My son Charles has finished his grammatical studies in Merchant Taylors' School, I know and is very desirous of being LETTER II. The Tutor's Answer. He Sir, I shall have much pleasure in complying with your request. My long residence in this seat of learning, has furnished me with many opportunities of studying the different dispositions and capacities of youth. Our terms begin next week, and if you send the young gentleman, you may rest assured of his being constantly under my own direction, and of the greatest care being taken both of his studies and morals. Oxford, January 8. 1815. LETTER III. I am, Sir, &c. From the young Gentleman to his Father. My Dear Father, I embrace the earliest opportunity of letting you know how happily I find myself settled in college. Mr has shewn me the greatest kindness and attention. He has begun to teach me geometry, and I hope soon to be able to make some progress in that interesting branch of study. I have endeavoured to be as good an economist as possible, but at present am obliged to purchase several books: I know your tenderness and generosity, and doubt not of hearing from you soon. With kind remembrances to the family circle, I am, Sir, your affectionate and dutiful son. LETTER IV. The Father's Answer. Dear Charles, I received your letter, and am greatly pleased to hear of the progress you make in your studies, as well as your agreeable situation. I know the high character of Mr and that the continuance of his regard will be secured by your good conduct and proficiency. The inclosed order will convince you that nothing on my part shall be wanting to furnish you with every thing necessary; as I am assured, from the whole of your former conduct, that you will not launch into any unnecessary expense. I am your affectionate father. LETTER V. From a Merchant's Widow to a Lady, a distant Relation, in behalf of her two Orphans. Madam,-When you look at the subscription of this letter, I doubt not of your being much surprised with its contents; but it is more on account of your amiable character, than that I have the honour of being your relation, that I have presumed to trouble you with this. My late husband, who you know was reputed to be in affluent circumstances, has been dead about six months; his whole accounts have been settled with his creditors, and because of many losses and bad debts, there is not above one hundred pounds left for myself. I have a son just turned of fourteen, whom I want to hind apprentice to a reputable trade; and a daughter near seventeen, whose education has rendered her incapable of acting as a menial servant, although she would willingly be the companion of some young lady, where she might be treated with familiarity and tenderIn circumstances so distressing, I have presumed to address myself to you; your long acquaintance with the world will enable you to direct me how to proceed, and I doubt not but your generosity will induce you to comply with a request dictated by the severity of affliction. aess. LETTER VI. The Lady's Answer. Madam, It will give me the greatest pleasure to be of service to you as far as lies in my power, for I sincerely sympathize with you in the misfortunes which have so unexpectedly befallen you. With respect to your two children, I have proposed the following scheme for their benefit: Let the boy think of some trade, to which his inclination leads him, and I will provide him with every necessary during his apprenticeship; and at the expiration of that term, (if his behaviour is agreeable) advance something to set him up in business. As for the girl, let her be immediately sent to my house, where she shall be brought up along with my daughters, and it will be my anxious wish to serve her. I expect that, from time to time, you will communicate to me an account of your own circumstances, that I may be happy in alleviating your distress. I am, &c. LETTER VII. From the young Man to his Mother, during his My Dear Mother,-Your having retired to the country, has hindered me from writing to you so often as 1 could wish. Ever since I was bound to Mr Anson, by has treated me with every sort of indulgence, and I bave endeavoured to acquire the good-will of all our customers. I know that you are so straitened in your own eircumstances, as not to be able to afford me pocket-money: but I have the pleasure to tell you, that Mrs Howard has taken care in that particular, and liberally supplies me from time to time. In every part of my conduct I shall endeavour to act consistently with rectitude and truth, and am, with the utmost respect and duty, Your affectionate son. LETTER VIII. From the young Lady to her Mother. My dear Mother,-In my last I informed you that my worthy benefactress, Mrs Howard, had been extremely ill; I have the pleasure to assure you, that she is now perfectly recovered. The happiness of my present situation may be conceived, but it is not in my power to describe it. After we get up in the morning, the family are called together to return thanks to the Almighty for his preserving them during the preceding hight, and to implore his protection on the remaining part of the day; afterwards we retire to breakfast. During the forenoon the young ones walk into the garden, or the fields, whilst the good lady is employed in dispensing medicines to her poor tenants. After dinner we retire to the summer house, when each, in her turn, reads some part of the best English authors. while the others are employed in needle-work. I have received a letter from my brother, and am glad to hear he is settled into a good family. I am, dear Mother, Your affectionate and dutiful daughter. LETTER IX. From a young Man to his Father, desiring him to intercede with his Master to take him again into his service. Dear Sir,-With shame, arising from a consciousness of guilt, I have presumed to write you at this time. I doubt not but you have heard of the irregularities of my conduct, which at last proceeded so far, as not only to induce me to desert the service of the best of masters, but to run into the commission of vices that might, had no check been interposed, have proved fatal to me. The allurements of bad company first tempted me to forsake the paths of virtue, and neglect my duty in a family where I was treated with the greatest tenderness. Fully sensible of my fault, I am willing to make every reparation in my power; but know not of any other than by acting diametrically opposite to my former conduct. Let me beg of you, Sir, to intercede with my worthy master to take me again into his service, and my future life shall be one continued act of gratitude. I am, Sir, your affectionate, though undutiful son. LETTER X. The Father's Answer. My Dear Child,-If ever you live to be a father, you will know what I feel for you on the present occasion. Tenderness as a parent, resentment on account of ingratitude, a deep concern for your welfare, and respect for the worthy man whose service you deserted, all conspire together to agitate my mind to different purposes; but paternal affection becomes predominant, and I am ob |