Sentences taken from actual
letters received by the Toronto
welfare department, from
applications for aid and assistance.
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I am forwarding my marriage certificate and six children. I have
seven but one died and was baptized on half sheet of paper.
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I am writing to the Welfare Department to say that my baby was born
two years old. When do I get my money?
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Mrs. Jones has not had any clothes for a year and has been visited
regularly by the clergy.
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I cannot get sick pay. I have six children, can you tell me why?
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I am glad to report that my husband who was reported missing is
dead.
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This is my eighth child, what are you going to do about it?
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Please find for certain if my husband is dead, the man I am living
with can't eat or do anything until he finds out.
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I am very annoyed that you have branded my son illiterate, as this
is a lie. I was married to his father a week before he was born.
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In answer to your letter I have given birth to a boy weighing ten
lbs. I hope this is satisfactory.
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I am forwarding my marriage certificate and my three children, one
of which was a mistake as you can see.
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My husband had his project cut off two weeks ago, and I haven't had
any relief since.
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Unless I get my money soon, I will be forced to lead an immortal
life.
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You have changed my little boy to a little girl. Will this make any
difference?
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I haven't had children as yet as my husband is a bus driver and
works day and night.
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In accordance with your instructions, I have given birth to twins in
the enclosed envelope.
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I want money as quick as I can get it. I have been in bed with the
doctor for two weeks and this doesn't seem to do me any good. If
things don't improve I will be forced to send for another doctor.
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It is true I am a bachelor and have deducted for two children. But
please believe me when I say it was an accident.
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Please excuse the condition of my messy form. I really should have
been more careful.
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I am a vermin destroyer but have not earned anything for some
months. I shall be glad to call on you at your convenience.
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Please send me a claim form as I have had a baby. I had one before
but it got dirty and I burned it.
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I cannot pay the full amount at the moment as my husband is in
hospital. As soon as I can I will send on the remains.
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Please correct this assessment. I have not worked for the past three
months as I have broken my leg. Hoping you will do the same....