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One more piece from the "Reporting Style" section of the Graham book. Like last month, the langauage is a bit stilted by today's standards but was common business practice over 100 years ago.
The Handbook of Standard of American Phonography, Andrew J. Graham, 1894, p. 374- 375
Correspondence in Reporting Style
Gentlemen: In reply to yours of the 27th ultimo relative to the commercial position of Messrs. Hawes and Taylor of Natchez, would say that they have by their honesty, energy, and strict attention to business secured the entire confidence of the merchants in this city and have succeeded in building up a very large trade over a large section of the southwest. By their shrewd management and cautious investments they have risen high in the estimation of our business community and bid fair to become one of the leading houses in our section.
We feel confident that all transactions with them will accrue to your advantage. Respectfully yours, Bidwell and Company
Gentlemen: I reached here yesterday at 10:30 a.m. and promptly waiting upon Mr. Martin received from him the necessary information relative to Messrs. Hasting and Company upon whom we called. I found these gentlemen to be thorough business men—sharp, quick, and decisive—impressing me favorably with their conversations and otherwise creating in me a feeling of security in opening an account with the house. From other sources, I learned of the estimation in which they are held individually. I am gratified in being enabled to secure a large order from them which I herewith sent you with others and which, if satisfactory, I have no doubt will result in our receiving their future correspondence. They gave me, without hesitation, a complete understanding of their affairs, the amount of capital employed, and business done, together with some private matters which I shall lay before you on my return.
I am sorry to hear that H.C. Belknap is considerably embarrassed from a variety of causes. He has been struggling desperately for some time and it is feared he will be compelled to stop. I am inclined to believe he was connected with the Atwood and Company failure.
Business appears to be improving as you will see by the large number of orders sent you which greatly exceeded my anticipations. Having thoroughly canvassed this city, I leave for Baltimore tonight where I shall await your advices. Very respectfully yours, P. F. Thurman
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