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 remain,
Dear Sir,
Yours respectfully,
D. T----.
----
_Reply to Young Man intending to go into Business._
Tarnham, May 4th, 187--
DEAR MR. THOMAS,
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 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,
Believe me,
Your sincere friend,
----
_From a Merchant abroad to his Brother, forwarding Goods for Sale,
and requesting others._
Leghorn, May 4th, 187--
DEAR FRED,
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.
Your affectionate brother,
J. T.
----
_Brother answering his Brother or Friend, relative to receipt of
Goods._
London, May 16th, 187--
DEAR JOHN,
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.
Your affectionate brother,
FRED.
----
_A Gentleman in the Corn Trade to another._
Petersfield, January 31st, 187--
DEAR ----,
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,
with a quiet demand. I shall be in your neighbourhood on Sunday, and
will give you a call.
Yours very truly,
J----N D----R.
----
_From a Friend at Bradford to his Friend in London, on Business
(Wool)._
Bradford, January 17th, 187--
DEAR ----,
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 remain,
Yours sincerely,
JAMES BOLTON.
----
_From a Shopkeeper in the Country, to a Wholesale Dealer._
Cefnmawr, October 1st, 187--
SIR,
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 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,
I remain, Sir,
Yours truly,
H. N----.
----
_Wholesale Dealer, to Tradesman in the Country._
London, October 4th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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.
We remain,
Sir,
Yours obediently,
A. O----.
----
_To a Theatrical Manager._
Shoreham, September, 187--
SIR,
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.
I remain, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
H. ADAIR.
----
_From a House and Estate Agent, acknowledging receipt of a
Communication relative to Sale or Letting of a Property._
84, Crane Street, London, Nov. 14th, 187--
MADAM,
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 4_l._ 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 step beyond placing Treverne House on my
list, to sell or let.
I remain, Madam,
Yours faithfully,
THOMAS OLIVER.
Mrs. A. Morgan,
18, St. George's Road, Hanover Square.
----
_A Gentleman to a Friend, relative to a Bill._
Tangel Lane, May 25th, 187--
DEAR ROBSON,
I had a note from Mr. B---- this morning relative to our bill for
50_l._ 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.
Yours ever,
J. F. T.
----
_Reply to Question as to Rent of, and permission to View, a House._
Wandsworth, May 5th, 187--
SIR,
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; the neighbourhood is excellent. There is a good
market town within easy reach. Trusting to hear from you shortly,
I remain,
Yours faithfully,
H---- H----.
----
_From the Secretary of a Convalescent Hospital, applying for
Expenses of Patients._
Denbigh, July 20th, 187--
SIR,
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.
I remain, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
H---- H---- I----.
----
_From a Gentleman, enclosing a Certificate of Illness from a Medical
Man, excusing himself from attending at his Office._
Brompton, May 28th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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.
Believe me,
Yours very truly,
H. B. H.
----
_Medical Attendant's Certificate._
Brompton, May 28th, 187--
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.
B---- O----, M.D.
----
_Reply to an Advertisement for the Appointment of Medical Officer to
an Union Division._
Bromley, May 14th, 187--
GENTLEMEN,
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 remain,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
P---- A----.
----
_To a Gentleman in reply as to an Agency for a Bordeaux Firm._
Strand, London, March 6th, 187--
SIR,
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
Yours truly,
JAMES MORTINE.
_One of the Firm of Mortine & Co._
----
_Letter urging Payment of a Debt._
Doncaster, April 10th, 187--
SIR,
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,
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
H. H. C.
----
_A Tenant to a Landlord, requesting Time to Pay Rent._
14, Steel Street, January 21st, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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,
I am, dear Sir,
Yours respectfully,
ADAM JONES.
C. Douglas, Esq.
----
_Answer from a Landlord in reply to a Tenant, relative to
Non-payment of Rent._
Lansdowne Place, April 14th, 187--
SIR,
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 remain,
Yours faithfully,
JOHN SAVAGE.
----
_Reply from Landlord to a Tenant, relative to Non-payment of Rent._
Hood's Place, Waverton, January 21st, 187--
SIR,
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.
I remain,
Sir,
Yours obediently,
JAMES GOODCHILD.
----
_A Sugar Refiner applying for a Situation._
Shoreditch, July 19th, 187--
GENTLEMEN,
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,
Yours respectfully,
O. ----
Messrs. Sweet and Sharp.
----
_An Application for an Appointment on a Railway._
Chatham, January 1st, 187--
SIR,
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.
I remain, Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
JAMES MAURICE.
Samuel Stevens, Esq.,
Secretary Tavistock Railway.
----
_Reply to a Gentleman requiring a Situation as a Clerk and Foreign
Correspondent._
Austin Friars, July 14th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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, 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.
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Yours obediently,
J. JONES.
----
_Applying for a Clerkship._
GENTLEMEN,
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.
I remain,
Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
----
_A Reply to an Advertisement for an Appointment as Secretary to an
Institution._
London, May 31st, 187--
"_Wanted immediately, a Secretary._"
SIR,
With reference to the above advertisement I beg to enclose copies of
testimonials, received within 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.
I remain,
Sir,
Yours faithfully,
H. V. Y.
----
_Applying to a Friend for a Recommendation by a Young Man desirous
of obtaining an Appointment._
Chelsea, May 14th, 187--
DEAR SIR,
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,
I remain,
Dear Sir,
Yours respectfully,
H. P. K.
----
_An Application for a Situation in the Police._
Sevenoaks, February 12th, 187--
SIR,
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.
I remain, Sir,
Yours most respectfully,
H. J. I.,
Late Sergeant 199th Foot.
Colonel ----, Belgrave Square.
----
_From a Person desirous of Employment as a Manager of a Wholesale or
Retail Business._
Shepherd's Bush, April 5th, 187--
GENTLEMEN,
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.
Trusting that you will favourably consider my friend's
recommendation,
I remain, Gentlemen,
Yours faithfully,
----
_Reply to an Application relating to an Advertisement._
420, Princes Street, London.
SIR,
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 L---- per annum. There is one appointment
also connected with this, worth L---- per annum; but the individual
who takes this is expected to introduce L---- on share or loan
capital. Should this be likely to suit you, please make an
appointment for an early interview.
Yours faithfully,
----
_A Book-keeper and Accountant applying for Employment._
Hampton, February 1st, 187--
SIR,
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 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,
I remain, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
----
_Application for Employment in an Auctioneer's and Estate Agent's
Office._
Swansea, July 1st, 187--
GENTLEMEN,
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.
I remain, Sir,
Yours respectfully,
----
_A Person desirous of entering into Partnership in a Lucrative
Profession._
Ladbroke Terrace, May 1st, 187--
SIR,
Having seen that Mr. B---- has retired from your firm, I beg to
introduce to your notice a friend of mine, who wishes to invest
about 2000_l._ 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.
Yours truly,
----
_An Estate Agent, relative to a House of which his Client is anxious
to Dispose._
Salisbury, February 14th, 187--
_Re Woodside._
DEAR SIR,
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.
An early call or reply would greatly oblige,
Your most obedient servant,
H. & Co.
----
_From an Agent who has been engaged in endeavouring to arrange a
matter of importance, applying for Remuneration._
189, Trafalgar Square, September 14th, 187--
DEAR MADAM,
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.
I remain,
Dear Madam,
Yours very faithfully,
ERASMUS JACKSON.
----
_Letter from a Traveller at Manchester, to his Employers in London._
Manchester, January 18th, 187--
DEAR SIRS,