"Parents grew terrified that they wouldn't have enough food for their children the winter. Priests offered up Masses, asking God to save the Irish people from disaster. Few laborers knew how to read and write, but those who did sent pleading letters to their church officials, asking for help. Priests often wrote the letters for their parishioners. Many parents felt ashamed that they could not feed their families. John Mansfield sold his wife's extra clothing and his coat. When that money ran out, he wrote a letter to his clergy, asking for a small loan. 'Reverand [sic] Sir Pardon for letting you know my great distress,' wrote John Mansfield. 'I did not earn one Shilling This 3 weeks I had not one Bite for my family since yesterday Morning to eat And I am applying to you As a good Charitable gentle man to lend me little Reliefe...