you can comply with our
request, we shall be very grateful to you; & I wish to say in
advance that you will not have cause to regret for whatever the
charges may be we shall pay them willingly. I shall furnish the
best references as to character.

Now, if it be possible for us to secure our transportation, we
could leave here on or before the 5th of June. We prefer coming
by water as it is cheaper. I trust that I have made myself plain
and that you will see your way clear to serve us.

NEWBERN, ALA., 4/7/1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am in receipt of a letter from ---- of ----, ----,
in regards to placing two young women of our community in
positions in the North or West, as he was unable to give the
above assistance he enclosed your address. We desire to know if
you are in a position to put us in touch with any reliable firm
or private family that desire to employ two young women; one is a
teacher in the public school of this county, and has been for the
past six years having duties of a mother and sister to care for
she is forced to seek employment else where as labor is very
cheap here. The other is a high school pupil, is capable of
during the work of a private family with much credit.

Doubtless you have learned of the great exodus of our people to
the north and west from this and other southern states. I wish to
say that we are forced to go when one things of a grown man wages
is only fifty to seventy five cents per day for all grades of
work. He is compelled to go where there is better wages and
sociable conditions, believe me. When I say that many places here
in this state the only thing that the black man gets is a peck of
meal and from three to four lbs. of bacon per week, and he is
treated as a slave. As leaders we are powerless for we dare not
resent such or to show even the slightest disapproval. Only a few
days ago more than 1000 people left here for the north and west.
They cannot stay here. The white man is saying that you must not
go but they are not doing anything by way of assisting the black
man to stay. As a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church
(north) I am on the verge of starvation simply because of the
above conditions. I shall be glad to know if there is any
possible way by which I could be of real service to you as
director of your society. Thanking you in advance for an early
reply, and for any suggestions that you may be able to offer.

With best wishes for your success, I remain,
very sincerely yours.

BREWSTER, ALA., Jan. 6, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am writing you enregards if work in the north I
would like to came in turch with some of the leading men that
wants colerd laborer and what about transportation there is a
good deal of peple here wanting jobs.

TROY, ALA., 3-24-17.

_Dear Sir:_ I received you of Feb. 17 and was very delighted to
hear from you in regards of the matter in which I writen you
about. I am very anxious to get to Chicago and realy believe that
if I was there I would very soom be working on the position in
which I writen you about. Now you can just imagine how it is with
the colored man in the south. I am more than anxious to go to
Chicago but have not got the necessary fund in which to pay my
way and these southern white peoples are not paying a man enough
for his work down here to save up enough money to leave here
with. Now I am asking you for a helping hand in which to assist
me in getting to Chicago. I know you can do so if you only will.

Hoping to hear from you at an early date and looking for a
helping hand and also any information you choose to inform me of,

I remain as ever yours truly.

COLUMBIA, S. C., Dec. 1, 1917.

_Dear Ser:_ I am out of work and was inform to write you all
about work in the north I am a labor and is willing to work any
where. I am in need of work very bad let me here from you at
once.

CHARLESTON, S. C., April 27, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ i was told by Mr. ---- ---- to rite you for one of
cards as he say you got a lot of work to do in a brick yard and i
am a hard working man i want to work and will work at any thing
that pays so i rite to you for one of your blank so i can fill it
out i dont care how soon i can get there and go to work there is
no work here that pays a man to stay here so please send blank as
soon as you can. Hoping to here from you soon.

SAVANNAH, GA., April 29, 1917.

_Dear sir:_ I receive your letter and glad to hear from you, the
reason why i wanted to come up there is for more wages, i am a
man with family and works hard, but dont get sufficient wages to
support my family. i does any kind of ordinary hard work such as
farming or teamster or most anything, i would like to no what
kind of work you got up there to do as i fell satisfied that i
could please you, and also state your price that you pay, and if
this application is satisfactory why ans and i am willing to come
right way.

_Dear Sir:_ After reading a very interesting letter of Miss--, it
affords me great interest to ask you for some information in
regards to employment in Connecticut and to eliminate some
writing and get the right understanding. I will ask you to please
furnish me with an application form and in the mean time I may
receive all information that you may give. Also please if you
cannot get me employment in Connecticut, write me if there are
any openings in New Jersey or New York. I am very anxious to
leave the south as there are no chances of jobs here worth while.
I have a recommendation as machine helper which I can send if
required.

Hoping to have an interview as early as possible.

SAVANNAH, GA., May 1, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ In seeing your advertisement in reference to securing
a position for those desiring, I decided to take advantage of
this opportunity as I desire better wages to meet the present
high cost of living.

Hoping to hear from you at once in reference to the above
request.

FORT GAINES, GA., Oct. 9, 1916.

_Dear Sir:_ Replying to your letter dates Oct. 6th the situation
here is this: Heavy rains and Boll weavel has caused a loss of
about 9,000 bales of cotton which together with seed at the
prevailing high prices would have brought $900,000.00 the average
crop here being 11,000 bales, but this years' crop was
exceptionally fine and abundant and promised good yeald until the
two calamities hit us.

Now the farmer is going to see that his personal losses are
minimised as far as possible and this has left the average farm
laborer with nothing to start out with to make a crop for next
year, nobody wants to carry him till next fall, he might make
peanuts and might not, so taking it alround, he wants to migrate
to where he can see a chance to get work.

I have carpenters, one brick mason, blacksmith, etc., wanting to
leave here, can send you their names if definate proposition is
held out.

HOUSTON, TEX., 2-25-17.

_Dear Sir:_ Would you please to be so kind to advise us on what
condition to get in tuch with some club on micration movement we
have 1000 of idle people here and good working people would be
trully glad to except of that good oppertunity of coming north
and work. Now please give us the full detales of the movingment
so we can get to gether now please advise right away of the main
headquarters of the club for we are ready for business just as
soon as we can get a understanding from the main club for we have
lots of people in Tex. want to no direct about it and want to go.
We take your paper in this citey and your paper was all we had to
go by so we are depending on you for farther advise. Dear editor
you muss excuse our bad letter for we rote it in a hurry.

KEATCHIE, LA., 12/8/16.

_Dear Sir:_ I have been reading in the Union-Review and other
papers about the work of your department and I am writing to you
for some information. I would like to know about general
conditions, as to wages, cost of living, living conditions etc.

Also as to persons of color adopting themselves to the northern
climate, having been reared in the south. This information would
be much appreciated and would be also of much interest to not
only the writer of this letter but to many more. Many books would
be written dealing with conditions here in regard to the Negro.
Compared with other things to which we have almost become
resigned, the high cost of living coupled with unreasonably low
wages is of greatest concern. We have learned to combat with more
or less success other conditions, but thousands of us can bearly
keep body and soul together with wages 60, 75 and $1.00 and meat
at 19, flour $10 and $12 per bbl and everything else according.

LIVE OAK, FLA., Feb. 12, 1917.

_Dare Sire:_ Replying to youse some times ago were reseav an was
glad to here from you so please let me no how is bisness up
nourth and cod I get a job as I wont to go nourth as we dont get
half pay for our wourk down here so please let me here from you
an can I get a persistion in youre city.

SAVANNAH, GA., May 1, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I write you to let you know that I am out of
employment as jobs are very hard to find down here and I would
like to have a job in your firm in N.Y. as I have relatives there
I can pack tobacco and I would like very much to work in your
firm in N.Y. or Conn. and I would like for you to send me a
ticket as soon as possible.

LITTLE ROCK, ARK., 5/2/17.

_Der Sir:_ It affordes me much pleasure to write to you a few
lines in regardes of a posision sir i were reared in the state of
ill. your home state, but have been here for eight years working
as a helper in a blacksmith shop and have been taking the
Defender regular for a long time so i have decided to come back
to my home state once more where i can get better pay so o will
ask you to please help me in getting a good job. i wont to learn
the molders trade or some good trade that i can make more than i
am making here. i am a Christian and have been for 20 years. am a
member of the first Baptist Church here an a member of the United
Brethren of Odd Fellows and is in good standing. now please
assist me just as soon as possible i am ready to come up just as
soon as i get a hearing from you. Please look after it for me at
once if you can not get me a job in your town, I will go anny
place you send me.

JACKSON, MISS., April 20, 1917.

_Sir:_ i wants to know do yo want somme famlis to move up their
if you do rite and let me no at once and i will get yo some at
once to come up their to work for you if you do rite an let me no
at once and i will get them. now write an let me no at once send
me work an i will try to bill your wont if you will aide me to
get them up their i can get all that yo wont here to come up
their and will come if they had any way to comt i wont to come
but the times is so harde that i cant make the money to come on i
want to move up their at once if i hade some way to come i wod
come at once.

CHARLESTON, S.C., April 29, 1917.

_dear sir:_ I found your address by Mr. ---- ---- kindness. I
wrote him a letter concerning of a just a half of chance and any
kind of a job will do just so I am out of this part of the
country. Now here is my lines of work. I am a first class clothes
cleaner and presser, can operate any kind of clothes pressing
machine. I have got reference to show that I am good in that line
from Mr. ----, a member of our city. I am a waiter european or
american, alicout or short order, and I am bell hop and knows the
rules of a hotel. I am lawfully married and has no children. My
wife and myself are both from Augusta, Ga. but I am working down
here but I dont like it, I am just barely making a living and
thats all. Now my wife can work too. She can cook, nurse and do
house work, I simply make a distintion about my home being in
Augusta Ga for this reason, some Charlestonians speaks such bad
language. Now please do the best you can for me and let me hear
from you as soon, as possible and let me know your terms. I am
ready. Good-by.

HAWKINSVILLE, GA., Apr. 16, 1917.

_My dear friends:_ I writen you some time ago and never received
any answer at all. I just was thinking why that I have not. I
writen you for employ on a farm or any kind of work that you can
give me to do I am willing to do most any thing that you want me
to so dear friends if you just pleas send ticket for me I will
come up thear just as soon as I receives it I want to come to the
north so bad tell I really dont no what to do. I am a good worker
a young boy age of 23. The reason why I want to come north is why
that the people dont pay enough for the labor that a man can do
down here so please let me no what can you do for me just as
soon as you can I will pay you for the ticket and all so enything
on your money that you put in the ticket for me, and send any
kind of contrak that you send me.

HOUSTON, TEX., 4-29-17.

_Dear Sir:_ I am a constant reader of the "Chicago Defender" and
in your last issue I saw a want ad that appealed to me. I am a
Negro, age 37, and am an all round foundry man. I am a cone maker
by trade having had about 10 years experience at the buisness,
and hold good references from several shops, in which I have been
employed. I have worked at various shops and I have always been
able to make good. It is hard for a black man to hold a job here,
as prejudice is very strong. I have never been discharged on
account of dissatisfaction with my work, but I have been "let
out" on account of my color. I am a good brassmelter but i prefer
core making as it is my trade. I have a family and am anxious to
leave here, but have not the means, and as wages are not much
here, it is very hard to save enough to get away with. If you
know of any firms that are in need of a core maker and whom you
think would send me transportation, I would be pleased to be put
in touch with them and I assure you that effort would be
appreciated. I am a core maker but I am willing to do any honest
work. All I want is to get away from here. I am writing you and I
believe you can and will help me. If any one will send
transportation, I will arrange or agree to have it taken out of
my salary untill full amount of fare is paid. I also know of
several good fdry. men here who would leave in a minute, if there
only was a way arranged for them to leave, and they are men whom
I know personally to be experienced men. I hope that you will
give this your immediate attention as I am anxious to get busy
and be on my way. I am ready to start at any time, and would be
pleased to hear something favorable.

CHARLESTON, S. C., April 29, 1917.

_Kind Sir:_ Read your adv. in the Chicago Defender. I would like
very much to have you take me in consideration. I am strong and
ambitious. Would work under any conditions to get away from this
place for I am working and throwing away my valuable time for
nothing. Kindly let me hear from you at your earliest.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., June 10, 1917.

_Kind Sir:_ I read and hear daly of the great chance that a
colored parson has in Chicago of making a living with all the
priveleg that the whites have and it mak me the most ankious to
want to go where I may be able to make a liveing for my self.
When you read this you will think it bery strange that being only
my self to support that it is so hard, but it is so. everything
is gone up but the poor colerd peple wages. I have made sevle
afford to leave and come to Chicago where I hear that times is
good for us but owing to femail wekness has made it a perfect
failure. I am a widow for 9 years. I have very pore learning
altho it would not make much diffrent if I would be throughly
edacated for I could not get any better work to do, such as house
work, washing and ironing and all such work that are injering to
a woman with femail wekness and they pay so little for so hard
work that it is just enough to pay room rent and a little some
thing to eat. I have found a very good remady that I really
feeling to belive would cure me if I only could make enough money
to keep up my madison and I dont think that I will ever be able
to do that down hear for the time is getting worse evry day. I am
going to ask if you peple hear could aid me in geting over her in
Chicago and seeking out a position of some kind. I can also do
plain sewing. Please good peple dont refuse to help me out in my
trouble for I am in gret need of help God will bless you. I am
going to do my very best after I get over here if God spair me to
get work I will pay the expance back. Do try to do the best you
can for me, with many thanks for so doing I will remain as ever,

Yours truly.

MCCOY, LA., April 16, 1917.

_Dear Editor:_ I have been takeing your wonderful paper and I
have saved from the first I have received and my heart is upset
night and day. I am praying every day to see some one that I may
get a pass for me, my child and husband I have a daughter 17 who
can work well and myself. please sir direct me to the place where
I may be able to see the parties that I and my family whom have
read the defender so much until they are anxious to come dear
editor we are working people but we cant hardly live here I would
say more but we are back in the jungles and we have to lie low
but please sir answer and I pray you give me a homeward
consilation as we havent money enough to pay our fairs.

HERNANDO, MISS., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I have heard so much about the demand for negro labor
and the high price paid for it in the northern part of this
country (the U. S.). I've decided to investigate the rumor from
the most reliable source. And as it generally known that
newspaper men are the best informed, therefore have thought to
request of you for the particulars of the matter. Will you
furnish me the desired information or point out such party, or
parties that can and will do so. (Personal.)

PENSACOLA, FLA., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ Please send me at once a transportation at once I
will sure come if I live send it as soon as possible because
these white people are getting so they put every one in prison
who are not working I can not get any I can do any kind of common
labor. I am a brick layer also a painter I want to go to
Cleveland and I have good health and will do my best to improve.
They are two family my mother want to come she is a good cook
house clean, so all she want is information. I am not going to
bring my family when I come I am gong to send back for it. Dont
fail to send my Fla. transportation by return mail if you want I
can get them as many as you want.

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., April 29, 1917.

_Dear sir:_ reading the Chicago Defender seeing thair are still
plenty work in the north I am an automobile repaire and wishes
position at once as I am out of employmen and are a man of family
and a working man indeed. Hoping to receive ticket by Return Mail
or anser

FULLERTON, LA., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I was looking over a news paper and seen your address
and has been wanting to go some where in you country where i can
get better wedges and i would like to come up there of corse i
dont know anything about that work but i can learn it in a short
while. and if you can give me a job i would like to know and i
want to know weather you will send me a pass or not i has a wife
an i would like to know will you send me a pass for i and my wife
if you will i want you to write me and let me know as soon as you
can and tell we what you can do about the matter so this all

HOUSTON, TEX., April 29, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I thought I would write you a few lines of importance
I ask you to help me that much the lord will help you I am a
christians I try to make a honest living a man ought to help
another when he try to help his self. this is only one I will do
any kind of work if any company pass in up their I can pay half
of my fare. I am motherless and fatherless I dont care when I go
I am gone trust in the lord if you yill help me the Lord will pay
you I am with donfident I am not a loafer If my fare is advance
up their it a written contract that I will work it out.

May God bless you. Answer soon

NEW ORLEANS, LA., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: I write you a few lines asking you if there is a
chance please let me know I can do most any kind of work labor or
helper packer willing to learn a trade I see where they sends
transportation well I would be willing if one of the firms would
send me a pass then when I start to work for them they could take
it out of my wages every week untill it was paid for. All I ask
is give me a chance and I will make good. Hopeing that my letter
will meet with your Apporval and if there is a firm that is
willing to send me a pass to come to work up there Please show
them my letter and they can deduck out of my wages for the pass.
Hopeing that you will hear of one of the firms that wants
laborers and Helpers and that they will let me know when writing
adress is to

G---- A----, ---- ---- Ave. New Orleans, La.

Please write and let me know if theres a chance. I remain yours

PENSACOLA, FLA., 4/29/17.

_Dear Sir:_ in reading the Chicago Defender I saw yore wants add
for foundry ware house and yard men I do truly ask you to pleas
give me some instruction How I can get there I am a working man I
am not sport or a gamble or class with them if I kno it But I am
study evry day working man of family wife and one child 9 years
old but this is hard time in the south now and I have not the
means to come. But if you can get me up there I will give you
good service in yore ware house and yard work. My daily work has
been in a ware house for the past 6 years and i kno one more good
man that want to come too with family and would be glad to get
up there as soon as I can. I will garntee you good and reglar
service from Both of us.

Hopeing to here from you soon

PENSACOLA, FLA., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: Im a reader of the Defender, and I saw in this weeks
issue where you stated that three cities were in need of moulders
and helpers. And as I have once worked in a foundry, as a helper
I have some experience of the work and would like very much to
know under what conditions could you put me in touch with a firm
in a small size town, where it would send me a transportation.

I would leave tomorrow, if I had such opportunity. I am married,
have a wife and two small children, and cant support them in this
place properly.

Hoping to receive some kind of reply.

SAVANNAH, GA., April 29, 1918.

_Dear Sir_: I were reading your advertisement in the Chicago
Defender where you were in need for men at the ---- ----. I am a
hard working man in the south and get nothing for it I would like
to recive a hearing from you in return mail in rgard of seeking a
transportation for me and my nephew if you will send for me and
my nephew I will come at once and I garantee you that you wont
regret it. We are hard workers of the south please oblige.

Answer at once return mail I will be at your call.

MOBILE, ALA., April 30, 1917

_Dear Sir_: I was reading in the Chicago defender where They
wanted so many men to work. I am very anxious to work. I can do
most any kind of work I have been out of a job ever since
January. will you please try and get me in Chicago, so that I can
be able to get one of those jobs. please get me a job. I have a
wife and we can hardly live in this place. I am a machinist by
trade. I am a Schauffer also. I can repair an auto to. please
send for me at once, as I am in need of work.

My age is 25 years and my wife is 21 years. My name is ----

SAVANNAH, GA., April 24, 1917.

_Gentlemen:_ As I my self intend to go north or some place where
I can get good wages so as to better my condition and aim to go
in a few days if I can get off right. I would have been gone
before now but I could not save enough money out of small wages
and high cost of living to get away, since I saw a piece in the
Chicago Defender about you I am eager to get in touch with you at
once as I understand you are in the employment business if so
please let me hear from you by return mail as I must leave in a
few days if can get away the right way. So if you have some good
jobs open in some small towns or cities that will pay good wages
please let me hear from you this week if can do so. Write me the
kind of work and wages paid and where at so I can choose the kind
I like, also let me know if I can get a ticket sent me to come on
with a garntee to pay for it out of my first wages a part each
pay day until paid. Please let me hear from you at once.

ATLANTA, GA., April 30, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ In reading the Chicago Defender I find that there are
many jobs open for workmen, I wish that you would or can secure
me a position in some of the northern cities; as a workman and
not as a loafer. One who is willing to do any kind of hard in
side or public work, have had broad experience in machinery and
other work of the kind. A some what alround man can also cook,
well trained devuloped man; have travel extensively through the
western and southern states; A good strong _morial religious_ man
no habits. I will accept transportation on advance and deducted
from my wages later. It does not matter where, that is; as to
city, country, town or state since you secure the positions. I am
quite sure you will be delighted in securing a position for a man
of this description. I'll assure you will not regret of so doing.
Hoping to hear from you soon.

SHREVEPORT, LA., April 26-17.

_Dear Sirs:_ I am writing you as to how and where I can go to
obtain better freedom and better pay for the balence of my life
as being a contance reader of the Chicago defender the add in
front cover first colum refered me to you. If you can put me in
touch of some one that I ma communicate with as to the position I
will be verry grateful to you. I am a cook & barber also
thorughly acquainted with steam works hoping to hear from you
will full particular

I am yours for better success.

P S I has a fair education.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 7, 1917.

_Dear Sir:_ I am earnestly in need of work and would be very glad
if you could recomend me to some of the firms that you are
securing labor for. I saw your add in the Defender.

CRICHTON, MOBILE, ALA., April 30, 1917.

_Sirs and Gentelmen:_ I am poor man and honest working man and I
am here in the south this hard country seeking for labor that I
can make an onest living I can do most any kind of commond work
and I will do so please put me next. Give me an early reply years
to please

PENSACOLA, FLA., May 7, 1917.

_Gentelmen:_ I wants to ask you to look out for a job for me in
that section as I am a good tailors helper good sewer and as
cleaning presing and dyeing I have had nine years experance in
that line but I will do other work if I can get it as factory
work in or out of the city will do I am man of a family and have
no time to piack work. Thanks

JACKSONVILLE, FLA., May 9, 1917.

_My dear Sir:_ In looking over the Chicago Defender why I come
across your name in connections with ---- ---- of Chicago and
thinking that you could do me a lots of good why I thought that I
would write you asking of you to locate me with transportation
with some one who are looking for a hard working honest and sober
colored man.

Will do any kind of work. Am a farmer, saw mill man, a good cook.
Also I have worked for quite awhile for express company here.

I am unable to pay my way to your city at present and any help
extended me along that line will be more than appreciated by me.
Am married, and my wife is a first class cook and house woman.

Now if I am not taking too much of your time why please let me
hear from you at once as I would like very much to get out of the
south as quick as possible for there is nothing here for a
colored man, any more.

Please give my name to some one that needs a good man, who is
willing to send transportation for me and wife, or my self. I
probably can make some arrangements to get there in a few days.

Hoping to hear from you in a few days and thanking you for same
before hand.

LETTERS ABOUT BETTER EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES

ANNISTON, ALA., April 23, 1917.

_Dear sir:_ Please gave me some infamation about coming north i
can do any kind of work from a truck gardin to farming i would
like to leave here and i cant make no money to leave I ust make
enought to live one please let me here from you at once i want to
get where i can put my children in schol.

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA., April 25, 1917.

_My dear Sir:_ While reading the Chicago Defender of april 21st I
saw that you was the man to write to four a job as say the paper
I have some children I lost my wife just a year ago and I would
like to get a place where I could proply educate them I am a
bober by trade I been in the work for 20 years study, I dont
drink al all any thing like whiskey I am a church man and all the
children belong to the church too your trully

PITTSBURG, PA., April 26, 1917.

_dear sir:_ your letter was all write this one leaves me all
write i means what is write this is a matter of buisness and no
folishness and joaking in this Please dont think i set down and
write something just because i seen it in your paper for i am a
working man i work for my living dont i am saying just to get a
jobe i no i am south rais man i want some places to send my
children to school my means is that i am to old to old.

_Dear Sir:_ I saw your add in the Chicago Defender for laborers.
I am a young man and want to finish school. I want you to look
out for me a job on the place working morning and evening. I
would like to get a job in some private family so I could
continue taking my piano lesson I can do anything around the
house but drive and can even learn that. Send me the name of the
best High school in Chicago. How is the Wendell Phillips College.
I have finish the grammer school. I cannot come before the middle
of June.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5/5x17

_My dear sir:_ I have you reply stating all the information to
me. I thank you very much for same I must say I think you are a
real friend. now the best classes of colored men in the south are
still here but are making preparation to come north and are not
particular about coming to Chicago. All we want is to know just
what youve told me here in this letter. I have been living here
in New Orleans only seven years. I formerly live in the country
but owing to bad conditions of schools for my children I sold my
property and moved here. I didnt think there was any justice in
my paying school taxes and had no fit school to send by children
to. I have been employed here as night eatchman for the last four
years and are still working at it but my wajes are so small the
high cost of living leaves very little for traveling expenses but
never the less I have a boy sixteen years old as soon as school
closes I will take him north with me hoping to find work for him
and I during vacation. You will see me soon. Thanking you kindly.

GRABOW, LOUISIANA, 5/9/17

_My dear Sir:_ your letter to me togeather with information was
recieved and noted carefully from the same I find that work in
and about Chicago is not plentiful as agents are makeing out as I
know for myself that I have been talked to hard to leave at once
for Chicago. I am a carpenter by trade tho I have 10 years
experience in the shop. I were under the empression that one
would have to join the carpenter's union or machinist union on
order to obtain work. Tho I know joining a union would put a
stress om me as my straight life policy exemps me from such. Your
letter being wrote in paragraphs I Parag 5) you are advising men
who knows the molders trade or wanting to learn the machinist
trade which are those 4 or 5 cities? Should chances in the same
better I would not get as far as Chicago. I am a man of family
and contemplated that with my Hudson could drive to Chicago by
land in 8 days, but as you advise leaving my family I consider
you knows best, tho at present I dont see any enducements at all.
$3.00 per day is carpenter wedge in this part of Louisiana for
10 hours and $4.00 machinest. But our chances are so slim. Causes
me to be disgusted at the south. Our poll tax paid, state and
parish taxes yet with donations we cannot get schools. What do
you think of conditions here? Thanking you for your past and in
advance for your future information I am verry truly yours.

NEW ORLEANS, LA., May 17, 1917.

_Dear Sir_: I received your letter and was indeed glad to hear
from you I am expecting to arrive in Chicago abou the 14th of
June as I want to get my wife and children place until I can send
for them. I am going to place them with my father over in Pass
Christian Miss and my expense will be very cheap. Of course I am
very anxious to get work because I have been working and
supporting my family for the last 15 years and my wife never had
to work out yet and I keep my children in school all the time. I
will wire you just before I arrive so you will expect me in the
office. I will be very glad for any service are information that
you will be able to give me as I am coming. I think I would like
to work in Detroit Mich. I am not so much on Chicago on account
of my children. I am glad you can help me and place me in a job
right away.

ALEXANDRIA, LA., 4/23/11.

_Gentlemens_: Just a word of information I am planning to leave
this place on about May 11th for Chicago and wants ask you
assistence in getting a job. My job for the past 8 years has been
in the Armour Packing Co. of this place and I cand do anything to
be done in a branch house and are now doing the smoking here I am
36 years old have a wife and 2 children. I has been here all my
life but would be glad to go wher I can educate my children where
they can be of service to themselves, and this will never be
here.

Now if you can get a job with eny of the packers I will just as
soon as I arrive in your city come to your pace and pay you for
your troubel. And if I cant get on with packers I will try
enything that you have to effer.

CRESCENT, OKLA., April 30, 1917.