"_Dear Sir_--Knowing that you are one of those who can forget and forgive, I take the liberty of writing these few lines to you, hoping that I will not offend you by so doing. W---- and I both wish to return our thanks to the Society for giving us the aid they have. We are now both in a fair way of making men of ourselves. We are happy to think that we are free from the evil temptations that the poor boys of New York are exposed to. We are respected by all who know us here. Boys of New York little know of the pleasure there is to be found in a home in the 'Far West.' We expect to stay here for two years yet, and then make a short visit to New York. We would like to visit the 'Old Hotel,' if you have no objection. We would like to have you write and let us know how the boys are getting along, and if little Skid and Dutchy are still in the hotel. I would advise all boys who have no home to go West, and they will be sure to find one. W---- is foreman on the largest farm in the town, and has hired for three years at one hundred dollars per year, and found in everything. I am working in a saw-mill this summer. I worked on a farm the first winter and summer. Last winter I worked in the lumber-wood, and this summer I will try the mill. I get twenty dollars a month, and have since I left you at the depot. We both went to work the next day. I wish you would be so kind as to answer this, and oblige your obedient servants, "B. T. "M. W." TABULAR STATEMENT SINCE ORGANIZATION. No. of No. of No. of No. Pro- YEAR. Boys. Lodgings. Meals. vided for. Expenses. Receipts. 1866 to 1867....... 847 15,389 48,511 272 $6,205.48 $3,053.40 1867 to 1868....... 952 23,933 39,401 159 5,141.08 4,065.25 1868 to 1868....... 890 22,921 25,345 127 7,983.58 3,068.53 1869, 9 months..... 563 15,506 15,429 37 3,832.04 1,995.21 1869 to 1870....... 919 25,516 27,932 86 4,766.55 3,510.84 1870 to 1871....... 750 28,302 30,693 69 4,224.51 3,586.67 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals....... 4,921 131,467 187,311 751 $32,093.24 $19,279.90 The Eighteenth-street Lodging-house has been gradually and surely preventing the growth of a fresh "gang" of youthful ruffians; and has already saved great numbers of neglected boys. CHAPTER XXVII. THE MINISTRY OF FLOWERS. THE LITTLE VAGABONDS OF CORLEAR'S HOOK.