The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Gentleman's Model Letter-writer, by Anonymous.

Though the number of existing "Letter Writers" is many, the publishers feel that there is yet a want which this little Manual, it is hoped, will supply.

It has been compiled with great care from several sources, and contains much original matter, for which experience assures them there is a necessity.

CONTENTS.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MODEL LETTER-WRITER.

Will you dine with me at eight o'clock to-morrow? Some of our fellows are coming, and we mean to have a quiet game of whist in the course of the evening. Come if possible.

Will you dine with us to-morrow? It is the old lady's birthday, and I can offer her no greater pleasure, I am sure, than your pleasant company. Do come if you can, there's a good fellow.

I shall be delighted to accept your kind invitation for to-morrow, and offer my good wishes to your charming wife on her birthday.

Will you favour Mrs. Trevor and myself with your company at dinner on Monday next at 6 o'clock? We expect General Hill and his wife, and think you may like to make their acquaintance.

The girls talk of having a croquet party on Thursday next. Will you join it? We shall be delighted to see you if you can come. Little Totty desires me to add, that you must play on her side, because then she will be sure to be one of the winners.

I shall be delighted to join your croquet party. Pray offer my best respects to Miss Totty, and tell her I will do all I can to prove myself her obedient servant.

I regret extremely that I cannot accept your invitation, and put myself at Miss Totty's disposal for a game of croquet; but, unluckily, I am obliged to go to town to-morrow, and shall not return till Monday week.

From a Gentleman, accepting an Invitation, though suffering from illness (temporary).

I have been laid up with neuralgia for some days, and have not yet recovered from it. I will, however, accept your kind invitation for Saturday next, and hope to be able to come.

Thank you very much for thinking of me on Saturday. I should have liked to have joined your party immensely, but I go to Ventnor that afternoon, and am therefore unable to have the pleasure of accepting your very kind invitation.

My mother and sisters have gone to Beaumaris; they left on Wednesday, and on the same day our friends the Boscawens returned to Ventnor. I hope to reach that truly lovely place on Saturday. Although a month has elapsed since the last year left us, I must send you and your sister all good old-fashioned New Year's wishes, hearty and sincere; will you both accept them? And with many thanks, repeated, for your kind note,

Will you join three friends and myself on Saturday next for a row up the river? You are a capital stroke, and we wish to get into the way of pulling a longer stroke than we have at present: little Jerry will steer us. Do not say No. We will finish the evening at the ——, where I have ordered supper.

I fancy you have formed too good an idea of my performance as a stroke oar; however, if you think I can be of any use to your crew, I will readily do my best. I shall sleep in Chester, so we need not hurry in returning from our practice.

Yesterday I met Donovan and our four other old friends, who are here for a few days; they are coming to dine with me to-morrow at seven. I know it is some years since you met them; I hope you will make one of our party.

It will afford me the very greatest pleasure to dine with you to-morrow at seven. It is many years since I met those you mention, but I have a vivid recollection of passing many pleasant hours in their society and companionship.

I heard by the merest accident, yesterday evening, that you were in town. Will you come and dine with us to-morrow? You know our time, but I may as well remind you that it is seven o'clock. I met J. F——, and our intimate friend from the north, yesterday. They will be here, and we shall have a little music in the evening, when I hope your tenor voice will be in its usual power and sweetness. All join in best regards.

I regret extremely that we are obliged to ask you to postpone your visit till next month.

We can not get the house at Brighton for which we were in treaty, till that time, and our present abode is so small that we are unable to offer a bedroom to a friend.

I trust this delay will not inconvenience you. It is a great disappointment to us, as we longed equally for the sea and your company.

I am sure you will be truly grieved to hear that the sudden and dangerous illness of my mother will oblige me to postpone our dinner party fixed for the 17th.

I intend to be "turned off" next Tuesday week! Will you attend on the mournful occasion as "best man?"

Seriously, I am to be married to my charming little Ada on the ——, and I look for your presence at our bridal as the completion of my happiness, for then the man and woman I love best will unite in confirming my happiness.

Julia has consented to our marriage on the 15th inst., and I scribble a line to remind you of your promise to be "best man" on the occasion. Marriage is[8] supposed sometimes to separate bachelor friendships, but such will not be the case in my instance, my dear fellow. Julia has a great regard for you, and is too sensible and good to interfere between us with petty jealousies.

I shall be delighted to assist at the important event fixed for the ——, and beg to offer my best congratulations to Miss —— and yourself on your approaching happiness.

I intend to offer as my wedding gift a drawing-room clock. My object in naming this intention to you is that, if you are likely to receive a similar gift from any other friend, you will tell me so, and I will exchange it for something else, as duplicate gifts are a great bore.

Three of our fellows have agreed to go to the Derby together in a drag, and we shall be very glad if you will make a fourth. Jervis drives.

Don't refuse, old fellow; we shall have a jolly day, and I shall enjoy it doubly if you go with us.

I shall have much pleasure in accompanying you to the Derby. Let me know, please, the hour at which you start.

It is awfully unlucky, but I am obliged to go to Chester on the Derby day, and can't do as I desire. I wish you a pleasant trip.

Days have passed by now since we have had the pleasure of a few moments' conversation even; how these hours have dragged their slow pace along you and I alone can tell. It is only when we are left to the peaceful enjoyment of our own society that time flies. It may be that to-morrow at Mrs. E.'s we shall have a little time alone. We all dine there; she told me she should have a dance also, and that your mamma had promised her your sister and yourself should be of the party. May I ask for the first waltz? I send a few flowers, but I imagine you will only wear one, the rose in your hair; your sister is always pleased with a bouquet, so I shall not be very angry if you let her have them, only wear my rose.

You are never out of my mind. If you only think of me half as much, I shall be satisfied. Sleeping or waking it is all the same, Fanny, you are my only thought. What have you done with your piece of the half-sovereign we cut in halves? I have bored a hole in mine, and wear it round my neck on a bit of blue ribbon, to show that your William is true blue. Do you wear yours the same, my dearest Fanny? When I come home we will splice the halves, and Fanny and her William will be one—will we not, darling girl?[11] Our cruise will now soon be over; I only hope, Fanny, you have been as true to me as I have been to you; never have I ceased thinking of you. Bear in mind your faithful William, who loves you as fondly as ever.

Such I must and will, with your permission, always call you. Your letter really caused me much uneasiness. But, Dr. B., who came in just as it arrived, strictly forbade me to excite myself in any way, and would not allow me to reply to it immediately, as he feared an immediate return of my old heart complaint. Who can have been so mischievous, so ungenerous, so determined to make two hearts miserable, as to invent this wicked story of my flirtation with Miss G.? You name Mrs. G. On inquiring of her this morning I find she heard it somewhere spoken of, she says, but cannot recall to her mind the person who mentioned it. Let me at once and for ever disabuse you of such a suspicion. My affection for you is unchanged and unchangeable; often and often I have by letter and verbally too, pledged myself that you alone, Katie dearest, were my only thought, my only joy. Banish all vain suspicions from your mind. Trust in me; I will never deceive you; my love is inviolably yours; for you I breathe, for you I live, without you I should die. Believe me, dearest, night and day you are[12] uppermost in my thoughts, and a sad, sad day it would be for me if for one moment you withdrew that confidence in me that I have so long happily possessed. Believe no aspersions against one who loves you madly. The time, I trust, will soon arrive when I can call you mine alone, and no breath of suspicion shall ever fall upon my fidelity. Love me then, my dearest, as your own heart dictates; have no cares in future as to any attention even in the least degree being shown by me to any one, further than due civility, or what is required from the usages of society, exacts. To-morrow I will do myself the pleasure of calling, and trust then to succeed (if not successful now) in fully explaining away any doubts or fears you may entertain.

As no opportunity has presented itself of speaking to you lately alone, I venture to address you by letter, and I assure you my happiness greatly depends on the reply with which you may deign to favour me.

I love you, dear Miss ——, very sincerely, and if you can return my affection and become my wife, I shall consider myself the most fortunate of men.

The income which I can place at your disposal is not large, but in my family you will find the most tender and affectionate connexions. My mother (to[13] whom alone I have confided my secret) is rejoiced at the hope of having you for a daughter. Do not, best beloved Miss Johnstone, disappoint her and myself! Should you not reject me—if I am ever so happy as to call you my wife—the tenderest and most affectionate devotion shall be yours, and the principal and only study of my future days shall be to render your life as happy as you deservedly merit it should be. Your reply is most impatiently awaited by one whose life is wrapped up in yours. My aunt has just called, and it appears that some years since she was very intimately acquainted with your father, to whom I have written, enclosing this note for you, and stating to him the purport of its contents.

I can scarcely compose myself to write, for this very morning, at mid-day parade, a telegram was received by our commanding officer directing the regiment to hold itself under orders for immediate foreign service; so that of course I shall be prevented seeing you before our departure, as all leave is stopped for officers as well as for the non-commissioned officers and men. Where our future destination may be no one can at present conjecture, but we think it may be Canada. How blighted now are our hopes! where all[14] seemed bright and joyous, nothing is left but separation and blank despair. Julia, you love me; you are mine, are you not, dear Julia? Although separated for a time, we shall love each other faithfully; no doubts must arise, no feelings of suspicion or fear between us; but firm in the knowledge that we are devotedly attached to each other, and that nothing can change the ardent feelings we entertain, we must wait and hope. I trust in a few short years, my darling Julia, to call you mine. Your Ronald will be true to his promise and his love, and in faith that his Julia will bear up bravely, as a soldier's destined wife should do, he obeys his country's call in anguish but not in despair. Accept the little present I send you (forwarded by registered letter by this evening's post), and with most affectionate and enduring love,

On returning from skating yesterday afternoon, and reflecting alone on the pleasant morning we had passed, I was more than ever impressed with my wretched solitary existence. Will you break for me this monotonous routine of life by saying, "It need not be, Charlie."

I have loved you fondly and long; your parents and mine are intimate friends; they know my private character.[15] Will you accept me as your husband, dearest Rosy?

I take the opportunity of the pilot's return to send you a hurried and last farewell. Oh, my dearest, what but duty could reconcile me to leaving you? What but the certainty that we are both protected by our Heavenly Father could support me through the weary days and nights which I am destined to spend far from you? Ah! the waves that are now washing the sides of our vessel will soon cease to beat upon that shore where my wife, where my friends are all thinking of me.

Comfort yourself, my dearest! we shall all meet soon and happily again. I have not time to write to my mother, but pray tell her she is always in my thoughts. God bless you, dearest!—my heart is full of you.

This is the first time, my darling, we have ever experienced the bitterness and misery of separation,[16] and the few days I have already been absent from you appear like years. What my state of mind will be at the expiration of another two or three weeks I will let your little affectionate heart conjecture. But I must not be selfish, my dearest Isa. You share my trial, but do not be down-hearted, the time will soon pass away. You must go out and visit the nice friends near you. Your dear kind mother also is within an easy walk, I am glad to think.

Roger Hughes is going to stay with his family for some little while; I do not care much about him (you remember we met him at ——). He is certain to call upon you, but it will be just as well not to be at home to him always. Hoping to return in a fortnight, I remain, with very best love to your mother and yourself,

Separated as you will shortly be from your childhood's home—for many years, perhaps—and not having your poor old father to consult and obtain advice from, when any difficulties may arise, you will naturally be inclined to appeal to those among your acquaintances whom you may consider from intimate association as entitled to the name of friends.

Now this is a matter in which you must observe the very greatest caution and discrimination; a mistake made in selecting a friend and acting up to his advice, is a fatal one, and no one can for a moment form an[17] idea of the consequences which may arise from it. In the first place, do not seek the friendship of the "fast young man" whose sole thought is to gratify himself in the enjoyment of this world's pleasures, without any regard to the misery or disgrace his conduct may be entailing on a happy, innocent family. Make friends of those who, by their actions, have raised themselves in the estimation of their superiors, and are regarded with eyes of jealous admiration by their equals. Remember the old proverb, "Tell who are your friends, and I will tell you what you are."

I hope, dear boy, your own good sense will lead you to avoid bad companions. Should you ever (which I trust may never be the case) be tempted to do anything contrary to the laws of honour or of duty, question yourself thus: "Should I do this in my father's house? should I act thus in my mother's presence?" The answer will be the best talisman to keep you from falling in your combat with the world.

We have great hopes in you, my dear son. Never omit to write to your dear mother and myself, when you possibly can; and with our best and fondest love,

I am in such distress I scarcely know how to commence my letter. Without the least reason, without the least provocation, I left my master at the most[18] busy season, just for a temporary, trifling amusement. He—the best of masters—for the moment was forgotten by me: self predominated. I ran away from my service, and here I find myself disgraced and miserable, and grieve to think how indescribably shocked you will be when Mr. Evans communicates with you relative to my absence. However, dear father, there is one consolation: I cannot be accused of dishonesty; so I hope my character is not irretrievably ruined. Will you see my master, and tell him how deeply I regret my fault, and entreat him to forgive me? It shall hereafter be my constant study to perform my duty in the most upright manner, and with the most assiduous attention. Let me hear also, dear father, in sending me Mr. Evans's reply, that you also forgive

Words cannot express my grief at the receipt of your letter. How can you so soon have forgotten all the home lessons of duty you have learned? What society can you have mingled in to have caused you to be guilty of such folly? I have seen your master, and read him your letter; and he agrees with myself that from the manner you have acted in immediately informing me of your position, it is probable you may, in an untoward moment, have been induced to commit an act which you will never cease to regret. It is your first offence, and he bids me say he rejoices that[19] you are sensible of your grievous error, and he will allow you to return, and never mention what has occurred to you. Never, dear son, forget yourself again, be grateful to your master, who is charity itself, and

Being desirous of sending my son, aged thirteen, to school, my friends have strongly recommended me to apply to you on the subject.

I should be glad to learn your terms, and to be informed as to your plan of tuition.

Will you favour me with a prospectus of your School, and also inform me whether you have a vacancy?

I was much grieved to find after you had left us in the early part of the week, that the replies you gave me relative to your acquaintance with the L——s were utterly at variance with the truth. Little did I think you would ever deceive us, when such confidence[20] has been always placed in you. Why did you try to deceive me by a falsehood?

Let me entreat of you never again to deviate from the truth; should you do so you will soon obtain a character as an untrustworthy person, and no one will believe you, even when you speak the truth. Every one will shun you, as they will always suspect that you are trying to deceive them; even when you are acting rightly they will look upon you with suspicion.

Have you forgotten that Truth is the point of honour in a gentleman, and that no one can tell a falsehood and retain the character of one?

I cannot tell you the shame I felt when I discovered your untruth; I felt degraded by it.

Strive to retrieve your character in the future, by perfect truthfulness and a high sense of what honour requires from you.

Till I believe that you feel the enormity of your fault I cannot sign myself other than

Your letter of the 1st, informing me that you had determined to remain in your present profession, caused me great distress. If you wish to add some little portion of comfort to the last years of a father's life, which your headstrong passions have already greatly embittered, you will immediately relinquish it. Remember you are the only representative of our family.[21] Why then persist in remaining in a profession wherein you are exposed to constant and imminent danger?

I wish you to marry, and hope to see you settle down and discharge the duties of your position in society as a country gentleman; you have ample means at your disposal now, as the whole of your late uncle's property is yours. Concede a little to your father, whose only desire is to see his name honourably upheld, his family perpetuated, in the county in which we are now so much respected. Age is creeping on me, Frederick, I am widowed and alone. I trust this appeal will not be made in vain. You know my deep and lasting affection for you; do not wound it by a refusal. Awaiting with great anxiety your determination,

Dearly as I love my noble profession, I am unable to resist your last earnest appeal, and agree therefore to give up my commission, and return to a life on land. The pang this resolution costs me is softened by the remembrance that I may thus hope to ensure the happiness of so good a father.

A Letter from a Father to a Son at School, on the necessity of attention to his Studies.

Now you have returned to school it is my duty to point out to you how absolutely necessary it is for your future success that you should persevere in your studies, more especially if you wish to leave college (for which you are destined) with honour. Do not be carried away with the natural love of ease and pleasure, but accustom yourself at once to really hard work. If you cannot reconcile yourself to do so in your youth you will be unable to do so as you grow older, and you will become incapable of achieving anything great. Application may be difficult at first, but when once you have accustomed yourself to it you will find study pleasant, easy, and agreeable, and in years to come you will be well repaid for the toil and trouble you now undergo. What can be pleasanter than to find yourself at the head of your school, leaving all competitors behind? what more gratifying than to give pleasure to your father and mother, and to obtain the admiration and approval of your teachers? That, dear boy, will be your reward if you study constantly and patiently; but if you neglect the opportunities offered to you now, your future life will be nothing but disquietude, and you will grow up ignorant, and be despised. Pay attention to my advice, and work in the morning of your days. With your mother's best love and mine,

Reply to a Letter from a young Man informing his Uncle he had contracted Debts.

I was indeed deeply grieved on the receipt of your letter to find you had forgotten, or at least not acted up to the advice I gave you—to pay for everything you purchased at once, and not to go into debt on any account. I must put things before you now in a plain unvarnished manner, and give you my opinion, formed after many years' experience. The man who contracts debts which he is unable to pay, more especially for articles of useless luxury, is much more culpable than the poor creature who, distracted by all the miseries of his starving family at home, rushes into the first shop he sees and steals something to relieve their necessities.

When men find themselves encumbered with debts which they are unable to pay, mean subterfuges are resorted to; applications for delay of payment are made—and granted, without any good result; the final crash comes at last: the patience and temper of the tradesmen become exhausted, they have recourse to their legal remedy, and wretchedness and beggary are the result.

It may be that you have been endeavouring to keep pace with some young man of greater fortune than your own. Be not led away by such absurd vanity. The largest income will be and has been squandered, unknown as it were to its possessor, solely from the crime (and a great one too it is) of running into debt. I regret that I cannot assist you at present with the loan you request, and remain

Thanks for your kind letter and good wishes. I am happy to say that my wife and the baby are going on well. I have told Mrs. Compton about Mr. Denville; she is glad to hear so good an account of him. Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year,

Thank you very much for the beautiful book you have sent me. It is very pretty and nice, and I like it very much. I long to see you again. I have been out driving this morning in the pony carriage. There is a hard frost. With best love to Dr. G. and yourself

Your last letter gave us pleasure not unmixed with pain: pleasure to learn that you were[25] well, and held in esteem by your superiors, and on friendly terms with those of your own standing; and pain from the request which it contained. Your mother, like myself, feels grieved that you should ask for an additional allowance. You should consider that you have brothers and sisters for whom I have also to make a provision, and that if the allowance I now give you (which is considered large) be increased, it must deprive us all of some of our necessary comforts. You must reflect on this, dear boy, and then I am well assured that you will not urge your request. I will, however (for this once alone, understand me), make you a present of Thirty Pounds. Your own good sense, I am certain, will show you the necessity of retrenchment, so I shall not allude to the matter further. The presents you sent us each by last mail are much appreciated and treasured by us.

We are going to move from this neighbourhood, as we find it too expensive; when next you write, therefore, address to Durnford Street.

Your brother Fred is going to be married, but will live near us. His future wife is a daughter of Mr. Passmore, and at his death she will have about 2000l.; at present he will make her an allowance of 80l. per annum.

All your pets are well, and we guard them jealously for your sake. Trusting you will remain some time at Shopoo, as it agrees with you so well, and that we may constantly hear from you,

You are well aware that when I sailed from England a few years ago, after paying my passage out I had but a very few pounds left; but I soon got good employment, and saved out of my wages all that I possibly could. I never was very fond of company, and have no expensive habits; so at the end of two years I found myself with 30l. to my credit in the bank. When the report came here of diamonds being found up the country, I started off, bag and baggage, and on my arrival got an allotment, and went to work with a hearty good will. For many a weary day I toiled, giving myself little time for rest. At last I was rewarded: among the washings I found a diamond, a small one, yet what a treasure I thought it! On and on I toiled—some weeks with success, and others with none; however, my labours have been successful: I have been fortunate enough to find diamonds, which, when valued, have realized the handsome sum of £——.

Tell my dearest mother that now she will never want. I am coming home, and shall invest for her sole use during her lifetime £——.

Will you, dear William, look out for a good school for my little sister? She must be nine years of age now. Ask the clergyman's wife to recommend you one. I wish her to be educated as a lady, and she shall have the £—— at my mother's death. How I wish our poor father had lived to derive some comfort from my fortune! You shall have 100l. paid to your credit to[27] provide the things Jane will require on going to school, and to pay for the first half-year's expenses there. I hope to be home in six months, when I will take a suitable house for our dear mother. If you will accept it from me, I make you a present of £——; with the remainder of my earnings I shall purchase a nice property, so that I may be certain my money will be secure, for were I to speculate I might lose all.

Many thanks for your last letter, which arrived some three weeks ago. We never received the letter to which you allude, containing the photographs; and I am very sorry it went astray, for we should have liked so much to have them. I hope, if you have other copies, that you will kindly send them to us when you next write.

We both desire to thank you for your kind and cordial reception of dear Richard. He wrote and told us how warmly you received him, and how pleased and gratified he was to see you. I trust he will come to see you again on his return from Devon, where he was when we last heard from him. We miss him terribly, and look forward anxiously to meeting him out here again next year, if, please God, we are all spared. James, his wife, and children are living down[28] at Cheltenham. I wonder if there is any chance of your meeting? Sarah Maria is in Cornwall, but they took a house for a term of years near Watford, and will be back there, certainly before Christmas; she had no idea you were in London, and I must tell her of it when I next write to her. We are now in camp, marching about the district; of course I do my office as usual in tents every day—a happy, gipsy kind of life—and dearest Sophie and the little ones always enjoy it. Give my kindest love to Emma and Blanche. I have been intending to write to Emma, and I will really write soon; but in the hot weather one feels terribly indisposed for letter-writing, and I have quite quill-work enough to do every day. Our kindest love to yourself and Horace, and to Jane and Sophia; and many kisses from our little darling.

I was very pleased and comforted by your last affectionate letter. Bitterly indeed do I miss you! Had I given way to my own selfish wishes, I think I should not have allowed you to return to school. Your dear aunt, however, who is now looking carefully after my domestic affairs, showed me so plainly that by keeping you at home I should be depriving you of the advantages of education, that I sacrificed my feelings for your sake. On reflection, also, I hoped that you would find some little consolation and comfort from[29] association with young ladies of your own age, for here all is cheerless and dreary. The void caused by your dear mother's death can never be refilled; my home is truly desolate. It would have been wrong to keep you at home to share my grief, and thus uselessly add bitterness to your younger years. Do not grieve too long and bitterly, my child, for your dearly loved mother; imitate her in every action of her life; and when Time has slightly moderated your poor father's sorrow, and you are in charge of his home and your own, things may be brighter and more cheerful again.

When you left home for service, you were so young and inexperienced that we were most anxious as to your welfare. We are truly thankful to find from your letter, received a few days ago, that you are in a place that is likely to prove comfortable. I need not give you much advice as to obedience, for you have always been, both to your mother and myself, a most obedient and dutiful child. Your mistress is very kind in showing you how to perform your duties. Be attentive, and grateful to her for such kindness.

Do not make acquaintances too hurriedly; never stay out later than the hour appointed for you to be at home; and on no account whatever admit any one into the house, without first obtaining leave from your[30] mistress. Never miss an opportunity of attending Divine worship. Write to us as often as you can; and with the love of your mother and myself,

From a Father to his Son, who has been complaining of the severity of his Master.

I was very sorry indeed to find from your last that you were not satisfied with your place, and that your master was always finding fault with you. You must not imagine that in doing so he is at all cruel or severe; but, having a great interest in your future welfare, he wishes, whilst there is yet time, to correct the faults he sees you commit. It is not with you that he is angry; it is with the faults and errors he sees you fall into. It is for your good, believe me, my dear Fred, that he speaks; and in after years you will look with gratitude and respect on Mr. C——, who now appears to you to be harsh and unkind. With our fondest love, hoping you are well, and that you will become more contented soon,

I sincerely commiserate you in this your fearful and awful visitation. Sad indeed it is to lose[31] your wife and your expected child in one short moment! Your dear wife, we are well aware (as far as human beings can form a judgment of the lives of their fellow creatures) was in every act, deed, and word a true Christian. Your account of her death is deeply touching; but how grateful you must have felt to have seen her so resigned and happy in the thought that, although her loss would cast a shadow on your life on earth, you would meet her hereafter in that better world, where no trouble or sorrow is to be found. She was good in every acceptation of the term: her charities (so unostentatiously dispensed), her cheerful willingness to relieve any real distress, her talents and charms, endeared her to all. Naturally you must deeply grieve for the loss of one so dear and excellent. You have again another source of grief in the loss of your child; dear J——, and at present all consolation must seem to you impossible; but God has ordained that Time shall bring comfort and soothing for all earthly sorrows, and to its healing influence we must leave you. As soon as you feel equal to the journey, come to us, and stay as long as you feel inclined. We will walk and ride together. There is great healing in Nature, and open-air exercise—I speak from experience—does as much as reason and philosophy in soothing a great grief.

To a Gentleman whose Brother is dangerously Ill, offering him Consolation and Comfort.

Every morning we listen for the post with the greatest anxiety, trusting that it will bring us better news of your dear brother. The accounts yesterday gave us a very lively idea of your situation, while you are expecting so critical and dangerous an hour as that which you have in view. We deeply feel for you, yet we know you are and will be supported. We pray for you and your brother, and we know and believe that He on whom we call is rich in mercy and mighty to save. We see many around us who have been restored from the very gates of the grave when every human effort has proved ineffectual. This gives us hopes that our supplications may terminate in praises for your dear brother's restoration to health.

We were all very glad to find on Martha's return yesterday that you would come on Saturday, and we trust we may induce you to stay until Monday.

I enclose you a list of the departure and arrival of the trains. The launch takes place at three o'clock, but (if you can manage it) you had better come early, that you may have a rest after your journey. Let us know at what time you propose leaving London, and we will meet you at the station. It appears to me[33] the one leaving at 10.30, and arriving at 11.30, is the best, as you will only be an hour on the road. However, let us know.

From a Gentleman applying for Sittings or a Pew in a Parish Church, in the Country.

I should feel much obliged if you would use your influence with the churchwardens to procure me a pew or sittings for myself and family in the Parish Church. I need not point out to you the inconvenience arising from not having one allotted to me. I purposed making a formal application to the churchwardens, but being a stranger to them all, I believe a word from you would procure them for me. For some weeks I have been confined to the house from indisposition, or I would have done myself the pleasure of making my request in person.

Wishing to leave my house in the country for some months in the summer, I should feel obliged if you would inform me whether there would be much difficulty in obtaining furnished apartments at ——. I am well aware that at some of the towns on the South Coast (especially at this time, when a demonstration of our naval forces is to be made) it may be difficult to find them. You know the place well, and also about the terms I generally give.

If you have received my rent from Dr. ——, please forward it at your convenience, and let me know if any repairs are required at the house.

In reply to your letter, I beg to inform you that all the best lodgings here are occupied, and I fear that I cannot find any which would suit you.

I enclose a cheque for your rent, and am happy to inform you that no repairs are required at present at Bellevue.

An Application for a Donation to a Charitable Institution in the Country, such as Coal and Blanket Club and Soup Kitchen.

Having taken great interest in forming a club for providing coals and blankets, and also in establishing a soup kitchen for the poor in this town, I venture to request your charitable co-operation. I enclose you a prospectus, which will enable you at one glance to see to what extent any donation you may send will entitle you to recommend families who by misfortune or sickness are unfortunately compelled to solicit relief.

I am much pleased to find the interest you take in the suffering poor at this inclement season is so great. Your prospectus is very satisfactory; but as I am well assured that all cases of a really deserving nature must be fully known to you, I must request you to distribute as you please the number of tickets to which I am entitled for the cheque for 10l. which I enclose.

In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 22nd, soliciting a subscription to assist you in your charitable efforts for relieving the many distressed poor in your neighbourhood, I regret extremely to have to reply that it is out of my power to help you. Prior to the receipt of your application I had made arrangements to supply some poor families with soup three days in each week for the next six weeks. I cannot afford to devote more money to this object.

A Gentleman to a Friend, speaking of kindness received in another friend's house.

You will, I am certain, be very sorry to hear that for the last six weeks I have been confined to the house with a severe attack of rheumatic gout. You, who so well know my active habits, can thoroughly enter into my feelings at being a prisoner for so long a time. The agony I have suffered has been excruciating; I was unable to move without assistance, and was as feeble as an infant, being unable to do the most trifling thing for myself. But you will be glad to hear that I received the greatest kindness and attention from our friends. I was unable to hold a book or[37] a newspaper, but every morning one or the other of this kind family with whom I am staying tried to relieve the monotony of my life by reading to me; in the afternoon some of them would come and tell me the news; and in the evening, whilst I sat propped up on a sofa, the charming daughters would sing and play. I feel grieved to remember the inconvenience and annoyance I must have been to them all, and shall be happy indeed when I can be moved; as, although they are so extremely kind, I feel what a tremendous amount of additional labour I must cause to all the household. Never can I forget the attention and kindness shown me. I shall be very glad to see you when you come home. Have you had much civility shown you at P——? It used to be a very nice place when I lived there.

I am sorry to hear you have had such a severe attack. Nothing is so trying to a man of active habits, like yourself, as confinement to the house. It was fortunate for you that you were not laid up during the best part of the hunting season, as I am afraid your patient spirit would have utterly rebelled against your privation from one of the only things you really enjoy. We are very snug indeed here, and are made a great deal of. We need never be at home unless we choose. Your friends the[38] Ducrows have a very nice house near, and they have introduced me to some very pleasant people. One of their daughters is a very charming girl. We sing duets together; and as we have to practise for some musical parties, I see a great deal of her. You would like her, I think. I hope we may remain here some time longer, as it is not often one meets with such real friendship as the people here have shown us. I send you a few papers which may amuse you. I hope to hear soon that you are better. When you are able to travel I shall be glad to see you here; I can put you up very comfortably.

From a Gentleman to another, explaining the cause of not replying to a Letter from a Gentleman Abroad.

You must not measure the real pleasure and gratification it afforded me to receive your letter by the time I have taken to answer it. I have meant many times to sit down and write to you, but one thing or the other has prevented me. The chief cause of my silence, I grieve to say, has been the fresh sorrows we have lately had, in the loss of our dear little pet, a boy of nearly one year old, during teething, and then the break-up of our little comfortable home in consequence of this—for my dear wife was quite broken by it, in health and spirits; and requiring change of air, I sent her and our eldest girl to Dawlish, where they are now comfortably established with my brother's family, and[39] I sincerely hope the change will prove beneficial to them both. There are many of our old Durham friends residing there, which will be pleasant for her. I shall be so completely tied by business here for some weeks, or it may be longer, that I can scarcely fix the time I shall join them. I shall be dull enough alone, you may well imagine. Forgive my apparent neglect, and if you should be passing near be good enough to give me a call. We are a party of about seven in this boarding-house. The terms are very moderate, and if you know any friend requiring accommodation in one, I can vouch for their being comfortable here. Best regards to your wife and daughters.

I am sorry I have not been able to run over to see you lately, but some friends of ours from the country have been in Town, and I have had to go about with them constantly. I am just off for a fortnight into Warwickshire, but shall call as soon as I return. I hope you are now free from bronchitis, and I trust that Mrs. J——s and the young ladies are well. I had a very quiet Christmas with my dear old mother. I suppose you are busy in preparations for the wedding. I enclose a small present; it may be more useful than any ornament I can at present think of, and your daughter can purchase with it whatever she may consider best. I wish her every happiness. Are any of you going to[40] see the opening of Parliament? If so I can secure you a very advantageous seat. With kind regards and good wishes,

Mr. Somes, of B——, has requested me to tell you that he will sell his mare for thirty-five guineas. She is aged about eight or nine; has been as you know regularly hunted for the last two or more seasons, and is a safe and beautiful hack, and goes well in harness. I need not say more than to observe that he is perfectly indifferent about selling her, though much obliged to you for recommending her. I think she is well worth fifty pounds.

I am exceedingly sorry at having to return your enclosures without being able to offer you the appointment in question.

As you are well up in everything relating to diseases in dogs, I wish for your advice about my puppy. Some people tell me that by vaccinating him I shall ward off the distemper. Do you think it would prove efficacious? I should be sorry to lose him. Perhaps you will drop me a line when you have time. You are generally so occupied that it is scarcely fair to trouble you, but I think you will in this case excuse your old friend. Have you seen anything of Doxman lately? He was here last week.

I have always leisure to give a friend a hint if I think it possible to be useful, so I lose no time in replying to you about your pup and the distemper. I have tried vaccination and found it a perfect fallacy, and many of my friends, real judges of dogs, and one of whom is frequently appealed to on matters of dispute with regard to their treatment, decidedly says he has no faith in it, and that the effects are nothing. One of my friends had some dogs which all escaped distemper, but that was attributed to his never giving them any animal food. I rarely have a case (among my dogs) of distemper, and if I do it is generally very mild, and I account for it from[42] my mode of feeding them. Until they reach the age of twelve months I keep them entirely, or nearly so, on bread and milk, potatoes, cabbage, meal, and milk, with the very slightest quantity imaginable of flesh food. Do not keep your dog too closely confined; feed him as I advise, and he may escape distemper altogether. Should he not, it will not be so severe as if you had fed him entirely on meat. I shall be coming into your neighbourhood shortly, and will pay you a visit.

In reply to a Gentleman inquiring for a Solicitor who may be moderate in his charges.

When I retired from business I relinquished my connexion in favour of my former partner, Mr. ——, and I have much pleasure in giving you his name and address:—4, Boland Street, close to the newly erected Sessions Hall. He will, I am sure, be glad to attend to your friend's business, and make only fair charges.

I am much obliged for your kind inquiries, and am happy to say my wife and children are all well, and unite with me in kind remembrances. When you write to your sister-in-law, will you be so good as to present our kind regards to her? If you find time and opportunity to come so far north as this, we shall be extremely glad to see you.

Being in want of a furnished residence, the enclosed order to view yours has been sent to me. Please let me know, before I go to view it, what will be the lowest rent. Please return the order.

Mrs. Waterson, a neighbour of mine, whom I have known for more than fifteen years as an industrious woman, is now ill and unable to work. She has no relations who can assist her in any way. Would you, next Thursday, on your way to the board of guardians' meeting, call and see her? Her house is at the corner of Sedgwood Lane. I will see that her wants are attended to until then.

I have received your communication relative [44]to John ——. From the accounts you give of his general good conduct, his honesty, and the respectability of his family, I think he will be just the person I require to take the place of the porter I have lately lost by death. If the young man will call to-morrow, he can commence his duties.

Having been rather unfortunate in some speculations of late, I find I am unable to meet the demands of a tradesman, who positively says he cannot remain longer without a settlement of his account. He threatens proceedings, which just at present would prove very disagreeable. Could you, without inconvenience, oblige me with the loan of 20l. for a month?

There is nothing so annoying as to be threatened with proceedings. Perhaps you have not replied civilly to your tradesman's demand for payment; generally speaking, if you do so, they are not pressing. I enclose you a cheque for 20l., and shall[45] be glad if you will dine with me this evening. Bring your I. O. U.

In reply to your letter of the 11th inst. relative to the Pulwood estate, in Chancery, I think that your first step is to ascertain in whose Court the suit is pending. You can discover this by searching at the Record and Writ Clerks' Courts, in Chancery Lane. You must then ascertain by search in Chambers of the Judge to whose Court the suit is attached, to what stage the proceedings have advanced, and, if no certificate has issued finding the heir or heirs, you must make out your pedigree, by searching parish and other registers, old family Bibles, &c., and obtain also all the evidence you possibly can in support of it; but you had better employ a solicitor. I trust you will be successful.

In reply to a Gentleman asking the Loan of a Book relative to German Spa Waters.

I was heartily glad to hear from you again, as I was beginning to fancy you had forgotten me. So[46] you are thinking of going abroad to try the German waters? I have a very useful book, called "The Baths of Europe," and also a small pamphlet on the "German Waters." I will lend them both to you. There are some others written by English physicians, but I forget their titles at this moment. Any bookseller, however, would supply you with the information; but let me advise you, if you intend trying a course of water-drinking or bathing at the foreign spas, not to select any particular place or bath merely from a description given in a book, however good or reliable it may be, so much depends on individual cases and constitutions. Consult first some physician who has made the foreign baths his particular study.

Having seen an advertisement in the Evening Standard, stating that advances are made by you on life policies at the rate of 5 per cent. per annum, I should feel obliged if you would inform me what amount would be advanced on my life policy. I have insured in the G—— office for nearly eighteen years. The policy is No. 18,723. The annual premium is 50l. A reply at your earliest convenience will oblige,

In reply to your note of the 14th, I have to request you will be good enough to favour me with a call to-morrow at about 11 A.M. Will you kindly bring your policy with you, and the last receipt?

From an intimate friend of your family with whom I have spent a few days, I am led to suppose you have some desire to join in a desirable partnership. I beg to inform you that for some years I have been engaged in iron ship-building, and I am prepared to take a partner, active or otherwise. The business in which I am at present engaged is connected with an extensive graving dock, now in formation; attached to which will be marine engine and boiler works, so that we may be able to attend, not only to the lengthening and requisite repairs of the hulls, but be able to uphold and renovate their engines, boilers, &c. &c., a combination which is now specially demanded by the greatly increased employment of steam vessels.

I am this moment returned from Nantwich, having travelled part of the way last night from B——. The house there did not quite satisfy me, but if the trustees of the late owner will do what is required, the place may be made suitable. I looked over the house, grounds, and furniture, and my chief objection is to the want of finish about the grounds. With the house itself I am quite satisfied, and the furnishing of the ground floor requires no special remark; but the bedrooms appear rather defective. Some rooms I could not see, on account of the indisposition of the present tenant. On the whole my notion of the value is about £—per annum, which, if entertained, I should be disposed to give, supposing the trustees will do all I require.

I should prefer renting the house for a twelvemonth's occupancy, with option to make it five years. I shall be in London next week, and will fix a day for calling on you if you think it likely we may come to terms. I of course assume that the house would be fully furnished in every respect, excepting plate and linen. I should wish some inexpensive matters done to the grounds which I will explain if we meet. Should you wish any further references I shall be happy to furnish you with them.

I am glad to find by your letter of yesterday's date that you like the house. I only wish you could have seen it when I occupied it myself—there would have been no cause of complaint as to the out-door appearance then. I shall be very glad indeed to see you in London on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday next (on Thursday I go Axminster), but should those days be inconvenient, pray name your own. I think it likely we may come to terms. Strange to say, I had an application from Mrs. Eglamon's solicitor yesterday, asking permission for her to remain a few months longer. I shall not reply until I have seen you.

From a Young Man who has taken his late Employer's Business, to an old Customer.

I doubt not that you have heard of the death of my late employer. I have managed his business during the whole of his illness, and as his widow declines to carry it on, I have taken the shop and stock-in-trade, and shall be glad to keep up the connexion with you. I have sent the enclosed bills, which are due, and you may depend on punctuality and attention if you honour me with your orders.

To a Young Man, relative to his late Employer's Business, which he proposes to carry on.

I received yours of the 4th inst., and am extremely sorry to hear of the death of my old friend, your late employer, but at the same time very much pleased to find that his business has fallen into such good hands as yours. You have double advantages over a stranger, as you are well acquainted with your late employer's trade and customers, which, by his transactions with me, appear to be very extensive. I have sent your order in ten bales marked D.P., by the 8.40 train, and you will find them as good as your best customers can desire. I am very glad you wish to keep up the old connexion. Wishing you every success,

I am encouraged by my knowledge of your kindness to ask your advice with regard to the difficulties which at present surround me.

On commencing business, about four years since, everything looked bright and prosperous, but the pressure put upon me now, in consequence of the many bankruptcies that have lately taken place, has brought me to the very brink of misery and ruin. I see no[51] prospect before me but to compound with my creditors, and that I would by any possibility avoid. Knowing the interest you have always taken in me, and being well aware that your advice and assistance are most valuable, I now venture to apply to you. I have dreaded to do so, as it appeared to me that I was, as it were, imposing upon your too compassionate heart. However, now, dear sir, you know the whole of my circumstances, and exactly the position in which I find myself, through no fault of my own. I shall anxiously await your reply. With many thanks for past undeserved kindness,

Having admired you for your upright dealings ever since you commenced business, I am sorry to hear of your present difficulties. There are but two courses open to you—bankruptcy or composition. Compound with your creditors, as the best and only means of showing your honesty of purpose, and also because it will save them the expenses caused by bankruptcy. I will do all in my power to arrange matters for you. My own claim I will not at present press, and very possibly when everything is settled you may find yourself in a much less distressing position than you at[52] present imagine. Let me see you as soon as you can. Keep nothing back from me.

From a Man with a small Capital intending to go into Business, asking for Advice.

Having within the last few weeks received a very handsome legacy, I am thinking of endeavouring to increase it by going into business. For some years, you are aware, I was with Messrs. Piper and Co., and I imagine I might derive benefit from their connexion. I am well convinced, from your practical knowledge, you will give me such information as will prevent my getting into difficulties. I presume I must be cautious, in starting in business, not to sink too much of my funds in a large stock at first, as there may be a doubt that the return would not be sufficiently speedy to cover my outlay, and consequently I should be obliged to draw upon my capital for household expenses. There is another point on which I wish your advice, and that is as to the locality in which I should take a business. Do you recommend a new neighbourhood, or not? Will you also give me some hints as to the sort of connexion I should endeavour to obtain? and doubtless you will oblige me in giving me a few general directions as to the best mode of succeeding in my undertaking.

I was glad to receive your letter, and glad to find you have confided in your father's old friend for advice, under the circumstance of your starting in business. You do not tell me the amount of your capital; but whether large or small, the same rule should be adopted;—you must be very careful in the matter of investing your money, for without great precaution and judgment you may be a considerable loser. Do not lay in too large a stock. Should trade prove slack, the rent and taxes of your premises must be paid; the stock lies idle and deteriorates in value; and when once you dip into your capital there will be little prospect of your recovering yourself again.

With regard to a locality, you must be guided very much by the number of the inhabitants, the nature of the neighbourhood, the requirements and the customs of the resident population; and if possible you should ascertain whether there is any one in the same business who may already have obtained the best connexion. Many small capitalists, in going into a new neighbourhood, have been bitterly disappointed in their expectations of making a good connexion. It is really a fact, that the first shops established in a new place generally fail. Should your neighbourhood be a poor one, guard against laying in a supply of luxuries. Necessaries will be certain to sell. Being agent to one of the large wine firms that supply grocers is a great advantage, as many a customer coming for wine is induced to purchase another article. There is one thing necessary to success in business, and that is[54] civility, an amount of which in stock will cost nothing. And by treating all your customers, rich and poor, with due deference but not servility, you will find your custom very much increase. Let your customers see that it is a pleasure for you to oblige, and that it is not done with a view only of selfish greed or gain. Should you require advice at any future time, I shall be very glad indeed to give you any information you may require.

I will close my letter with one more word of counsel, which is this—do not get into debt. Wishing you every success,

From a Merchant abroad to his Brother, forwarding Goods for Sale, and requesting others.

According to promise by last mail, I send you by first steamer twelve bales of raw silk, marked R. N. I need not tell you to dispose of them to the best advantage; they are in first-rate condition, warranted good; I examined each bale myself before shipping. I enclose an order for several different articles of British manufacture, to be sent at an early date; let them be as good and as cheap as you can possibly procure. That class of goods is in great demand at present.

Yours of the 4th was duly received, and the goods therein mentioned have since been delivered at the Custom-house. I immediately advertised them for sale in twelve different lots, but they were all bought up by one of the principal manufacturers in Spitalfields for a good sum, which I have lodged in the bank to your credit. I forwarded last week, by the Orion, the different articles you ordered. There are twenty bales, marked "A. X." I am told, by judges in the trade, that they are the best and cheapest that can be had. I shall be glad to hear they have realized your expectations.

We had a tolerable supply of wheat at market to-day; there was rather a limited attendance, however, and business on the whole proceeded slowly. Most of the samples exhibited were in poor condition; and this, coupled with the sluggish demand, caused prices to give way from one to two shillings per quarter. Foreign wheat had but a dull inquiry. In the flour market there was a moderate consumptive business done, at about late terms; best descriptions of malting and grinding barleys were held for rather higher terms,[56] with a quiet demand. I shall be in your neighbourhood on Sunday, and will give you a call.

We are looking up, as there is a very good tone prevailing in the wool market, and a very fair amount of business has been done during the past week. The late advancing rates, consequent upon the high prices of country dealers, tend to check operations, which are quite of a consumptive character. Very good wethers continue in demand. Hogs are rather more in favour. Skin wool is also in fair request; pieces are very stiff. Hughes' sale the other day fully sustained the tendency of the market, both as respects demands and quotations. I will not lose an opportunity, believe me.

I was very sorry, on the last receipt of a parcel forwarded by you, to be obliged to find fault with some of the goods, which were not at all up to[57] sample that was sent about two months since. You assured me, at the same time, that in future there should be no cause for complaint. Since then I have received my last order, and there is, if possible, a greater inferiority in some of the articles than on the previous occasion. I do not, believe me, complain without cause; my customers are disposed, I fear, to leave me, not being satisfied with the quality of the articles I sell. If you will make some reduction in price, I will retain those I have now; otherwise, however unwilling I may be to do so, I must return them. Awaiting an early reply,

We were sorry to find, on receipt of yours of the—inst., that you had occasion again to find fault with the goods lately furnished. Some parcels forwarded to you were done so by inadvertence. We should be sorry to lose your custom, and also grieved to hear you had suffered any pecuniary loss. We are perfectly willing to agree to such a reduction in price as you, in your integrity, think fairly just.

Having seen in the Era of last week that your theatre opens in a fortnight, and that a "General Utility Man" and "First Walking Lady" are wanted, I beg to offer the services of Mrs. A. and myself. We have filled the same places in many theatres (our last engagement was in the North). We have also been very frequently employed in arranging and conducting amateur performances. I trust to hear in a few days, as I leave this next week.

From a House and Estate Agent, acknowledging receipt of a Communication relative to Sale or Letting of a Property.

I am obliged by your favour of yesterday's date, notifying that Treverne House will be vacant next month. I am sorry to say, things remain very bad here, and I find few purchasers at high prices. See my last letter respecting the offer made by Mr. Townsend. I gave you information about selling prices, and I do not see much improvement in the ideas of buyers at present. By the way, there is a small account of 4l. outstanding against you on my books, which doubtless you have overlooked. Will you kindly remit it? and please say if I am to take any[59] step beyond placing Treverne House on my list, to sell or let.

I had a note from Mr. B—— this morning relative to our bill for 50l. I am very anxious about the matter. Will you call to-morrow, and bring as much money as you can collect? I am afraid he is inclined to be very disagreeable. I will do all I can.

As we are about to go abroad, we wish to let our house quickly, and for this purpose have consented to reduce our terms from —— guineas to —— guineas, furnished. We are quite convinced this is a very cheap rental for the style and accommodation of the place, which we think you will be pleased with, if you will favour it with a visit. The scenery is beautiful; the parish church is close at hand, as also the station;[60] the neighbourhood is excellent. There is a good market town within easy reach. Trusting to hear from you shortly,

From the Secretary of a Convalescent Hospital, applying for Expenses of Patients.

I am directed by the committee of management to request you will remit the sum due for the maintenance of the sick people introduced by you during the last quarter. The amount due, I believe, was furnished you by the house surgeon a week or two since.

From a Gentleman, enclosing a Certificate of Illness from a Medical Man, excusing himself from attending at his Office.

I enclose, as you wish, a certificate from Dr. R. P——, who has been attending me for the last few weeks. I hope most sincerely I shall be able to resume my duties about the middle of the week, particularly if I go on improving as I have done the last few days.

I trust you will tender my best thanks to all for their forbearance and assistance during my illness.

I beg to certify that Mr. J. W—— is unable to attend to his duties. For some weeks past he has suffered greatly, but I think in a week or ten days he will be in a position to resume his post.

Reply to an Advertisement for the Appointment of Medical Officer to an Union Division.

Herewith I enclose my testimonials, with an application for the appointment of Medical Officer to the Upton Division of your parish. I am duly qualified, as a reference to the "Medical Register" will show. Should you be pleased to elect me to the vacant post, I can assure you that no pains on my part shall be wanting to alleviate the sufferings of the poor, with due regard to the interests of the ratepayers.

I have received your letter of the 4th inst. If you feel confident that you are in a position to do a good and safe private trade for my firm I shall be pleased to hear from you with regard to references, &c. The commission we allow to our agents is 15 per cent., the cheapest qualities excepted, on which we allow only 10 per cent. commission. Letters for me to be addressed "Care of Messrs. F——t and F——k, Strand, London." I shall be returning to Bordeaux shortly, and await your early reply

I have made several applications to you for the settlement of your account, now a long time over due. Our clerk has frequently called for it, but has not been fortunate enough to have an interview with you. I have a very large amount to make up by the end of this month, and must beg of you to give attention to it before that time. You must be aware that the account has already run far beyond my usual term of credit. Awaiting an early settlement,

From most unexpected and distressing circumstances, of which perhaps you may, by report, have become acquainted before this, I regret that I have been unable to pay my rent for the past half-year. But as up to this time the payment has always been punctually made, I hope I may request your kind forbearance a short time longer. Trusting that you will accede to my request,

As you assume, I have heard reports of your distressing disappointments. I think you have known me long enough to be sure I would not willingly distress any one, more especially a tenant who up to this time has been so punctual in his payments. When you can conveniently pay the last half-year's rent, do so; I shall not—rest assured—make any demand upon you for it. Trusting that your difficulties will soon be satisfactorily arranged,

I regret to hear of the difficulties and disappointments which you tell me in your letter of the 19th inst. you are at present experiencing. Were it in my power to grant you time to pay the rent now overdue, I would most willingly do so; but I have heavy and serious calls upon me at this moment, and must therefore request you to forward me the amount by return of post.

Being out of employment at present, and hearing you required a sober, steady, active, and pushing man to superintend your business upstairs, I write to inform you that for years I was head upstairs man at Messrs. —— and Co. You will see by the enclosed copy of a testimonial from them that the duties of filling out the goods up to the stoving, were carried out in such a manner as to convince them I thoroughly understood the business. A reply at your convenience will much oblige,

Having received my discharge from the army after completing ten years' service, and being desirous of obtaining employment as a porter on a railway, I take the liberty of enclosing a copy of my discharge to you, understanding you have great influence in the appointment of the Company's servants. I have never filled such an appointment before, but I lived as footman for some years with a gentleman whose testimony as to character I also enclose. I trust you will favourably consider my case. Should my application prove successful I will always endeavour, by diligent discharge of my duty, to show my sense of your kindness.

Reply to a Gentleman requiring a Situation as a Clerk and Foreign Correspondent.

I am glad to be able to offer you the position you sought. Your testimonials are excellent. Although you had many competitors, your knowledge of languages (more especially German) had great weight, and we have decided to appoint you. The gentleman who has held the appointment up to this time is, I find,[66] residing in your neighbourhood. He may be known to you; if so, he would I dare say tell you we are extremely particular as to punctuality. You can commence your duties on Monday next.

Being desirous of obtaining a clerkship, and seeing by advertisement that your firm is in want of a confidential clerk, I beg to offer myself as a candidate for the situation. I held a similar appointment for some years with Messrs. Turine and Medei of San Paulo. I can write, speak fluently, interpret, and translate French, Spanish, and German.

I enclose copies of my testimonials. Should you be pleased to appoint me, no exertion on my part shall be wanting to give you satisfaction.

A Reply to an Advertisement for an Appointment as Secretary to an Institution.

With reference to the above advertisement I beg to enclose copies of testimonials, received within[67] the last few months, by which you will see my capability for management. My friends, you will observe, are gentlemen of position and influence, with whom I am and have been for years on terms of the greatest intimacy. I need not say that, should I obtain the appointment in question, my interest with them and many other very influential friends should be exerted to the utmost of my power to promote in every way the interests of the Institution.

Applying to a Friend for a Recommendation by a Young Man desirous of obtaining an Appointment.

As you have known me for very many years, and as I am at present endeavouring to obtain an appointment with Messrs. L——g and L——g, may I take the liberty of asking you to give me a recommendation to them? You know that I have always borne an upright and unblemished character, and that while under your superintendence I was always attentive to my duties, and I believe that I obtained your confidence. Trusting you will comply with my request,

Having served with you for seven years in the —th Foot, during which time I was employed in situations of trust, and hearing now that you have great influence with the Commissioners of the Police Force of the City of London, may I take the liberty of asking you to assist me in obtaining an appointment in the Force? I am twenty-eight years of age, five feet ten inches in height, strong and healthy, and carried away many prizes at our regimental games.

From a Person desirous of Employment as a Manager of a Wholesale or Retail Business.

I beg to forward a strong recommendation from Messrs. C—— and G—— for the post of manager of your [retail or wholesale] business. For some years previous to the late war I was employed by Messrs. —— and ——, and was selected by their French correspondents to manage a branch establishment at B——, which is now progressing most satisfactorily. I am a good correspondent in French and Italian and German, and understand the business well in all its branches.

In reply to yours respecting the advertisement in yesterday's Times, the appointment referred to was to fill up a vacancy in the Board of an established Brewery Company, "limited," and one which has the prospect of more than ordinary success. All the parties connected with it are of the highest respectability. —— pounds are required to be invested in paid-up shares, and the remuneration of a director would probably be £—— per annum. There is one appointment also connected with this, worth £—— per annum; but the individual who takes this is expected to introduce £—— on share or loan capital. Should this be likely to suit you, please make an appointment for an early interview.

My late employer, Mr. ——, having relinquished business, and hearing that you required a book-keeper, I venture to apply for the situation. For many years I have had great business experience, having[70] been entrusted with matters of great responsibility. I am a good accountant, and can speak and write German, French, and Italian fluently. Soliciting the favour of a reply,

Having lately been engaged in the office of S—— and Co., auctioneers and surveyors in B——, and wishing to remove to London, where I have some very influential friends, I write to ascertain if you have a vacancy in your office. The whole control of the business here was left in my hands. I am an experienced surveyor, and can prepare particulars of sale, plans, reports, catalogues, advertisements, &c.; and am able to conduct the routine of business, both in and out of doors. I can refer you to persons in the City should you favour me with a reply.

Having seen that Mr. B—— has retired from your firm, I beg to introduce to your notice a[71] friend of mine, who wishes to invest about 2000l. in a lucrative business. I have pointed out to him what a well established house yours is, and how the business could be readily increased by the assistance of an energetic partner. He is a man of education, has a great turn for business, and has travelled abroad. He is about thirty years of age, and can give you the most unexceptionable references. If you can call on me I will introduce him to you.

An Estate Agent, relative to a House of which his Client is anxious to Dispose.

We have been expecting to hear from you re the above, giving us instructions as to whether we shall put it up in the Mart this spring or not. If it is still your intention to do so, may we ask that you will kindly let us know at once, as we will then immediately get our bills out, and have them posted about, as this is generally requisite a month or two before the sale, so as to have it well advertised.

If you would kindly favour us with a call, we shall be glad to confer with you upon the subject.

We may mention we are expecting to have several other estates for sale by auction in the spring.

From an Agent who has been engaged in endeavouring to arrange a matter of importance, applying for Remuneration.

You will of course have observed, by the announcement in the newspapers of this day's date, that the business we have been so anxious about is settled. I do not wish to enlarge on my own humble services in the cause; but I am sure you will admit that if a professional gentleman had been employed, the advice and services I have rendered during the last few years would have been made into a very lengthy bill, far exceeding the amount you promised me, whatever the issue of the negotiations might be. I am well assured that I am in good hands, however, and had I been called upon to render ten times the required services and advice, you would have found me as ready and willing as I have been. Your kind favour of the —ult., enclosing cheque, was duly received. I need not say how glad I shall be to hear again from you at your earliest convenience.

During the week very little change has taken place in prices quoted in my last. Cotton was a shade[73] better on Monday, which caused sellers of yarn and cloth in this market to ask rather more in some instances; but the improvement was quite evanescent. The market, however, has continued steady. Some buyers have made attempts to operate at rather lower prices, and offers have been freely made at 1/8d. to 1/4d. per lb. for yarns, but the offers have only been made in exceptional cases. For goods of all descriptions, notwithstanding some discouraging accounts from abroad, very considerable contracts for distant delivery in point of time could have been secured by making a very slight concession.

Madapollams, jaconets, and mulls are not in active request, but maintain last week's values. Printers T cloths and domestics meet with a fair consumptive demand, and orders can only be placed at the prices of Tuesday. Large importations of cotton, and lower prices, are causing buyers to operate cautiously, both in yarn and cloth. I leave this to-morrow for Macclesfield.

I have the pleasure of forwarding you, on the fly-leaf, a copy of the order for the advertisement. We trust it was in conformity with your wishes.

Mr. W. C. Durnford has placed his book debts in my hands to collect, and I shall be obliged by the payment of 1l. 18s. 6d., for which I find you are his debtor.

We beg to inform you that we are instructed by Messrs. B——n and C——n, of Duncan Street, who are desirous of clearing off several outstanding accounts which are considerably overdue, to make application to you for payment of an amount of £—18s. 4d. for articles supplied in July, 1868, and January, 1869; and to facilitate the next balancing of books, we ask you to kindly make it convenient to favour us with a cheque for the amount before the 30th inst.

On the other side I hand you particulars of Mrs. Soames' account, for which please send me cheque.

In reply to an advertisement in yesterday's Daily Telegraph, headed as above, I beg to offer myself for the situation.

For six years and a half I lived with the late General Aslett in that capacity; on his death the establishment was reduced, and I received my dismissal.

I enclose a copy of my character from my previous masters, and also one from the proprietor of the Great Northern Hotel, who has known me for many years. I am unmarried, 5ft. 10in. in height, and twenty-eight years of age.

Having heard that you are in want of a coachman, I respectfully beg to offer myself for the situation.

I have lived in my last place with J. G——, Esq., who will, I am sure give me a good character.

I have received your application for my coachman's place, and should be glad to know of how many horses you had the care at Mr. ——'s; whether you had a groom under you; and if you can drive in London as well as in the country.

Let me know also if you are a married man, and, if so, whether you have a family.

I had the care of three horses at Mr. ——, and he allowed me assistance in the stable.

I am a married man and have five children. I have been used to drive in London during the season. If you should be pleased to engage me, I shall endeavour to do my best to serve you.

Understanding that there will be a vacancy shortly in your establishment for a gardener, I respectfully beg to offer myself for the place. From boyhood I have been under the best of gardeners. I served my apprenticeship with, and have been from time to time improving myself under the direction of one of the most experienced landscape gardeners employed in the Crystal Palace Gardens. I enclose you a copy of the opinion formed of my capabilities by those under whom I placed myself, and assure you my whole time and study shall be devoted to your service.

I send my coachman to consult with you as to the style and quality of a new set of double harness, which I shall shortly require. My own idea is that harness cannot be too light looking. I have also a great objection to a large amount of plating. My coachman will tell you the size of the horses; and please let me know by him the very lowest price.

Many thanks for your esteemed communication. From the description given by your coachman of the double harness required, I think I can supply you to your satisfaction for the sum of 24l., and everything will be of the best quality. Trusting that you will be satisfied with the quality and character of the goods,

On my return I was much surprised to find that your prices were so very much above the sum I proposed to expend for a set of double harness: however, I will consider the matter. A friend of mine who lately ordered a set of harness much the same as that which my coachman described to you, assures me that the charge for it was between 5l. and 6l. less. I will see you on the subject on my return from Rome.

As I am sorry at any time to lose custom, I take the liberty of requesting you to defer your decision until your return, and if you will then favour me with a call I think I can show you sets of harness at a price that you will find moderate. I enclose you a letter which I have received from a coachman, from which you will be able to judge for yourself of the pressure put upon us by servants.

Having had great difficulty in collecting my accounts during the last half year (although I have strict assurances that they will all, or nearly all, be settled by the end of this month), I find I am unable to meet in full my acceptance to you for 150l. 14s. 2d. Would you oblige me by holding it to the end of this month? I shall then be prepared to meet the same. An early reply will oblige,

COMMERCIAL FORMS.

This form will require, previous to payment, the endorsement of the party to whom it is made payable.

Three Months after date, pay to me or my order One Hundred pounds. Value received.

To make this a negotiable document, it has to be accepted by being signed across the face by the party on whom it is drawn, and endorsed on the back by the drawer.

This admits of the following change, according to circumstances: instead of "three months after date," it may be "at sight," or at such a time "after sight," or at such a specified time, or "on demand;" and the instruction to pay may be "to A. B. or order."

Three Months after date, I promise to pay to Mr. Henry Jones, or order, One Hundred pounds, for value received.

To make this a negotiable document, it has to be endorsed by being signed across the back by the party to whom it is made payable.

Sixty days after sight of this First of Exchange (Second and Third unpaid) pay to the order of Messrs. Jones and Robinson, One Hundred pounds sterling, value received; and charge to account, with or without advice of

The naming of the payee admits of the same variations as are exhibited in an ordinary Bill of Exchange. The time of payment may be, in like manner, variously expressed. The term "usance" is sometimes employed to express the period of running in foreign bills. It means a certain time fixed by custom as between any two places, and the period covered by a usance will therefore depend on the places of drawing and payment.

N.B.—All receipts for sums of Two pounds and upwards require to have a receipt stamp affixed to them, which stamp should be cancelled by being written across. The penalty for evading this law is 50l.

Received of A. Wigram, Esq., Fifteen pounds, being one quarter's rent due on Midsummer Day last, for the premises occupied by him at No. 14, South Rupert Street, W.C.

Memorandum of an undertaking entered into this —— day of ——, 18—, between A. B. of ——, and C. D. of ——, as follows:—

The said A. B. doth hereby let unto the said C. D. a dwelling-house, situate in the parish of ——, for the term of one year certain, and so on from year to year, and so on until half a year's notice to quit be given by or to either party, at the yearly rent of £——, payable quarterly; the tenancy to commence at —— day next.

And the said A. B. doth undertake to pay the land-tax, the property-tax, and the sewer-rate, and to keep the said house in all necessary repairs, so long as the said C. D. shall continue therein. And the said C. D. doth undertake to take the said house of A. B. for and at the before-mentioned term and rent, and pay all taxes except those on land or property and the sewer-rate, and to abide by the other conditions aforesaid.

[N.B.—Premises are sometimes let for a term of years, or upon other conditions different from those specified above; in such cases the agreement must, of course, be worded conformably.]

I hereby give you notice that on or before the —— day of —— next, I shall quit and deliver up possession of the house and premises I now hold of you, situate at ——, in the parish of ——, in the county of ——.

I hereby give you notice to quit the house and appurtenances, situate at No. ——, which you now hold of me, on or before ——next.

THIS is the last Will and Testament of A. B., of No. —— Street, ——. I hereby give and devise to my wife, Jane B., her heirs, executors, and administrators, for her and their own use and benefit, absolutely and for ever, all my estate and effects, both real and personal, whatsoever and wheresoever, and of what nature and quality soever, and I hereby appoint her, the said Jane B., sole executrix of this my Will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this ——day of ——, one thousand eight hundred and ——.

Signed by the said A. B., in the presence of us, present at the same time, who in his presence and in[84] the presence of each other, attest and subscribe our names as witnesses hereto.

[N.B.—The above is a simple form of Will. They can, of course, be made in various ways, but in every case care should be taken that the persons mentioned in the Will should be fully and properly designated, and that the testator's intentions be stated in language as clear and precise as possible.]

KNOW all men by these presents, that I, A. B., of ——, for and in consideration of the sum of ——, in hand, paid, at and before the sealing and delivery hereof, by C. D., of ——, the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge, have bargained and sold, and by these presents do bargain and sell unto the said C. D., all the goods, household stuff, and implements of household, and all other goods whatsoever mentioned in the schedule hereunto annexed, now remaining and being in ——. To have and to hold all and singular the goods, household stuff, and implements of household, and every of them by these presents, bargained and sold unto the said C. D., his executors, administrators, and assigns for ever, and I, the said A. B., for myself, my executors, and administrators, all and singular, of the said goods, unto the said C. D., his executors and administrators and assigns, and against all and every other person and persons whatsoever, shall and will warrant and for ever defend by these presents, of which goods I, the said A. B., have put the said C. D., in possession, by delivering him one silver candelabrum, &c., on the sealing hereof; in witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and seal this —— day of ——, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ——

DIRECTIONS FOR ADDRESSING PERSONS OF RANK, &c.

2. To His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge; or, To Her Royal Highness the Princess Mary of Teck.

1. My Lord, or Madam, May it please your Lordship, or, May it please your Ladyship.

The widow of a Nobleman is addressed in the same style, with the introduction of the word Dowager in the Superscription of her letters.

The Sons of Dukes and Marquises, and the eldest Sons of Earls, have, by courtesy, the titles of Lord and Right Honourable; and all the Daughters have those of a Lady and Right Honourable.

The younger Sons of Earls, and the Sons and Daughters of Viscounts and Barons, are styled Honourable.

2. To the Right Honourable ——,[1] Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

3. To his Excellency ——,[2] Lieutenant General, and General Governor of that part of the United Kingdom called Ireland.

The Lord Mayor of London, York, or Dublin, and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, during office—the same.

2. To the Right Honourable ——, Lord Mayor of London. To the Right Honourable ——, Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

The Mayors of all Corporations (excepting the preceding Lord Mayors), and the Sheriffs, Aldermen, and the Recorder of London, are addressed Right Worshipful; and the Aldermen and Recorders of other Corporations, and the Justices of the Peace, Worshipful.

2. To the Right Honourable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, in Parliament assembled.

2. To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

2. To his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury; or, To the Most Reverend Father in God, ——,[3] Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.

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Leave Victoria.	Arrive at Chatham.
09.15	11.20
10.30	11.30
11.35	01.15
12.30	01.36

Signed, sealed, and delivered, }	C. D.
in the presence of us, }	E. F.