To Thomas Jefferson from Eliza W. Penny, 25 April 1808
Baltimore aprile the
Respected Sir
you will no Doupt think Me posest of a Deal of asureance for adressing you but Neadcesaty has no Law and Must Plead My excuse in your Benevolent Bosom this Coms from a Distrest and friendless Widdo My Husband Died in Liverpool and Left Me 2 Small Children the oldest thomas jefferson 3 yers the youngest George Washington 11 Months I belong to Alexandria in virginia and Was Maried thear I Moved With My Husband to Baltimore 4 years past but has nether friends or acquaintence and has no Way to Git My Liveng but My Nedle and I have no imploynent for that Whare I Make application I am answard the times is so hard the Cant aford any thing to Dae on friday the 30 My Landlord threatens to Distress for 20 Dollars rent Wich Will Leave Me nothing but My fatherless Children With out bed or shelter
to God and you I look for Succur
father of My Country let me intrest your Charity for My Children I Beg I have nothing to offer in return but the thanks and prars of a Grateful Hart sumthing bids Me Hope this Will not go unansward
Sir your Most obident and Humble Sarvant
Eliza W Penny french sreet
old town
MHi: Coolidge Collection.