Madelaine Outon to Richard Yates

Springfield Ill, Dec 15th 64

Gov. Yates

Dear Sir, Please pardon the presumption of a stranger for daring to address you, But I have heard much of your benevolence. I rely upon your honor as a gentleman to keep what I may tell you, a profound secret. I will not tell you now the name I at present bear, but my true name is Lady Madelaine Outon. The estates which rightly belong to me are claimed by another, a distant relative. By fraud I have been bereft of my fortune. In one year however from last month I will recover thirty thousand dollars of it and I have been assured there will be no trouble in recovering the estate which are in Scotland. I am friendless, almost broken hearted. Will you assist me. All I ask is a loan of five hundred dollars for one year. To you that amount for so short a time is nothing; to me it is life,

wealth, fame, every thing. If you do not feel disposed to assist me, you have influence, friends, I have none. The money shall be returned with double interest at the expiration of a year. My history is a sad one and I will not attempt to write it. I am almost alone in the world. Bereft of home, friends kindred. But enough at present. Please let me know if you will assist me and I will tell you all. Direct to Box 1151 Springfield and it will reach me.

I have the honor to subscribe myself.

Yours Respectfully

Lady M. Outon

Outon, Miss Lady M.

Springfield Dec 15, 1864

Pardon presumtion &c Keep what she says a profound secret. She is friendless---and has heard much of your benevolence. Her true name is Lady Madelaine Outon, but she bears another. The estates which rightly belong to her are claimed by a Distant Relative. By fraud she is bereft of fortune. In one year whe will recover $30000, and part of the estates which are in Scotland. She want you to loane her $500 for a year when she will return it with double interest and it will be to her life--wealth, fame, everything. Direct to Box 1151. City.

File