Clickable dictation at various speeds is available at the bottom of this page. The transcript of the dictation appears here as well.
"Reporting Style" refers to placing the outlines of Pitman (or its many variations) in the correction relationship to the line of writing. Pitman, unlike Gregg, uses position (above the line, one the line, through the line) to represent different vowel sounds. So the same outline--written without connected vowels--can have different meanings depending upon where the line of writing is in relation to the outline. Too much information? Maybe.
Since this is business correspondence from 1894, you get a break this month and next from the usual difficult vocabulary. Enjoy!
The Handbook of Standard of American Phonography, Andrew J. Graham, 1894, p. 375-376
Correspondence in Reporting Style
Gentlemen: A draft purporting to be drawn by Mr. J. K. Phelps of Baltimore for five thousand dollars for three months from October 5 in favor of Briggs, Scott and Company, but endorsed Briggs, Slote, and Company in your hand writing, apparently, was presented today for our acceptance. Owing to doubts of its genuineness, from your firm name being so dissimilar, and not having advices at hand from Mr. Phelps regarding it, we thought best to withhold our acceptance until we hear from you. We are greatly surprised at Mr. Phelps’ failure to notify us in relation to the matter to which we have this day called his attention. We shall duly honor the draft upon receipt of your or his reply. We remain respectfully, Brode Brothers and Company
Gentlemen: I find my business increasing so rapidly that my capital is insufficient to meet its requirements and as you have doubtless noticed my order to you for some time back have been greatly increasing. I wish to assure you that this is simply the result of a healthy increase of business and not any irregular or careless extending of it. The long credit I am obliged to give and this inadequacy of capital which prevents me from carrying a sufficient stock, naturally places me at a disadvantage in filling orders. In consequent of which and trust that you have every confidence in me, I would ask your acceptance of my note at ninety days for the amount of your bill which concession on your part will assist me in meeting my obligations. Asking for a reply at your earliest convenience, I remain, gentlemen, Yours respectfully, Henry Anderson
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