Publisher"s Note
_The following are fac-similes of a few of the letters received by the author during the serial publication of "Friday, the Thirteenth."_
RESIDENCE OF THE PAULIST FATHERS 2158 PINE STREET
San Francisco, CA 21 October 1906
My Dear Mr. Dawson
Kindly allow one of your countless admirers to express his extreme gratification with the announcement that you will add fiction to your distinguished literary achievements. Your gifts as a writer are so wonderful and fascinating that I look forward eagerly to your work in this new field--and I pray G.o.d to prosper you in all good.
Sincerely, John Marus Haudly
70 Kirkland St., Cambridge Dec. 26, 1906.
Mr. T. W. Lawson, Boston, Ma.s.s.
My Dear Sir: Allow me to congratulate you on your last move and on your story, "Friday, the Thirteenth".
It is the best yet, not merely as a story but as an eye opener. I can begin to see daylight in spots, where it looks like a remedy and a real one. I can"t see how you will work it; but I think I do get a hint, and it holds me tightly.
That story ought to be issued in a cheap (25) edition in paper, and every man in American ought to read it. The third part is yet to come; but, if I mistake not, it will make us all say "Hurrah!" In this form the facts go home. They were too abstract before. Now they live and palpitate.
Sincerely yours,
[Illegible: H. W. Majorson]
Dowagiac, Mich., Dec 26, 1906.
Mr. T. Lawson, Boston, Ma.s.s.
Dear Sir--
I have just finished reading your second installment of "Friday the 13th."
It is one of the greatest stories I ever read. Your previous articles are good, but this is a wonder. I believe you are sincere and cannot help admiring your wonderful courage + grit in going up against big odds. I have no axe to grind with you, simply think that no matter how big you may be you like to know that what you write is appreciated by the majority of good american citizens. So Here"s to you Mr Lawson + I back you to eventually win. Smash "em good.
Yours Truly A. J. Hill.
Grinnell, Iowa, Nov. 3 1906
Thomas Lawson Boston, Ma.s.s.
Dear Sir,
What did "Bob" hear when he picked up the receiver. Impossible to wait one month to find out.
Yours truly, A. W. Talbott
103 Stedman Street Brookline Ma.s.s.
Dear Mr. Lawson:--
I have hit just read the first instalment of your serial "Friday the 13th."
I was so interested, aroused and stirred, I felt I must express to you some of the appreciation I feel for the work you have done and are doing.
The army of those who suffer is so great the human spoilers so strong; that one"s heart goes out in grat.i.tude to a champion who comes around and able willing to do better for the oppressed.
Would it be an intrusion to extend sympathy to one bereft of the beautiful gift of loving companionship? I hope that it is sincerely felt.
Many admire and rejoice in your work--may it go forward bringing the knowledge which is power to ever increasing numbers of American people.
Most Sincerely Marion E. Major
December 14th, 1906
L. GUY DENNETT ATTORNEY AT LAW 48 TREMONT ST., BOSTON TELEPHONE CONNECTION
Nov. 21/06
Thomas W. Lawson Esq.
Boston, Ma.s.s.
Dear Sir,
I take it for granted that you want to know how the "Public" is going to take to your latest writing "fiction" and how are you to know unless your unknown friends write you?
I have read every thing you have ever written because I believe in you and admire the work you have done and are doing and allow me to say that I finaly believe that you will one day be recognized as one of the greatest story writers of the age. The first section of "Friday the Thirteenth" has convinced me that you will be a sure winner.