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.
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Very truly yours,
The Rev. ----
----
_A Gentleman applying to an Agent at a Watering-place for Lodgings._
Thickset Lodge, Howbury, May 1st, 187--
SIR,
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.
Yours faithfully,
----
_Reply._
Marchsea, May 4th, 187--
SIR,
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.
I remain,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
----
_An Application for a Donation to a Charitable Institution in the
Country, such as Coal and Blanket Club and Soup Kitchen._
Hampton, December 1st, 187--
SIR,
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 remain,
Yours obediently,
----
_Letter in reply, enclosing a Donation._
Hampton, December 4th, 187--
SIR,
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 10_l._ which I enclose.
I remain,
Sir,
Yours obediently,
----
_Reply, unfavourable, to an application for a Donation._
Belfield, January 1st, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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.
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Yours faithfully,
JOHN ELLIS.
----
_A Gentleman to a Friend, speaking of kindness received in another
friend's house._
Stalybridge, May 1st, 187--
DEAR GEORGE,
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 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.
Believe me,
Yours very sincerely,
JAMES TURNER.
----
_Gentleman in reply._
Preston, May 6th, 187--
DEAR JAMES,
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 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.
Believe me,
Yours very sincerely,
GEORGE MILNER.
----
_From a Gentleman to another, explaining the cause of not replying
to a Letter from a Gentleman Abroad._
Poonah House, December 14th, 187--
MY DEAR JOHN,
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 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.
Yours very sincerely,
H. D.
----
_From a Gentleman in Town to another in the Country, enclosing a
Wedding Gift._
United Hotel, Waterloo Place, January 18th, 187--
MY DEAR JONES,
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 see the opening of Parliament? If so I can secure
you a very advantageous seat. With kind regards and good wishes,
I remain, yours sincerely,
H. W. B.
----
_A Letter to a Gentleman who has been making inquiries about a
Lady's Horse._
Hithrun, March 26th, 187--
DEAR MARDEN,
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.
Yours very truly,
J. L----T.
----
_Regretting being unable to give an Appointment to a Situation._
Oakham, December 1st, 187--
DEAR MR. ----
I am exceedingly sorry at having to return your enclosures without
being able to offer you the appointment in question.
Regretting the trouble you have had, and with my best wishes,
Believe me,
Yours very truly,
H. H. V.
----
_From one Gentleman to another, relative to a Dog._
Rochester, March 6th, 187--
DEAR FELLOWES,
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.
Believe me,
Yours very sincerely,
H. M. E.
----
_Reply to Letter relative to a Dog._
Tipnor, 10th March, 187--
DEAR PURCHASE,
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 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.
Believe me,
Yours sincerely,
H. M. FOX.
----
_In reply to a Gentleman inquiring for a Solicitor who may be
moderate in his charges._
Sheffield, December 29th, 187--
MY DEAR SIR,
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.
Thank you very much for your kind offer of a welcome, and believe me
to be,
Yours truly,
H. F.
----
_Application for a House, Furnished, desiring Lowest Terms._
The Limes, Hampstead, May 1st, 187--
SIR,
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.
Yours faithfully,
H. D. T.
----
_To a Relieving Officer, by a Neighbour of a Poor Woman taken Ill._
Tapton, March 17th, 187--
SIR,
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 am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
GEORGE NEWNS.
----
_Reply to a Gentleman recommending a young Man for Employment as a
Porter._
Hitchin, June 12th, 18--
SIR,
I have received your communication relative 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.
I remain,
Sir,
Yours obediently,
J. D. S----.
----
_Application to Borrow Money._
Ashmead, January 11th, 187--
DEAR ROGERS,
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 20_l._ for a month?
Yours ever,
SETH JONES.
----
_Reply, granting the Loan._
18, Stanhope Gardens, January 11th, 187--
DEAR JONES,
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 20_l._, and shall be glad if you will dine
with me this evening. Bring your I. O. U.
Yours ever,
SAML. ROGERS.
----
_Reply to a Gentleman who wishes to claim an Estate in Chancery._
Strand, June 14th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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.
Believe me,
Yours truly,
JOSIAH WEBB.
----
_In reply to a Gentleman asking the Loan of a Book relative to
German Spa Waters._
Harrow, May 4th, 187--
DEAR FRANCIS,
I was heartily glad to hear from you again, as I was beginning to
fancy you had forgotten me. So 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.
Trusting you will derive benefit from the change,
Believe me, yours ever,
----
_A Gentleman applying for a Loan on the Insurance of his Life._
Chelsea, S.W., May 14th, 187--
SIR,
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 50_l._ A reply at your earliest convenience will
oblige,
Yours faithfully,
S. H. BOLT.
To J. H., Esq.,
E. I. Office, Trade Street.
----
_Appointing an Interview relative to a Loan_.
Trade Street, May 16th, 187--
SIR,
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?
Yours faithfully,
GEORGE SIMMS,
_Secretary_.
S. H. Bolt, Esq.
----
_A Letter from a Marine Engineer, seeking an eligible Partnership._
Ipswich, March 14, 187--
SIR,
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.
If you will favour me with a call, I will enter more fully into
particulars.
I remain, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
H. B. C.
----
_A Gentleman having visited a Property making an Offer for it._
The Elms, Whitchurch, Feb. 15th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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 L-- 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.
Yours truly,
A. B. H.
----
_Reply to a Gentleman who has been treating for a House._
Westwood, February 16th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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.
Yours truly,
H. ----.
----
_From a Young Man who has taken his late Employer's Business, to an
old Customer._
Romsey, July 4th, 187--
SIR,
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.
I remain,
Yours respectfully,
----
_To a Young Man, relative to his late Employer's Business, which he
proposes to carry on._
Portsmouth, July 7th, 187-
SIR,
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 remain,
Yours faithfully,
JOHN BACON.
----
_From a Young Tradesman, asking Advice in Difficulties._
Commercial Road, June 12th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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
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,
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Yours most respectfully,
H. S. F.
----
_Reply to Young Tradesman's Letter, relative to Difficulties._
St. Mary Axe, London, June 19th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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 present imagine. Let me see
you as soon as you can. Keep nothing back from me.
Yours truly,
H. T. G.
----
_From a Man with a small Capital intending to go into Business,
asking for Advice._
Penge, April 5th, 187--
DEAR MR. MATTHEWS,