Page:Complete letter writer (1).pdf/11

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compels me thus importunately, nay, peremptorily, to write to you. Can you think it possible to carry on business in the manner you act with me? you know what promises you have made, and how from time to time you have broken them? Can I therefore depend upon the new promises you make? if you use others as I have been used, how can you think of carrying on business? if you do not, what must I think of the man who deals worse with me than he does with others? if you think you cau trespass more upon me than you can do upon others that is a very bad compliment to my prudence, or your own gratitude; for I think good usage should be entitled to the same in return. I know how to allow for disappointments as well as any person, but can a man be disappointed for ever? trade is so dependent a thing that it cannot be carried on without mutual care.- Does not the merchant expect from me for the same goods that I send to your and can I make a return to him without receiving it from you? what can it answer to give you twelve months' credit, and then be not certain of it, for goods which I sell at a small profit, and have only six months' credit for myself? Indeed sir, this will never do, I must be more punctually used with you or else must deal as little punctually with others; and then what must be the consequence ? In short, sir, I expect a handsome payment with the next return and security for the remainder: as I am do not wish to take any harsh measures to procure justice to myself, my family, and creditors.-Sir, I am, if it be not your fault-Your faithful friend and servant.

The Answer.

Sir,-I acknowledge with gratitude, the lenity you have at all times shown, and my being obliged