_Dear Sir_: Seeing you ad in the defender I am writing you to please give me some information concerning positions--unskilled labor or hotel work, waiter, porter, bell boy, clothes cleaning and pressing. I am experienced in those things, especially in the hotel line. am 27 years of age, _good health_--have a wife--wish you could give me information as I am not ready to come up at present. would be thankful if you could arrange with some one who would forward transportation for me and wife. would be very glad to hear from you as soon as convenient. Thanking you in advance for interest shown me. NEW ORLEANS, LA., April 23, 1917. _Dear Sir_: Reading a article in the 21st issue of the Chicago Defender about the trouble you had to obtain men for work out of Chicago and also seeing a advertisement for men in Detroit saying to apply to you I beg to state to you that if your could secure me a position in or around Chicago or any northern section with fairly good wages & good living conditions for myself and family I will gladly take same and if ther could be any ways of sending me transportation I will gladly let you or the firm you get me position with deduct transportation fee out of my salary. as I said before I will gladly take position in northern city or county where a mans a man here are a few positions which I am capable of holding down. Laborer, expirance porter, butler or driver of Ford car. Thaking you in advance for your kindness, beg to remain. CEDAR GROVE, LA., April 23, 1917. _Dear Sir_: to day I was advise by the defendent offices in your city to communicate with you in regards to the labor for the colored of the south as I was lead to beleave that you was in position of firms of your city & your near by surrounding towns of Chicago. Please state me how is the times in & around Chicago for the colored laboring man of the south & the average salary of the labor man & the rates of room & ordanary board. Kindly state to me just in every prticly that you no of that I have asked. I will be in your city on or before six weeks from date above and desire to becom a citizen of same. Please reply me at wonce. i enclos stamp for quick action. When i arive you city i will be more than glad to apply at your place as i wish to thank you in advance for any asistance that you will do for me or tell me. NEW ORLEANS, LA., 5-5-17.