The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-02-21
A Plain Case.
JAMES &. BENNETT, ESQ.,,

JAMES G.. BENNETT, ESQ.,,
EDITOR New YORK HERALD:-
pardon me- an utter stranger to you for taking the
liberty of thus unceremoniousy intruding on your
precious time, humbly requesting you to read the
following statement which respectfully submit tor
About six months since arrived, with my wife,
in this city from the city Of Dublin, With little
money, no friends, and letter of introduction TO
clcrgynen Of tho Protestant Episcopal Chures, from
net having tho good fortune to be aser Of any trade
or bandjcraft, my profession being that of clerk
On the strength Of this document, ! fat.ered my
sell with the hope that it would have the desired
to interest themselves in my behalf, and theraby
procure me some situation, were it ever so humble,
whereby | might be enabled to support myself and
wife. But, like Roderick Random, whom be frst
smooth toSgues.,beiDg young ana Inexperienced
set too high value on my letter Of introduction.
Let nae be brief Having got my feet on terra
frma, brushed away the smell OF the ship, and
taken few days to rsconnoi;re this city of Gotham,
started with my letter to the first divine. After
little time, was admitted into his saac.iied pre-
sence. Presented my passport, and waited With
to under stand that his acquaintance was limited,
also his means, that he could possibly dc po.hing
for me, but as token of his esteem, gave me a
prayer book, snd some tracts for my wife. Nothing
disheartened started for the next apostle of Caris
tianity, who informed me that it was not the duty
of cleraymen to look out for the temporal wants of
Iersons who might call on them as did imme
diatey thought that if he had said, with Aminadab
Sleek, !" 1t is not in our way" he weuld have ex-
pressed himself more truly, and replied that all
needed from him was bis advice how to proceed in
strange country" which, cheap though it was, he
he was the only one he knew Of who could assist
me. told him ! agreed with him on that point,
that whatever chance had Of receiving favor from
Heaven, certainly had meme from him, and took my
I'd attn had Ia Tvso;t
ed dwells not seven leagues from your office. On
presenting myself, he received me very cour.sously;
but when he learned my business, "Oh, what
change was there his heavenly oountenance as.
for some moments, he broke out in this strain -
Young man, there are too many of that class here,
and if we countenanced them. we might (mind you,
mighty encourage many evils : Chagrined and
chopiollen, it was sometime before | could reply,
when / told him that " was assonshed to hear q
minister Of the gospe, speak So and that was not
had ever labored," when positively assured him
"that the greatest labor ever had was in coming
to seek the assistance Of such as he" Here he lot
patience, and eiseulssed: Big fellow. docks
and sundfy other unintelligible mid the de-
livery of which | took my leave, bestowing not
blessings on dame fortune, and wishing were In
a better world Still determined not to "give up
the ship" till would fud out IL there was particle
of feeling in any of them, visited few more, but
with no better effect; and now, knowing that have
already intrudcd too much on your patience. /
omit further accounts Of the audience ] had With
each.
But, sir, you might very justly ask, "Whas
have | to do with this matter or why do you
write to me- What knowledge have You of me
that you should presume to address met" Re-
spected sir. will. In lay own humble way, answer.
NO knowledge have of You, personally, nor do
know one who is acquainted with you know
you but through your paper-through your writings
(Which would be no less than presumption in poor
IN mi ubi yun1ra hall
me to be little better than parasite, willing 10
gain some selfish point were ] to do so)-aad did
net believe you to DO man who can feel for
another, and render assistance to the oppressed, L
would net dare take the liberty Of addressing you,
In word, and to be moro brief have been in this
city SIX months, during which time have mats
every endeayor to procure an honest livelihood,
without single friend. have been unsuccessfui
My little means being diminished, with young
wife, and with no prospect before me whereby
may earn living, necessity urges me forward -
ask your assistance in my hour Of trying need
am able, and am willing, and am ready to under.
take any labor, no matter how hard, but canno.
get 1t to co. DisreRarded by those who profess Is
be the " meek and lowly followers Of Jesus" auA
whose profession is to administer conaolation ia tn,
afflicted heart, crave your sympathy as mar
and as q Christian.
In conclusion, most respectfully take thu Ibort,
OF soliciting your good offices in procuring any kind
Of employment for me, no matter whas it NAV be- az
suriDg you that you will never have cause To- re,rst
the interestyo may take in me, as nv conduct and
attention would prove; and once more requestnr II
you to pardon me for the liberty have taken. ana
hoping that Heaven will bless you and your family
ever and always, and that you nor thew NAV ne,sr
Know what it is to have sad and heavy heat,
have the honor to remain, respected air.
our 0bedient, humble servant
Henry FIsHEg
viii take the liberty Of calling for an answer Ia.
morrow morning.
ANswER.-Any benevolent person wishing ~
employ the writer, can apply as directed @Eo
HERALD