New York, Dec.10,1878
Dear Santa Claus:
Papa is going to give me a Christmas tree, and he says that you will put nice things on it if I ask you. I would like a gun that will shoot, and a rubber ball that I can throw hard, and that will not break Mamma’s windows or the big glass in the parlor.
Now, please don’t forget to come. I live on Fourth St. number ten.
I will go to bed at eight o’clock, and shut my eyes tight.
I will not look indeed I won’t.
Your little boy,
Willie