To THE DIRECTORS OF THE PITTSBURGH GLASS WORKS,
Pittsburgh, Pa.,
Dear Sirs :
Please accept my immediate resignation as business
manager of your manufactory.
Yours Respectfully,
WM. D. WEBSTER.
Clergyman's Resignation.
To THE TRUSTEES OF FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH,
Pittsfield, Mass.,
Gentlemen :
It has now been seven years since the commence-
ment of my pastoral connection with the First Baptist Church of this
city. During this time the church society has grown in numbers, the
sabbath school has been continually blessed by a large attendance, and
the relations between pastor and congregation have always been of a
most pleasant character. For these and other reasons it would be
agreeable to continue my connection with the society longer; but other
fields of labor affording wider and better opportunities, I feel it but just
that I accept the privileges offered.
Thanking the congregation to whom I have ministered for their kind
and unwavering support, and praying for your continued prosperity, I
desire you to accept my resignation as pastor of your society, to take
effect January 15, 1878. Yours Very Respectfully,
CHAS. B. HANFORD.
Letter Complaining of Error in a Bill.
TROY, X. Y., June 10, 18 .
MESSRS. II. B. CLAFLIN & Co.,
New York,
Dear Sirs :
Upon examining bill accompanying your last lot
of goods, I find that J am charged with four dozerupairs of cotton hose
which I never ordered nor received. I enclose the bill and copy of the
invoice of goods, that the error may be corrected. I am, gentlemen,
Yours Very Respectfully,
H. B. MOORE.
Answer to the Foregoing.
NEW YORK, June u, 18 .
MR. H. B. MOORE,
Troy, N. Y.,
Dear Sir:
We regret that you were put to any trouble by the
carelessness of a clerk, who, having proved himself incompetent, has
left our service. We enclose the correct bill to you, and offer apologies
for the error. Truly Yours,
H. B. CLAFLIN & CO.
An Application for a Situation on a Railway.
DAVENPORT, IA., Jan. 15, 18 .
HON. B. C. SMITH,
Dear Sir :
L T nderstanding that you are a shareholder in some
of the principal railways, and on intimate terms with several of the
directors, I venture to solicit your kind interest in behalf of my eldest
son, William, now in his twentieth year. His education has been
varied and useful, and his character, so far as I know, is above reproach.
For several years he has expressed a desire to enter the employ of a
railroad company, and under the circumstances I venture to write to
you, in the hope that, should you have it in your power to oblige me,
you will kindly intercede in his favor. By doing so vou will confer a
lasting obligation both on him and me. I remain, sir,
Your Ob'd't Servant,
Recommending a Successor in Business.
MILWAUKEE, Wis., Dec. 24, 18 .
MESSRS. BELL & HARDY,
Dear Sirs :
We flatter ourselves that there are many friends
among our connection who will regret that we are on the point of relin-
quishing business. In doing so our premises and stock of goods will
be transferred to the hands of Messrs. Williams & Co., who will in
future carry on the business on the same approved system and extensive
scale as ourselves, provided they can rely upon receiving the patronage
of our connection; in the hope of which, it is our pleasure and duty to
present these gentlemen to your notice. We cannot speak too highly
of the confidence we feel in their liberal mode of conducting mercantile
transactions; and, in the hope that they may be honored with the same
countenance received by ourselves from your respected firm, we beg to
sign ourselves
Your Most Obedient Servants,
HOPE, GOOD & CO.
Notice of Having Forwarded Goods.
SOUTH HAVEN, MICH., Sept. i, 18 .
MESSRS. HAGER, SPIES & Co.,
Chicago, 111.,
Dear Sirs :
According to your order, I have shipped you this
day, per Steamer Morning Star,
200 baskets Peaches, (Marked H., S. & Co.)
10 bbls. Sweet Potatoes, "
12 " Apples,
Trusting that these will prove as satisfactory as those heretofore sent,
and bring as good a price, I am
Respectfully Yours,
A. M. GOODFELLOW.
Requesting a Friend to Make Purchases.
fKANKAKEE, ILL., Jan. I, iS .
DEAR MARY :
I am going to trespass on your kindness by asking you to
make a few purchases for me. Enclosed find twenty dollars and a
memorandum of what I want.
My household duties, combined with the objection I have to leaving
my children at this season of the year in the care of servants, very
closely confine me to my home, and arc my c\c use for troubling you.
90
FORMS OF BUSINESS LETTERS.
We are in usual health, and I hope this note will find your family
all well. With kind regards to Mr. Webster, and love to children, I
remain,
Your Sincere Friend,
HELEN D. WELLS.
To MBS. MAY BENSON,
Michigan Ave., Chicago.
Requesting Settlement of Account.
MEMPHIS, TENN., Oct. 9, 18.
HIRAM BAXTER, ESQ.,
Nashville, Tenn.,
Sir:
I enclose your account. I shall feel obliged by your
settlement at an early date, as I have several heavy payments to make.
Trusting that you will excuse my troubling you, I am,
Yours Respectfully,
DELOS HARTWELL.
Reply to the Preceding.
NASHVILLE, TENN., Oct. 12, IS.
DELOS HARTWELL, ESQ.,
Memphis, Tenn.,
Sir:
As I am unable to send you the money for settlement
of our account, without inconvenience, I enclose my acceptance for
thirty days, which I trust you will be able to use.
Yours Truly,
HIRAM BAXTER.
Urging Payment of Rent.
COLUMBUS, O., March 11, 18.
MR. D. P. HOYT,
Dear Sir :
I have waited patiently for your convenience in
the payment of rent for the house you are at present occupying. As,
however, you have now been my tenant for four months without
meeting any of the payments, which were to be made monthly, I feel
obliged to remind you of the fact that there are now $80 due to me.
Trusting that you will give the subject your immediate attention, I
am,
Yours Truly,
WEBSTER GREEN.
Letter to a Pioneer Settler in the West.
TOLEDO, OHIO, July 10, 18.
MR. MARTIN FULLER,
Dear Sir :
I take the liberty, though a stranger, of address-
ing you a few lines relative to the inducements for new settlers in
your section of the country, having been recommended to do BO
through our mutual friend, Artemas Carter.
As I have sold out my business in this city for ten thousand
dollars, I am anxious to invest the proceeds in a large farm in a
young State, feeling satisfied that a new country, like that you are now
in, offers attractions for young and energetic men not found in the
old cities.
You will much oblige me by giving information concerning climate,
soil, water, timber, and other inducements for settling in your vicinity.
Trusting that doing so will not seriously trouble you, and that I may
hear from you soon, I remain,
Yours Very Respectfully.
CHAS. W. CANFIELD.
Answer to the Foregoing.
BIG STRANGER, KANSAS, Aug. 15, 18 .
MR. CHAS. W. CANFIELD,
Toledo, Ohio,
Dear Sir :
Your welcome letter was received yesterday. I can
assure you that I will be only too happy to furnish you all the inform-
ation you desire relative to the prospects in this portion of Uncle
Sam's domains.
I have now been two years in this place, and I can truly say that
these years have been the happiest of my life. True, we have
endured some hardships incident to pioneer life; but the glorious
freedom from the frivolities of fashion, and the formalities of aristo-
cratic life, common to the old towns in the East, together with the
pleasure one takes in making new improvements, all have combined
to render our family perfectly delighted with the country.
For a quarter of the money in your possession, you can purchase all
the land you will desire to cultivate; the remainder you can loan
hereabouts, on bond and mortgage, at good interest.
The climate here is healthy and invigorating; the soil good, with
running streams in sufficient abundance to water most of the farms.
Plenty of building material and fuel can be had in the timber
skirting the streams; and the prospect for the ultimate opening of the
land in this section to a ready market, through several lines of railway
now in contemplation, is very nattering. At present, however, the
nearest statiou to my farm, on the stage route, is Chesterfield, thirty-
four miles distant, at which place I will take great pleasure in meeting
you, with my team, at any time you may appoint.
A very excellent farm, adjoining mine, can be bought for five dollaii't
($5) per acre. One corner of the land is crossed by a never-failing
stream, with considerable timber along the same.
You will have to rough it for a little while after you arrive; but the
neighbors will all turn out to aid in getting up your log house, after
which you will be at home " under your own vine and fig tree."
We have two rooms in our house, and till your house is completed
we will give one of them to your family. It will seem a little odd
at first, for a fashionable family of six or eight persons to occupy one
room, with wolf and deer skins for quilts and coverlets; but, by-and-
by, when the young ladies find they are in just as good style as any-
body else, they will dismiss their fastidiousness, and think it jolly fun.
These privations, that we at first endure, are necessary, perhaps, to
enable us to appreciate the fine homes which we all expect to have in
the good time coming. Hoping to have the pleasure of welcoming
yourself and family as neighbors, I am,
Yours Very Truly,
MARTIN FULLER.
LETTERS APPLYING FOE EMPLOYMENT.
91
^M^
*~-^ijfc
Applications for Situations.
Letters answering Advertisements.
HE following advertisements, taken
from metropolitan papers, are but
samples of hundreds of such to be
seen every day in the ad-
vertising columns of the
leading daily newspapers,
in the great cities; showing that
abundant opportunities constantly
offer for obtaining employment, the
positions to be secured, however, by
letters making application for them.
WANTED.
Miscellaneous.
\\7ANTED-AN EDITORIAL ASSISTANT ON A
" literary paper. A thoroughly competent lady pre-
ferred. Address D 71, Herald office, New York.
V\7 ANTED IN A GRAIN COMMISSION HOUSE,
a smart lad for office work; must be a good pen-
man. Address, in own handwriting, stating age and
salary expected, W 32, Ledger office.
As a hundred different persons will sometimes
make application for one position which will be
given to the individual writing the best letter,
everything else being equal, this illustrates in a
striking manner the importance of being able
to write a letter elegantly and correctly.
Answer to an Advertisement for an Assistant Editor.
V\7 ANTED A YOUNG LADY CLERK IN A DRY
* v goods store. Must be accustomed to the business.
Address, with refference, B 80, Picayune Office.
\VTANTED-AN ASSISTANT BOOKKEEPER, ONB
** who writes neatly and rapidly; willing to work
for moderate salary and who can bring A No. 1 recom-
mendations. Address, stating experience and particu-
lars, X. Y. Z., Bulletin Office.
\\T ANTED AN EXPERIENCED BOOKKEEPER
vv in a bank. Address, with references, Z 61, Journal
office.
V\7 ANTED LADY COPYIST, ABLE TO WRITE A
vv bold, distinct hand. Salary good. Address, in
applicant's own handwriting, COPY, Republican office.
VVTANTED-
* * pia
ences.
Tribune
\y ANTED AN ACCOMPLISHED, EDUCATED
young lady as a companion, to travel for six
montns in Europe, with a gentleman, wife and daughti r.
Must be a ready writer, a good conversationalist, and
possess vivacity and pleasing manners. Wardrobe
furnished, and money to pay all expenses. Address
Z. B. M., Commercial office, stating where an interview
can be had.
92
LETTERS APPLYING FOR SITUATIONS.
General Directions.
Letters in reply to advertisements should be
written immediately, else you may be too late.
Paste the advertisement at the head of your
letter, thus it will be known exactly what your
communication has reference to.
It is not necessary to speak much in praise of
yourself, but you may state your reference,
your experience, and qualifications fitting you
for the position, the whole being told as briefly
as possible.
Write your application yourself, your hand-
writing and the manner of expressing yourself
being the test by which the advertiser judges
you. If you have written testimonials copy the
same, marking them as such, and enclose the
copy.
From a Boy Applying for a Clerkship.
PHILADELPHIA, PA., Nov. 4, 18.
879 Market Street.
DEAR SIR:
I notice in this morning's "Ledger," your advertisement
of " a boy wanted in a grain commission house," which position I take
the first opportunity to apply for.
I am fourteen years old, have been at school the most of the time,
winters, for the past seven years, and understand bookkeeping and
conducting correspondence pretty well, having assisted my father
much of the time while he was in the coal trade, which was about
three years.
I am perfectly willing and ready to take my coat off and go right to
work at "landlin^ grain or anything else in your line.
I refer you to Mr. Ira Belden, Coal Dealer, at 56 Benton street, who
has always known me.
I will board at home, and will try to earn for you five dollars a
week.
Very Respectfully Yours,
JOHN CLANCY.
From a Young Lady Applying for a Clerkship in a Store.
182 Murray St., BUFFALO, N. Y., May 19, 18.
DEAR SIR:
I take the earliest opportunity of replying to the enclosed
advertisement.
I have been for the past two years in the employ of Bennett & Haw-
ley, Dry Goods Dealers, 4!)3 Camden street, until the dissolution of
their firm, about four weeks ago. I beg to refer you, for testimonials,
to Mr. Chas. H. Bennett, of the firm of Snow, Williams & Bennett,
178 Harvard street, should you entertain my application.
Your very Obedient Servant,
MARY H. BENSON.
Answering an Advertisement for a Book -keeper.
1184 Longworlh St., CINCINNATI, O., May 1, 18.
DEAR SIR:
In reply to your advertisement in to-day's " Commercial "
for a clerk or assistant bookkeeper, I beg to offer my services to your
firm.
I have been in the employ of Mr. Wm. H. Wilson for the past four
years, until he sold out his business a few days ago, having kept the
books of his house during the time.
He permits me to refer to him for any testimonial of character or
ability which you may require.
Should my application meet your views it will be my earnest endea-
vor to faithfully and punctually fulfill (he duties required. I have the
honor to remain,
Yours Very Respectfully.
HOMER BUXTON
Answering an Advertisement for a Cook.
48 Wentworth Ave., PITTSBURGH, PA.,
March 17, 1S73.
MRS. D. N. HASKINS.
Respected Madam :
Seeing an advertisement in this morning's
" Press " for a good plain and fancy cook, I take the opportunity to
apply for the situation.
I have been with my present mistress, Mrs. Burton, for three years,
and only leave because she has rented her house for the summer, to
make an extended visit among her relatives in New England.
I shall remain here until Tuesday next, unless I find a place sooner,
and Mrs. Burton will give you any information you may desire regard-
ing my capacity.
I remain, Very Respectfully,
SARAH E. WESTON.
Answer to an Advertisement for a Chambermaid.
(Advertisement pasted in.)
No. St., NASHVILLE, TENN.,
Feb. 14, 18-.
DEAR MADAM;
In answer to the above advertisement, I beg to state
that I am about to leave my present situation,as Mrs. Harrington, with
whom I have been for the past six years, is about breaking up house-
keeping; and I take the opportunity to apply for the position you
offer.
Mrs. Harrington assures me that she will take pleasure in recom-
mending me to any person who may apply to her concerning my
industry and trustworthiness.
MARGARET BALLENTINE.
Application for a Situation as Gardener.
No. 7th St., NEW YORK,
June 10, 18.
DEAR SIR:
Understanding that you want a gardener, I beg to offer
myself as a candidate to fill the place. I have bad constant experience
for ten years, both in nursery grounds and private gardens, and am
thoroughly acquainted with the management of the greenhouse and
hothouse.
The enclosed testimonials from gentlemen for whom I have worked,
will, I trust, prove satisfactory. My last employer, Mr. Snow, I would
like to have you see personally, concerning my fitness for the position.
I am a married man, thirty-three years of age. If favorable to my
application, please address as above, and oblige,
Your Obedient Servant,
JAMES H. HARPER.
APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT.
Application for a Situation as Coachman.
178 St., BOSTON,
April 10, 18.
MB. JOHN H. WILLIAMS,
Dear Sir :
Having been informed that you are in want of a
coachman, I take the liberty of enclosing you the accompanying testi-
monials, to which I ask your attention. Though reared in Deerfleld,
I have been in Boston for the past fourteen years, having constantly
had charge of horses during that time, as I did on the farm before
leaving home.
As further evidence of my ability, I may mention that I had chief
charge of the Tremont Street Livery Stable until the death of the
owner, Mr. Paxtou, after which the stock was sold and the stable
closed.
Should my application meet your favor, I shall be glad to engage as
your coachman, and will do all in my power to merit your approval.
Yours Respectfully,
HIRAM WILDER.
Application from a Governess Answering an Advertisement.
(Advertisement pasted in.)
No. 784 St., TROY.N. Y.,
July 18, IS.
MBS. C. B. WILLIAMS,
Dear Madam :
In answer to the above, I would say that I am
seeking such a situation as you offer. My present term of teaching
will close August 15th, at which time I would be ready to enter upon
the work of superintending the education of your Daughters.
I have, for several years, taught the higher Encash studies, besides
German, Latin, and Drawing. For testimonials, I beg to refer you to
the principal of my school, Rev. II. B. Watson.
Hoping lhat I may hear from you soon, and that we may make an
arrangement mutually satisfactory, I remain,
Very Respectfully Yours,
HELEN B. CHANDLER.
Requesting the Character of a Governess.
No. 84 St., TBOT, N. Y.
July 19, 18 .
REV. II. B. WATSON,
Principal, Glenhaven Seminary.
My Dear Sir:
Having inserted an advertisement in the papers requiring the
services of agoverness competent to instruct my two daughters, 1 will
esteem it a great favor if you will inform me concerning the ability of
Miss Chandler to give instructions in the higher English studies,
German and Drawing, she having referred me to you.
I ain especially desirous of securing the services of a young lady
whose moral influence will guard my children from danger one
whose amiability of character will make her a pleasant companion as
well as teacher. I am much pleased with the appearance of Miss
Chandler, and, if your report is favorable, I shall not hesitate to per-
fect an engagement with her at once.
Yours Very Respectfully,
CLARA B. WILLIAMS.
Favorable Reply to the Foregoing,
GLENHAVEN SEMINARY, N. Y..
July 81, 18.
MBS. CLABA B. WILLIAMS
Dear Madam:
Your letter of enquiry in regard to Miss Chandler,
is before me, in reply to which it affords me much pleasure to bear
testimony to the high moral character and superior intellectual culture
of which she is possessed. During five years' residence in our family
she has ever been as one of our own household, and I can thus speak
undemaudiugly of her merits. She is thoroughly conversant with
the higher English branches, and is quite fluent in Latin and German.
Should you complete an engagement with her I feel confident you will
have every reason for being pleased with having done BO.
Very Truly Yours,
HARVEY B. WATSON.
Unfavorable Reply to the Foregoing.
GLENIIAVEN SEMINABY, N. Y.,
July 21, 18 .
MBS. CLABA B. WILLIAMS,
Dear Madam:
In reply to your polite inquiries I am sorry to
say that the educational acquirements of Miss C'haiulkr, 1 fear, will
not be up to the standard you require. While she has taught the
higher English for some years, knowing, as I do, the proficiency of
your daughters, I doubt if she is capable of advancing them in their
studies. Another very unfortunate fault of which she is possessed,
which causes me to dispense with her services at the close of the pres-
ent term, is her failure to sufficiently command her temper. In other
respects I have nothing to say to her prejudice.
Regretting that 1 cannot give a more favorable reply to your letter,
I remain, Your Most Obedient Servant,
HARVEY B. WATSON.
Answering an Advertisement for an Apprentice to a
Dressmaker.
[Advertisement pasted in.]
MBS. HABBIET MUNSON, CHICAGO, ILL., Aug. 1, 18 .
Dear Madam:
In answer to the above I respectfully apply for
the situation.
Though I never took up the business as a trade, I have long been in
the habit of doing all the dressmaking for our family and feel myself
competent to do all plainer kinds of sewing neatly and rapidly.
Having recently, by the death of an only brother, been thrown upon
riy own resources, I am thus induced to seek a position which I think I
will enjoy.
Hoping that you will accept my services, I remain,
Very Respectfully Yours,
PAMELIA HARRISON.
Answer to an Advertisement for a Music Teacher.
WALNUT GBOVE ACADEMY, MASS.,
June 9, 18.
COL. H. B. DABLING.
DearSir:
Seeing your advertisement in to-day's Journal, I
write to offer my services as music teacher in your family.
I am a graduate of Music Vale Seminary, and have taught a music
class in this institution for the past three terms. My training has been
with special reference to teaching the piano, the guitar, and vocal
music.
I am permitted by Professor Weston, the teacher of music in the
Academy, to refer to him for any testimonial of ability. I am,
Yours Very Respectfully,
AMELIA D. PORTER.
Answering an Advertisement for an Apprentice to a Printer.
TROY GBOVE, ILL.,
MB. A. B. COOK, Feb. 4, 18
Dear Sir:
Having seen your advertisement in the last Eagle, I
would respectfully apply for the position for my son Henry who id
anxious to learn printing. He is well versed in the common English
branches, having been regular in attendance at the public school for
the past seven years. He is now fifteen.
I would like to have you take him on trial for a few weeks, and, if
he pleases you, will arrange to have him remain until he masters the
trade. Respectfully Yours,
Z. K. HENDERSON.
94
TESTIMONIALS OF CHARACTER AND ABILITY.
Letters of Recommendation.
KNOWLEDGE of persons recom-
mended, of their fitness and capacity
for the work they engage in, is always
essential, before they can be conscien-
tiously commended to others.
A letter of recommendation should be written
in a plain hand, in as few words as can be used
to express the idea distinctly.
A recommendation, after considering the
moral character of the individual, should relate
directly to the work of which the person makes
a specialty.
An individual giving a recommendation is,
in a certain sense, responsible for the character
and ability of the person recommended ; hence,
certificates of character should be given with
caution and care.
Recommending a Salesman.
SYRACUSE, N. Y., April 10, 18.
MESSRS. DUTTON & BROWN,
Dear Sirs:
Your favor of the 4th Inst., relative to the ability
of Mr. Benjamin Walker, is received. We take great pleasure in testi-
fying to his high moral worth and his business capacity. He was in
our employ for four years, as a salesman, during which time his affa-
bility and uniform courtesy to customers, coupled with his truthful
representations in regard to goods, made him a universal favorite.
Accurate In accounts, ready and graceful as a penman, attentive and
kind to all, he is a most useful man in the counting room, and the firm
ni curing his services may be congratulated on their good fortune.
Very Truly Yours,
SMITH & PAXTON.
Recommending a Schoolmistress.
GLEN DALE SEMINARY,
March 1, 18.
GEN. A. B. COTTRELL,
Dear Sir :
It gives me pleasure, in reply to your note of the
21th ult., to most cordially recommend Miss Fannie Chapman to the
position of teacher of your village school.
As a graduate of this Seminary, and subsequently as a teacher, much
of the time conducting the various classes alone, she has proven her-
erlf thoroughly competent to conduct a school under almost any cir-