LETTER XXX...

From a young woman, a servant in London, to her parents, desiring their consent to marry.

I

Honoured Father and Mother,

HAVE sent this to inform you, that one Mr. Wood, a young man, a cabinet-maker, has paid his addresses to me, and now offers me marriage: I told him I would do nothing without your consent, and therefore have sent this by William Jones, your neighbour, who called on me, and will inform you particularly of his circumstances. The young man has been set up in business about two years, and is very regular and sober. Most people in the neighbourhood esteem him, and his business is daily increasing. I think I could live extremely happy with him, but do not choose to give him my promise, until I have first heard from you; whatever answer you send shall be obeyed by

Dear Child,

WE

Your affectionate daughter.

LETTER XXXI.

The parents' answer.

received your letter by Mr. Jones, and the character he gives of the young man is so agreeable, that we have no objection to your marrying him: begging that you will seriously consider the duties of that important state, before it is too late to repent. Consider well with yourself, that according to your conduct to each other, you must be either happy or miserable as long as you live. There are many occurrences in life in which the best of men's tempers may be ruffled, on account of losses or disappointments; if husband should at any time be so, endeavour to make him as easy as possible. Be careful of every thing he commits to your keeping; and never affect to appear superior to your station; for although your circumstances may be yet, whilst in trade, you will find a continual want of money for many different purposes. It is possible some of your more polite neighbours may

your

easy,

despise you for a while, but they will be forced in the end to acknowledge, that your conduct was consistent with the duties of a married state. But, above all, remember your duty to God, and then you may cheerfully look for a blessing on your honest endeavours. May God direct you in every thing for the best, is the sincere prayer of

Your loving father and mother.

PART II.

ON BUSINESS.

LETTER XXXII.

From a young man in the country, to a merchant in London, offering correspondence.

Sir,

Y apprenticeship with Mr. Wilson being expired, during which I had proofs of your integrity in all your dealings with my worthy master, my parents have given me two hundred pounds to begin the world, which you know is not sufficient to carry on trade to any advantage: that I may be able to sell my goods as cheap as possible, I would choose to have them from the first hand, and likewise the usual time of credit. If it is agreeable to you, I hereby offer you my correspondence, not doubting but you will use me as well as you did Mr. Wilson, and you may depend on my punctuality with respect to payments.

My late master has no objection to my setting up, as it will not be in the least prejudicial to his business. I shall depend on your sending me the following order as soon and as cheap as possible, and am, sir,

Sir,

YOUR

Your humble servant.

LETTER XXXIII.

The merchant's answer.

OURS I received, and am extremely glad to hear that your parents have enabled you to open a shop for yourself. Your behaviour to your late master was such, that it cannot fail of procuring you many customers. I have sent you the goods by the Stafford waggon, in twelve

parcels, marked X I; and I doubt not but you will be punctual in your returns, which will always enable me to serve you as low as possible, and with the best goods which I can procure. I heartily wish you success in business, and doubt not but you well know, that honesty and assiduity are the most likely means to insure it, and am, Your obliged servant.

I

LETTER XXXIV.

From a young man whose master had lately died. Sir,

DOUBT not but you have heard of my late worthy master's death. I have served him, as apprentice and journeyman, above twelve years; and as my mistress does not choose to carry on the business, I have taken the shop and stock in trade, and shall be glad to deal with you in the same manner he did. I have sent the inclosed order for payment of such bills as are due, and you may depend on punctuality with respect to the remainder, for which purpose let them be entered as my debt. Please to send the inclosed order, and let the goods be the best you have, which will oblige

Your humble servant.

YOU

OURS I received, and am extremely sorry to hear of the death of my good friend, your late master: but, at the same time, pleased to find that his business has fallen into such good hands as yours. You have double advantage over a stranger, as you are well acquainted both with your late master's trade and customers, which by his dealings with me, appear to be very extensive. I have sent your order in ten bales, marked O P, by the Speedwell, of Hull, John Thompson, master, and you will find them as good and cheap as any that are to be had in London. I heartily thank you for your offered

correspondence; and shall, on all occasions, use you with honour. I wish you all manner of success; and am, &c.

LETTER XXXVI.

To a correspondent, requesting the payment of a sum

Sir,

A

of money.

LTHOUGH the balance of the account between us has been of long standing in my favour, yet I would not have applied to you at present, had not a very unexpected demand been made upon me for a considerable sum, which, without your assistance, is not in my power to answer. When I have an opportunity of seeing you, I shall then inform you of the nature of this demand, and the necessity of my discharging it. I hope you will excuse me this freedom, which nothing but a regard to my credit and family could oblige me to take. If it does not suit you to remit the whole, part will be thankfully received by

Your humble servant.

I

HAVE just received yours, and am sorry to hear of your affliction. That the account between us was not sooner settled, was owing to the failure of two principal creditors. I have just received a remittance from Nottingham, and am greatly pleased that it is in my power to answer the whole of your demand. The balance between us is two hundred and fifty pounds, for which I have sent inclosed an order on Mr. Cash, the banker. I hope you will surmount this and every other difficulty, and am,

Your sincere well-wisher.