BALTIMORE, December 15,1865

I respectfully make application to the Executive Commit-
tee of the "Children's Aid Society of Baltimore" to receive
M. K. and A. McC. A., who will be respectively ten on
January 24, 1865, and seven April 3, 1866. My husband
has deserted me. He has done nothing for me since Februa-
ry last, but has given me a great deal of trouble. We were
once in very comfortable circumstances; my husband being a
gun maker by trade, and we did very well, but took to gam-
bling, which ruined him. I have been trying to get along by
aid of a sewing machine, but on account of the high price of
room rent and the rent of the machine, I am utterly unable to
provide for my children—four in number.

Dr. Thomas is acquainted with my circumstances, and can
inform you of my destitution. I would be grateful, there-
fore, if you would receive these—my daughters.

R. A.

The following letters have since been received from the fos-
ter parents of the above children :

P. A., S. Co., Md., July 10, 1866.

MR. PALMER,
Dear Sir:

According to the agreement made last January, I will now
write a brief report of M. A. for July. We have no reason
in the world to regret having taken Mary—feel so much at-
tached to her that we would not part with her upon any con-
sideration. She, in return, is a very dutiful and affectionate
child; and is, I believe, very happy and contented in her new
home. She has a kind, amiable disposition, and evinces a
desire on all occasions to please those around her. She has
expressed herself a number of times as being perfectly de-
lighted with the country, and said she would not live in the
city, if she could; but almost always ends in wishing her
mother were here.

She has attended school since the first of March until a
week ago, when her vacation commenced; shall send her
again when school begins. She has a good mind, and has
improved a good deal. When she came could read but very
little, if any; now can read her school books quite fluently.
She is particularly interested in her Sabbath school, which
she attends regularly every Sabbath. Judging from the in-
terest she manifests in bits of sacred poetry and fondness for
attending church, I think she will be early led to lead a re-
ligious life. There is nothing vicious or really wicked in her
nature; on the contrary, she is really a very lady-like child,
and wins the esteem and admiration of all who see her.

Very respectfully,

S. E. S.