Knoxville daily chronicle. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1870-1882, 1882-06-09

W
Peculiar and Enfaininy Letters.
The following are given as few OF
the many letters received by Mr.. P. T.
Barnum in reply to his advertisement for
''the handsomest woman in America:
A lady in Minersville, Pa, writes on
gllt-edged not paper:
My personal description is as follows:
Five feet u inches in height; an abund-
ance of dark, wavy hair; large, dark and
expressive eyes; complexion fair, and ex-
ceeding rich color; broad shouldered and
plump form, and considered the finest
formed woman In the State of Pennsyl-
vania. regret have not-a better photo
to send. You, no doubt, have seen my
name in the papers as the acknowledged
loveliest lady in the land, not only in the
face, but in form. Mr.. Forepaugh
wanted me to come, but 1 would not ride
his elephant if he gave me $50, 000-not
that feared, but in consequence of be-
ing member of highly esteemed fam
lily. If you would like to see me per-
sonally, should not fear your criticism.
am young girl nineteen years Of age,
and noted hereabouts for refinement and
responsibility.
From Oshkosh comes this avowal:
My DEAR Mr.. BARNUM: I am called
the most beautiful woman in this town
by young man here who has been in
New York and other large cities. NV
hands are somewhat hard from milking.
but If you can advance me part of the
prize money could fix up SO as to be
very nice, as see by the papers they
sell lots of things to make women look
better.
In delicate hand, on sheet of note
paper, with pretty picture in the corner
showing some flowers, birds nest, and
a couple of bees walking arm in arm,
was written:
"MR. BARNUM: / want to be your
500, 200 beauty, not for money but for
fame. There is a whole lot of stuck-up
girls in this town who are just as Jelous
as they can be of me, and treat me hor-
rid mean, and say the spitfullest things
about just because cant keep those fell
lows away from the house. 1 would go
on an elephant into the ring anywhere.
The lady who wrote this had greater
confidence in her spelling than in her
beauty.
Troy, N. Y.-Mister Barnum: Is this
good time to go on the stage Have
bin wanting to go for sometime want
opining there in New York. l could play
the beautiful woman If its got speaking
in It. ! am thought smart by the Boys
and Girls. A picture amt no use no way
because Talent is Wanted not looks. Can
you employ me in the show.
The next is little in the same way.
New ORLEANS, LA-Mr. Barnum &
Co.: Although l am not quite white, I
am nearly so, and no one could tell the
difference unless you told them. have
refused twenty offers of marriage be-
cause I am too beautiful to throw myself
away on any ordinary man. If / get the
prize will pay you handsome commits
sion. I must stipulate, however, that
when I am exhibited / must not be ex-
pected to talk to people.
P. 81 am girl, as you will see by
my photograph.
Boston is to be credited with the fol-
lowing:
"Mr Barnum-I will give you a de-
scription of myself. I am five feet five
in height, and perfect form. 1 have
hazel eyes and brown hair, dimple in
handsome. l have beautiful arms and
HdIltn tliu pltGby lOOe uaNo uduu-
some bright eye. My teeth are white as
pearl. l am quite sure if you were to
see me you would engage me. I come
from the private walks of life. and am
very little known and my mother hearing
that you are Christian gentleman has
given her consent if am chosen. My
arm, hand and face ar handsome as well
as form, and were I in stage costume
on exhibition should be sparkling
beauty"
A widow wrote in free, bold hand:
KEYPoRT, N. il am 25, and have
been widow three years. am rather
lonely, would like the change and ex-
element of travel for time / am a
fine performer on the piano. can play
Yankee Doodle with one hand, 1.-THE
Fishers Hornpipe' with the other, and
sing Tramp, Tramp, Tramp at the
same time, and all this when am blind
folded. You know how hard it is for one
to get established, especially for poor
woman"
The photograph is that of lady in
a dashing Gainsboro' hat, with a pro-
fusion of lace about the neck, and q
pleasing face.