To the Residents of
855 Springfield Pike
Wyoming, Ohio

January 26, 1941

Hello,

I am the man who came to your door last week asking after the Sullivan family. I apologize again if I frightened or confused you. I was not in my right mind that day, and I am sorry to have brought that to your home.

I am writing now to ask one last favor of you.

The letter I left in your care is of great importance to me. I cannot explain the matter properly without sounding unreasonable, so I will not try. I only ask that you do not throw it away.

At the bottom of the staircase, the cap on the newel post should lift or unscrew and is hollow inside. Please place the letter inside, put the cap back as it was, and do not mark the place.

If any further letters arrive at this address bearing the name Erin Sullivan, I ask that you place them there as well. You need not answer them. You need not tell anyone. Only keep them there.

I have enclosed five dollars for the trouble and for any postage or inconvenience I may cause you.

I know this is an unusual request from a stranger. I would not ask it if I had any other way.

With sincere thanks,

James Sullivan