The Gentleman's Model Letter-writer Part 16

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 a.s.sistance 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 compa.s.sionate heart. However, now, dear sir, you know the whole of my circ.u.mstances, 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,

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 remain,

Dear Sir,

Yours respectfully,

D. T----.

_Reply to Young Man intending to go into Business._