Part 4
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 £-- 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,
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._
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,