LETTER XXXII.

The Answer.

Sir, I RECEIVED yours, and am extremely sorry to hear that the goods sent you are so bad. I know I had some such in my ware-house, but was determined to sell them at a low rate, without ever thinking of their being sent to any of my customers, particularly so valuable a correspondent as yourself. By some mistake, my clerks have inadvertently sent them, for which I am extremely sorry; but in order to make you amends, I have sent by this day's wagon those which I had originally intended for you, at my own expense. I hope you will excuse this, and be assured you shall never be served in such a manner for the future.

I am, Sir, Your humble servant.

LETTER XXXIII.

From a Tenant to a Landlord, excusing Delay of Payment.

Sir,

I HAVE been your tenant above ten years in the house where I now live, and you know I have never failed to pay my rent quarterly, when due. At present I am extremely sorry to inform you, that from a variety of losses and disappointments, I am under the necessity of begging that you will indulge me one quarter longer. By that time I hope to have it in my power to answer your just demand, and the favour shall ever be gratefully acknowledged, by

Your obedient humble servant.

LETTER XXXIV.

The Answer.

Sir, IT was never my intention to oppress you. I have had long trial of your honesty, and therefore you may rest perfectly satisfied concerning your present request. No demand shall be made by me upon you for rent, until it suits you to pay it; for I am well convinced you will not keep it from me any longer. I am yours sincerely.

LETTER XXXV.

From a Country Farmer on a similar occasion. Honoured Sir,

I AM extremely sorry, that through a variety of unforeseen accidents, I am obliged to write to you on such a subject as this. The season last year was bad, but I was ena bled to pay you. This has turned out much worse, and it being so long before we could get the grain home, it is not yet fit to be sold. I only beg your patience for about two months longer, when I hope to pay you faithfully, and with gratitude.

Mr. Clover,

I am, Sir, your humble servant.

LETTER XXXVI.

The Answer.

I HOPE from the whole of my conduct ever since you first became my tenant, that you cannot have any reason to allege any thing against me. I never treated you with rigour, as I always considered you an industrious honest man. Make yourself perfectly easy concerning the payment of your rent, till I come to the country next month, and if things are as you represent them (and I doubt not but they are) you may be assured of every reasonable indulgence. I am yours.

LETTER XXXVII.

Letter from Dr. Franklin to his Friend A. B. containing Useful Hints to Young Tradesmen.

Dear Sir,

AS you have desired it of me, I write the following hints, which have been of service to me, and may, if observed, be so to you.

Remember that time is money. He that can earn ten shillings a day by his labour, and goes abroad, or sits idle one half of that day, though he spends but six pence during his diversion or idleness, ought not to reckon that the only expense; he has really spent, or rather thrown away five shillings besides.

Remember that credit is money. If a man lets his money lie in my hands after it is due, he gives me the interest, or

-so much as I can make of it during that time; this amounts to a considerable sum where a man has good and large cre dit, and makes good use of it.

Remember that money is of a prolific generating nature. Money can beget money, and its offspring can beget more, and so on. Five shillings turned is six; turned again, it is seven and three-pence; and so on till it becomes an hundred pounds. The more there is of it, the more it produces every turning, so that the profits rise quicker and quicker. He that kills a breeding sow, destroys all her offspring to the thousandth generation. He that murders a dollar, destroys all that it might have produced, even scores of pounds.

Remember that six pounds a year, is but a groat a day. For this little sum, which may be daily wasted either in time or expense, unperceived, a man of credit may on his own security, have the constant possession and use of an hundred pounds. So much in stock, briskly turned by an industrious man, produces great advantages.

Remember this sang, "The good paymaster is lord of another man's purse." He that is known to pay punctually and exactly at the time he promises, may at any time, and on any occasion, raise all the money his friends can spare. This is sometimes of great use. After industry and frugality, nothing contributes more to the raising of a young man in the world, than punctuality and justice in all his dealings; therefore never keep borrowed money an hour beyond the time you promised, lest a disappointment shut up your friend's purse for ever.

The most trifling actions, that affect a man's credit, are to be regarded. The sound of a hammer at five in the morning, or nine at night, heard by a creditor, makes him easy six months longer; but if he see you at the billiard table, or hear your voice at a tavern, when you should be at work, he sends for his money the next day, demands it before he can receive it in a lump.

It shews, besides, that you are mindful of what you owe; it makes you appear à careful as well as an honest man, and that still increases your credit.

Beware of thinking all your own that you possess, and of living accordingly. It is a mistake that many people who have credit fall into. To prevent this, keep an exact account for some time, both of your expenses and your income. If you take the pains at first to mention particulars,

it will have this good effect; you will discover how wonderfully small trifling expenses amount up to large sums, and will discern what might have been, and may for the future be saved, without occasioning any great inconvenience.

In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on these two words, industry and frugality; that is, neither waste time nor money, but make the best use of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and with them every thing. He that gets all he can honestly, and saves all he gets (necessary expenses excepted) will certainly become rich-if that Being who governs the world, to whom all should look for a blessing on their honest endeavours, doth not in his wise providence, otherwise determine.

THE NEW

UNIVERSAL LETTER WRITER.

PART II.

LETTERS ON LOVE, COURTSHIP, AND

MARRIAGE.

LETTER I.

From a Young Gentleman to a Young Lady, with whom he is in Love. Madam,

I HAVE three times attempted to give you a verba relation of the contents of this letter; but my heart as often failed me. I know not in what light it may be considered, only if I can form any notion of my own heart, from the impression made on it by your many amiable accomplishments, my happiness in this world, will in a great measure depend on your answer. I am not precipitate, Madam, nor would I desire your hand, if your heart did not accompany it. My circumstances are independent, and my character hitherto unblemished, of which you shall have the most undoubted proof. You have already seen some of my relations at your aunt's, in Sixth-street, particularly my mother, with whom I now live. Your aunt will inform you concerning our family, and if it be to your satisfaction, I shall not only consis der myself as extremely happy, but shall also make it the principal study of my future life, to spend my days in the company of her whom I prefer to all others in the world. I shall wait for your answer with the utmost impatience, and Madam, your real admirer.

am,