NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5/5x17

_My dear sir:_ I have you reply stating all the information to
me. I thank you very much for same I must say I think you are a
real friend. now the best classes of colored men in the south are
still here but are making preparation to come north and are not
particular about coming to Chicago. All we want is to know just
what youve told me here in this letter. I have been living here
in New Orleans only seven years. I formerly live in the country
but owing to bad conditions of schools for my children I sold my
property and moved here. I didnt think there was any justice in
my paying school taxes and had no fit school to send by children
to. I have been employed here as night eatchman for the last four
years and are still working at it but my wajes are so small the
high cost of living leaves very little for traveling expenses but
never the less I have a boy sixteen years old as soon as school
closes I will take him north with me hoping to find work for him
and I during vacation. You will see me soon. Thanking you kindly.

GRABOW, LOUISIANA, 5/9/17

_My dear Sir:_ your letter to me togeather with information was
recieved and noted carefully from the same I find that work in
and about Chicago is not plentiful as agents are makeing out as I
know for myself that I have been talked to hard to leave at once
for Chicago. I am a carpenter by trade tho I have 10 years
experience in the shop. I were under the empression that one
would have to join the carpenter's union or machinist union on
order to obtain work. Tho I know joining a union would put a
stress om me as my straight life policy exemps me from such. Your
letter being wrote in paragraphs I Parag 5) you are advising men
who knows the molders trade or wanting to learn the machinist
trade which are those 4 or 5 cities? Should chances in the same
better I would not get as far as Chicago. I am a man of family
and contemplated that with my Hudson could drive to Chicago by
land in 8 days, but as you advise leaving my family I consider
you knows best, tho at present I dont see any enducements at all.
$3.00 per day is carpenter wedge in this part of Louisiana for
10 hours and $4.00 machinest. But our chances are so slim. Cau