New letter writer, or, Polite correspondence, on friendship, business, courtship, love, and marriage
THE
New Letter Writer,
OR,
POLITE CORRESPONDENCE,
On Friendship, Business, Courtship,
Love, and Marriage.
To which is added,
Cards of Compliment.
PAISLEY:
Printed by J. Neilson.
1811.
THE
LETTER WRITER.
From a friend to Another in the Country.
Dear Sir,
EMBOLDENED by the many protestations of friendship which you have been so kind to make, I take the liberty of humbly requesting you will be so good as to devote the first convenient day you have in seeking a proper school for my eldest son; it being my duty, I think, to put him under the care of a good preceptor; for as he is now capable of spelling and reading decently, of course, he wants the instructions of a master, not of a mistress. I with him, if possible, to be near you, that I may frequently have the pleasure of hearing a real account of the progress which he makes. Your compliance with the above, will be a considerable addition to all former obligations, and render me
Answer to the foregoing.
Dear Sir,
According to your request, I made every necessary inquiry; and am happy to inform you, that within about two miles of my residence there is a gentleman of the church who keeps a school, that bears a most excellent character: his attention to the young gentlemen under his care is remarkable—his terms are moderate—and his mode of teaching universally approved of: he wisely endeavours to render the arduous talk of learning more a pleasure than a toil; corrects with gentlenss the several errors of forward dispositions; and instils such noble principles in their young minds, that, as they improve in years, grow up with them. His first and general care is making them write letters with ease and elegance.—This he does by putting the Letter Writer into their hands, and making each establish a correspondence with another, while a certain day in the week is appropriated for examining their epistles, and very due encouragement is given to such as excel in their productions. Should it please any friend to send his son to this school, he may depend upon my constant visits to see him and a faithful communication of what progress he makes. I shall also endeavour to render the young gentleman's holidays as agreeable to him as possible; and, by shewing my affection for the son, prove how much I am his father's most obedient, &c.
The Father's Reply, returning thanks.
Impressed with a just sense of my dear friend's good-nature and benevolence, I really feel, but cannot possibly express, how much I am indebted to him. Accept my thanks for the kind care and assiduity you have manifested in complying with my requests; and believe me, that, from the great recommendation you have given of the school, I shall not only prefer it to any other, but send my son there without further loss of time.
From a Lady to her Friend in the Country.
My dear friend will, I hope, excuse the task I am about imposing on her, when she considers the necessity of the business. My daughter Harriot, is now arrived to an age that is not only the most capable of acquiring, but also of retaining instructions. I think it the duty of all fond mothers, according to the best of their abilities, to give their daughters a good education. A young lady possessed of these desirable accomplishments, which can only be derived from proper governesses, needs no further qualifications to encounter the vicissitudes of life. I request, then, you will make a speedy application to your neighbour, Mrs.——. I wish to know her terms of teaching Dancing, Music, English, French, and especially all manner of needle-work; for, though Harriot will be mistress of a good fortune, it is, notwithstanding, indisputably necessary, that a young lady should know the proper use of her needle. I shall wait with the utmost impatience for my friend's answer, meantime remain, Hers affectionately, &c.
An answer to the above.
Agreeable to my friend's request, I have applied to my neighbour, who keeps the boarding school. I have inclosed her card, which contains her terms and the rules of her school. I approve highly of your intention, and doubt not, but Harriot herself, when she becomes sensible of your goodness, will be grateful for it. I am surprised you should think the task of friendship any trouble—for the future then, instead of requesting—command the services of
A Reply to the foregoing.
My dear Charlotte,
The lady's terms being exceedingly moderate, and the rules of the school corresponding entirely with my wishes, l do not hesitate in sending her my dear girl immediately; assured, from the great encouragement which your polite favour has given me, that Harriot, during our separation, will, every opportunity, find a second mother in her mother's dear friend.
From a Son to his Father.
Dear and most Worthy Sir,
This being the day appointed by my master for epistle-writing, and left to my choice of addressing whom I pleased, I could not possibly forbear availing myself of the first opportunity to inquire after my dear father's health—and also to express the satisfaction and pleasure I feel in my present situation; for my master is so good, that he indulges me with many hours of recreation, and I make no doubt but I shall profit so much by his great care and instructions, as to be shortly able to give ample specimens that no attention is wanting on my part.
The Father's answer.
My dear Boy,
I cannot possibly express the great satisfaction I felt, while reading your affectionate letter. You have given me great proofs already of your attention; nor shall your present assiduity be unrewarded; for I have herewith written to my friend to increase your pocket-money. I am happy that you take so much pleasure in learning, this being the time tor improvement. They repent generally all their lives, who neglect their studies in their early days. Youth is never to be redeemed. Continue then, my dear son, to mind your book, and observe your master's precepts, for your present labour will make ample compensation hereafter and you shall always find me,
From the Son to the Father, requesting leave to see him.
Dear and Honoured Sir,
To-morrow being the day appointed for our breaking up for the holidays, I shall be happy, if it were agreeable to you, to spend the vacation at home, as I feel a strong inclination to see my dear father and mother again, my sisters, and other loving relations. Should my request meet with your approbation, since my master has referred me to you, I shall prepare for my journey early in the week, when I hope personally to declare myself.
An Answer to the above.
My dear Boy,
Just on the receipt of your letter, your mother and I, after some serious consideration, had resolved to write to your master, respecting the request you have made. I am happy to find that it is agreeable to him, for, believe me, we are as eager to see you, as you can possibly be to see us. I admire your wish, as it is the result of filial affection; therefore, as soon as possible, prepare for your journey. Meanwhile, believe me to be,
From a Daughter to her Mother.
My dear Mamma,
I have seized the earliest opportunity of returning sincere thanks for this evident assurance of maternal affection, in placing me under the care of a worthy woman, who often reminds me of my dear mamma, by her motherly affection. It is impossible to overlook her instructions, she takes such gentle means of giving them. I want nothing to make me completely happy, except your good presence; but as I know it is for my good, I endeavour to reconcile myself to our separation The time I hope will shortly come, when I shall see my dear dear mamma, and declare myself in person,
The Mother's answer.
Dearest Harriot,
Your letter gave me inexpressible happiness, as every line evidently proceeded from the heart. I rejoice to hear by letters from my friend, that you make a rapid progress in your French. You pay uncommon attention, I understand, to your grammar, which gives me no little satisfaction; for I assure you, Harriot, nothing redounds more to the credit of a young lady, than writing and speaking correctly; how many of our sex expose themselves by corrupt phrases and false concords! I would not that my child would be pedantic and over nice. It is a mistaken notion to think that learning in our sex is always united with stiff pedantry. They are ignorant and vain who make a boast of their qualifications; and it is those who pretend to the most that are generally the least endued with understanding: Never, my dear Harriot, affect superiority of knowledge; let your stile be always plain and familiar, but exempt from vulgarisms; never make use of a word you do not perfectly understand: I have often blushed for many a young lady, nay, many of the other sex too, who had introduced expressions quite foreign to their intended meaning: this downright ignorance proceeds from downright arrogance: I dare say, my dear Harriot, knowing what an enemy I am to repetitions, will now turn critic and find faults with my downrights. But, take notice, that when a repetition enforces an affection, it is then, instead of being a fault, deemed a beauty; there are many tautologies in our poets, which, in a great measure, add to their force and energy. I am proud to find my dear Harriot so correct in her spelling; there is nothing dignifies a female letter, more than this attention; a young lady should always have her dictionary near her, and never commit a word to paper that she entertains the least doubt of. It has been remarked by some conceited, empty fools, that good spelling is not to be expected from the pens of young ladies; and why not? Do you not, my dear child, feel this declaration as an insult to our understanding? Are we not endued with the same capability of acquiring learning as a man? Are we not equally docile, and shall we not be equally improved? If every female feels this saying as I do, they would be stimulated to prove it absurd and false; they would apply themselves more to study, and convince the world, that a Smith can write as well as a Cumberland—a Robinson or Inchbald as correct as a Burgoyne. I need not add more to convince my dear Harriot of the utility of learning. I hope she will make herself mistress of her own language, before she attempts to learn another; for it is too often the case, that a young lady will begin French before she knows English; and young gentleman as frequently begin Latin before, they can read the Bible; in like manner, Greek before they are acquainted with the Latin Rudiments; the fatal consequence is, that when they leave their studies, they are ignorant of all. I hope to surprise my dear Harriot shortly, by paying her an unexpected visit, and giving her an agreeable present, to prove myself,
From a Tradesmon to his Son, at School.
My dear William,
As you are now arrived to an age of discernment, I hope you will not mispend the most precious part of your life, and neglect those necessary means which most qualify you to become an useful citizen. Let me know whatever business your inclination leads you to, and I shall look out immediately for a proper master: but, before you become apprenticed, it behoves you to be very diligent; you should read with propriety, write well, and understand accounts perfectly; pay particular attention to your spelling and arithmetic. I desire an answer to this by return of post, without being either previously read or corrected by your master, that I may hereby judge of the progress you are making.
I am your affectionate father,
The Son's answer.
Dear and Honoured Sir,
In obedience to your requests, you may depend upon my diligence and attention, it being the chief of my ambition to be bound as soon as possible, and become a man of business. I confess myself partial to the employments of a Bookseller and Stationer: should my father endeavour to procure such a master for me, I would strain every nerve to render myself a worthy apprentice, and as duty demands, a grateful son. William.
The Father to his Son, when bound.
My dear William,
AS I have now satisfied your wish, in procuring you the desired master, I hope you will be mindful of the advice I gave you the last time I had the pleasure of seeing you. Consider your future prosperity depends upon your present attention; think no more of play, but devote your mind to business: In short, lose the boy by becoming the man; be obedient to all your master’s commands, follow his advice and example, and I make no doubt but you will become a worthy and respectable citizen. I remain your affectionate father, W. Tradewell.
The Son's Answer.
Dear Sir,
I should be both wanting in duty and gratitude, if I neglected your advice. I have no reason to complain. You have put me to a business I admire; and my master is as indulgent as my father. I am conscious of the necessity of my obedience and attention, and hope I shall never be deficient in either. I am, dear Sir, your dutiful Son,
From a young Merchant to a Wholssale Dealer.
Sir,
By the recommendation of a neighbour, who has expatiated much upon your character, I think proper, while commencing business, to make application to you, requesting you will send me a proper quantity of things for a young beginner, of the best quality, and on the most reasonable terms, which I think myself entitled to, as all our dealings, I intend, shall be ready money. I am, Sir, Yours, &c.
From the Wholesale Dealer in Answer.
In answer to your favour of the 6th instant, I shall, by to-morrow's coach, send you a few articles, which I shall submit as a specimen of both the quality and cheapness of all my things. Should it be your pleasure to repeat your order, I shall endeavour to prove myself deserving of your favour. I am, with sincere wishes for your success,
From a Tradesman to another, for Money.
Sir,
Having an unexpected bill to make up, and being at present deficient in money, I take the liberty of troubling you for the small balance of accounts which is at present between us. If it should be inconvenient to let me have the whole, a part at this critical juncture will exceedingly oblige
The Answer.
Sir,
Agreeable to your request, I have inclosed an order, payable at sight, for the full balance which remains due, to Mr. Tradewell, at Cheapside, who will deliver either it or the cash, upon receiving your receipt for the same. I request, for the future, that you will give me proper notice when you wish payment to be made.
From a Retail Dealer to a Wholesale one.
Sir,
AS it behoves me, as well as every one else in business, to be very particular in respect of the goodness of their commodities, I am sorry to inform you, that the last articles I received from your home by no means correspond with my wishes; and if you do not, for the future, let me have prime goods, regard for my reputation will oblige me to apply elsewhere. I am, Sir,
In Answer to the above.
Sir,
I am exceedingly sorry, through the mistake of my journeyman, you should have any cause of complaint; but, as I intend for the future to oversee all the articles you may require made up before they are sent, you may depend upon receiving the very best. A proper abatement shall be made on the former goods delivered.
I am, Sir,
From Wholesale Dealers to a Retail one.
Sir,
We are exceedingly sorry to be under the necessity of becoming now urgent, but as you are very backward in your remittances, and our profits so small on the goods we have sent you, we expect an immediate draft, or order, for the fum which is so long due, otherwise we shall be obliged to take such measures as must prove very disagreeable to you, and, Sir, Your humble Servants.
An Answer to the foregoing.
Gentlemen,
The unexpected and severe losses which I have felt, have been, I assure you, the sole cause of my being thus remiss. I humbly acknowlegde your lenity, and request your acceptance of my bill at two months' date, money being at this time very scarce, and my debtors exceedingly tardy in their payments. Should this be agreeable, you may depend upon my punctuality in future, as I now intend to enter into a resolution of giving no credit. I am, with sincere thanks for your late goodness, Gentlemen,
A Reply to the above Answer.
Sir,
We should be exceedingly sorry to distress any one, knowing the ill consequences of being distressed ourselves. We have therefore sent a bill for your acceptance, at three, instead of two months date; by which time, we sincerely hope you may surmount all your difficulties. We remain, Sir,
From a Lover to the Object of his Affection.
Madam,
The ardent passion I entertain for you, being founded on the basis of sincerity, will, I hope, be ample apology for this seeming presumption. As my views are both honourable and just, they cannot, I trust, give any offence to that delicacy which I so much admire. I have beheld you, unobserved, with the profoundest attention, till at last, I was led to behold you with admiration; and discovering such amiability in your countenance, was induced by the sensibility which it indicated, to flatter myself your mind is susceptible of impression, and would not deny encouragement, where truth, honour, and sincerity are advocates. I am thereby encouraged to avow an honest passion, and indulge at least a distant hope of success. Permit me, then, on any day that may be convenient, and in the presence of whatever friend may be deemed most proper, personally to assure you how much I am, with all due respect,
The young Lady's Answer.,
Sir,
AS your unexpected favour required much consideration, it was totally out of my power to give it an immediate reply. I was induced to think some part of it flattery, than which there is nothing gives me greater offence. At times I was apprehensive that the whole proceeded from gallantry; but I hope. Sir, neithe my conduct nor manners render me a proper object for ill-timed wit or cruel sport: there is something however, in the latter part of your favour, which promises sincerity, and indicates honour. I cannot, however, approve of a sudden passion which prudence and decorum forbid; notwithstanding I shall be very happy to have the pleasure of your company any evening, with other friends, provided you will wave a subject that requires both time and consideration before it can be with any propriety introduced, I am, Sir,
Rosina.
To the same Lady, after some time.
Dear Madam,
You will now give me leave, I hope, to renew a subject which, according to your request, I have, with the greatest difficulty imaginable, endeavoured to suppress. You have ample proofs, I flatter myself, that neither interested nor dishonourable views attend this proposal. I candidly declare, that I never found my heart in the situation it is now. This sensibility of love, susceptible of every nice feeling, induces me to announce an utter aversion to those tedious forms of courtship, which I hear have often continued, till love itself became weary and indifferent. Whether my passion is more ardent than common, I cannot say, but, I really assure you. I can live no longer without you, I am, so much, Madam,
From the Young Lady in Reply.
Sir,
I am no more fond of the fashionable modes of courtship than yourself. Plain dealing, I acknowledge, is best; but methinks, common decency should always be preserved
Our acquaintance has been no longer than six months—too short a time, I think, to form an opinion of one's disposition; and I assure you, Sir, I hope, the man that is destined to be my husband may know me perfectly, while he is my lover.
There is something so peculiar and whimsical in your manner of expression, that I am absolutely at a loss to determine whether you are serious, or only write for your own amusement. I must, therefore, beg leave to decline all further remarks upon this subject, till we are better known to each other, and you explain yourself in more intelligible terms. I shall then, perhaps, be better able to form a judgement of your passion, and more capable of returning a proper answer. What influence your future addresses may have over me, I cannot possibly say, but to be more free and candid, your present attempts have made no impression upon the heart of
From a friend to another, advising him to Marry.
Dear Charles,
I am sorry to hear that you have absolutely declared against matrimony, and for no other reason as I can learn, but because you are not acquainted with its sweets. Has not both Providence and religion enjoined this sacred union? Would we be now in existence only for it? But without confining ourselves to general reflections, let us see if you could not live more comfortably with a woman, than in the single state you are at present resolved to make choice of; for my part, I must think that if you think yourself capable of regulating a family, of living upon good terms with an honest person, and of giving good education to your children, you would find that there is nothing more agreeable than to live with a woman who has made a tender of herself to you, and who is inclined to discharge faithfully all the duties incumbent on that union. If you examine every thing which passes in a family under proper regulations, you will see that a good virtuous wife, shares with her husband all the pleasures or sorrow that may happen. His joy she encreases by adding her own, and his afflictions she alleviates by the part she bears in them. Conjugal affection, when it is sincere, seldom decreases; but, supposing the first transport of love to suffer an abatement, still a virtuous woman is the best friend a man can have; they concert together the measures they judge conformable to what they design to undertake or put in execution; they never act but by agreement: their thoughts and sentiments rest on the foundation of mutual confidence; and the good understanding which subsists between them, adds unspeakable charms to the union. A husband may leave home and enjoy uninterrupted tranquillity, because he leaves the care of family concerns to a frugal and good housewife. If he has children—how sweet are the effects of his love, who will hereafter be the support of his old age? Single life in men can no where find the consolation and assistance that are to be met with in the society of women. Providence has given this help to man as a sort of helpmate, and therefore, as the scripture says, "it is not good for man to be alone."
The Romans (as appears in history) expelled from their city those who persisted to live in a state of celibacy, as being useless to the republic. There is something unnatural in a man desiring to remain a bachelor all the days of his life? It is contradictory to the laws of reason and nature! He that hates a woman, hates the loveliesiet part of heaven's creation, and well deserves to be hated himself! I hope, then, my friend will change his opinion of a single life, and lay upon himself the injunction of matrimony, which, no doubt, will be more agreeable than he has hitherto thought it. He will, I hope, take in part the advice I here presume to give, and believe that I am, His sincere friend.
An Answer.
Sir,
I thank you for your letter of advice; and to prove that I have attended to your counsel, and followed your precepts, I beg leave to inform you, that I have given both my hand and heart, this day, to a lady of Grosvenor-square. This may appear somewhat extraordinary after the resolution that I made; but believe me, Sir, that resolution proceeded not from an aversion to women, as you have unkindly insinuated, but from motives of real tenderness and affection. My property was but small, and only sufficient for one person; by marrying, I not only endanger the happiness of myself, but perhaps bring misfortunes upon the head of a virtuous woman. If poverty knocks at the door, love not only gives admittance, but leaves the room; and those very children that you say will be our comfort and happiness, may serve, in such case, only to add to our affliction, by adding to our wants. Believe me, my dear Sir, I should never, notwithstanding all your persuasive arguments, have been tempted in my poor state to marry a woman, had not my uncle lately died and left me an estate, which, without an heir, must have perished in my family; for, though your picture of matrimony is very captivating, and may in some measure be just, yet, (for example) I can draw one that is not only alarming, but equally true—husband and wife are together without a competency for life; a child, year after year enters the world, to be both miserable and to make them so! Are the cries of these children harmonious?—are they the sweets of matrimony? "It is better for a man to be alone."
All politeness after marriage ceases: "A lover, when a husband, is a lover no more." This is a common saying, and I believe it is verified by almost every couple after the honeymoon. Good manners and respect generally cease after marriage, and of course ill-humour and anger fill their place! If a wife drops her handkerchief, her fan, or any thing else, the husband leaves her to take it up herself; but when he was courting, how readily would he fly to her assistance, how gladly stop to serve her? A husband you may see very often take the wall-side of his wife whenever they are walking together; they will frequently take a long walk and not exchange a single word. Such are the pleasures and harmony of matrimony.
My friend will now give me leave to point out the blessings of a single life. A bachelor has no cause for jealousy, nor is he fretted with the jealousy of his wife! he is unacquainted with the actions of crim. con. and the disquietudes attending a bad woman—he has no sons to torment him with extravagence and dissipation; he has no daughters eloping with footmen, or sacrificing their virtue; in short, he has no plagues which are so common to married men, and which, Heaven grant may never be known by my dear friend, or his
CARDS OF COMPLIMENT.
Lord B— requests the pleasure of Mr. F—'s company, this evening to join him and other friends at the Opera House.
Tuesday morning.
Mr. F—'s most respectful compliments to Lord B—, is very sorry he is already engaged on a similar occasion.
Tuesday, 1 o'clock.
Miss Watson returns thanks to Mr. Airy for his polite offer, which she is very sorry she cannot accept, having already engaged herself.
Thursday, 5 o'clock.
Miss H—'s respectful compliments to Lady W—, entreats the honour of her company this afternoon to tea and coffee.
10 o'clock morning.
Lady W—'s compliments to Mis H—is happy to accept the polite invitation.
11 o'clock morning.
Mrs. William's compliments to Mrs. Hartley and the young ladies, hopes they have got safe home, and are perfectly recovered from the fatigue of last night.
Wednesday.
Mrs. and Misses Hartley return thanks to Mrs. Williams for her kind enquiries—returned home perfectly safe, and are all well—Sally accepted, who has got a slight cold.
Wednesday.
Miss Wilmot's compliments to Miss Harcourt, requests the pleasure of her company to dinner next Sunday. Dinner to be on the table at four o'clock.
Friday.
Miss Harcourt's compliments, will not fail to wait upon Miss Wilmot.
Friday.
This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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