SPURGEON CHARLES H.: (1834-1892) British Baptist Preacher. A.L.S., C. H. Spurgeon, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. ...

SPURGEON CHARLES H.: (1834-1892) British Baptist Preacher. A.L.S., C. H. Spurgeon, one page, 8vo, n.p., n.d. (October 1874), to John Neal ('Dear Friend'). Spurgeon writes to the verso of the integral leaf of a letter addressed to him by a Benjamin Mayo and states, in full, 'I will give this man a few shillings if his case is deserving, but generally these workhouse birds are unclean creatures. Can you make enquiries for me & what you think right to give I will repay'. Mayo's letter, of two pages, is written from Paddington Infirmary, Harrow Road, 3rd October 1874, and states, in part, 'Beyond having been, in months gone by, a frequent attendant at the ''Tabernacle'' you know nothing of me, and I am afraid that you have so many applications of this kind that their only doom is the waste basket. Early in the present year I was seized with an ulcer in the ankle which compelled me to resign my employment. I was laid up for some months….and ultimately I was compelled to take refuge in the Infirmary at Paddington. I am thankful that I shall be able to leave…..but I am sorry to say that unless I obtain the means of making a decent appearance all my applications for a renewal of employment will be useless. I am 55 years of age and in a competition with the superior activity of youth. It is important that outward appearance should not be neglected. I therefore ask you if in Christian Charity you would kindly assist me with a few postage stamps towards the object I have in view the value of which I would punctually return to you as soon as I reaped the fruits of my labour…..' Some very light, extremely minor creasing, otherwise VG