DISCREET persons will never write a Letter of Advice until they have been asked for it, or it becomes an absolute necessity for it [sic]. In many instances to volunteer it is to make yourself offensive to those whom you wish to benefit. It is much pleasanter to give than to receive it. Unsolicited counsel is a bitter draught; and even those who crave your opinions, will feel themselves offended if you are forward as well as frank in replying to them. A mendicant implored alms; the party whom the unfortunate man addressed, instead of relieving his necessities, told him that he was “strong and youthful, and should rather work, than live by begging.” “I asked you for money,” replied the mendicant, “not for advice.” People, in general, are but too prone to take the same course; they are applied to for succor, and, in return, they give counsel. A friend should, perhaps, give advice to a friend, if he should see occasion so to do, however unpalatable it may be; but, in general, we cannot be too sparing of our counsel.

CRAVEN STREET, May 6, 1790.

I send my good girl the books I mentioned to her last night. I beg of her to accept of them as a small mark of my esteem and friendship. They are written in the familiar, easy manner for which the French are so remarkable, and afford a great deal of philosophy and practical knowledge, unembarrassed by the dry mathematics used by more exact reasoners, but which is apt to discourage yonag beginners. I would advise you to read with a pen in your hand, and enter in a little book short hints of what you find that is curious or that may be useful; for this will be the best method of imprinting such particulars on your memory, where they will be ready either for practice on some future occasion, if they are matters of utility, or at least to adorn and improve your conversation if they are rather points of curiosity. And as many of the terms of science are such as you cannot have met with in your common reading, and may therefore be unacquainted with, I think is will be well for you to have a good dictionary at hand to consult immediately when you meet with a word you do not comprehend the precise meaning of. This may at first seem troublesome and interrupting, but it is a trouble that will daily diminish, as you will daily find less and less occasion for your dictionary, as you become more acquainted with the terms; and in the meantime you will read with more satisfaction because with more understanding. When any point occurs in which you would be glad to have further information than your book affords you, I beg you would not in the least apprehend that I should think it a trouble to receive and answer your questions. It will be a pleasure and no trouble, for though I may not be able, out of my own little stock of knowledge, to afford

you what you require, I can easily direct you to the books where it may most readily be found. Adieu, and believe me ever, my dear friend,

Yours affectionately,

B. FRANKLIN.

LINCOLN, NEB., May 15, 1881.

My Dear Nephew:—I am sorry you should have any misunderstanding with your master; I have a good opinion of him, and am unwilling to entertain a bad one of you. It is so much a master's interest to use his apprentices well, that I am disposed to think that when they are badly used it is oftener the effect of provocation than choice. Wherefore, before I give myself the trouble of interposing in your behalf, I desire that you will inquire of yourself whether you have not, by some misconduct or other, provoked that alteration in your master's behavior of which you so much complain. If, after having diligently complied with this request, you assure me that you are not sensible of having given cause of disgust on your side, I will readily use my endeavors to reconcile you to your master, or procure you another. But if you find yourself blameable, it will be better for you to remove, by your own amendment, the occasion of your master's displeasure, than to have me or any other friend, offer to plead your excuse, when you know it would be unjust to defend you. If this should be your case, all your friends together could promise your better behavior, indeed; but as the performance must even then be your own, it will add much more to your character to pass through your whole term, without any interposition between you. Weigh what I have here said; and remember that your future welfare depends greatly on your present behavior.

I am your loving kinsman,

JOHN HANCOCK

From a Father to a Son, on his Negligence in his Affairs.

HUDSON, N. Y., April 16, 1881.

My Dear Son William:—You cannot imagine what a concern your carelessness and indifferent management of your affairs gives me. Remissness is inexcusable in all men, but in none so much as in a man of business, the soul of which is industry, diligence and punctuality. Let me beg you to shake off the idle habits you have contracted; quit unprofitable company, and unseasonable recreations, and apply to your counting house with diligence. It may not yet be too late to retrieve your affairs. Inspect, therefore, your gains, and cast up what proportion they bear to your expenses, and then see which of the latter you can, and which you cannot, contract. Consider, that when once

a man suffers himself to go backward in the world, it must be an uncommon spirit of industry that retrieves him and puts him forward again.

Reflect, I beseech you, before it be too late, upon the inconveniences which an impoverished trader is put to for the remainder of his life, which to many happen to be the prime part of it; the indignities he is likely to suffer from those whose money he has unthinkingly squandered, the contempt he will meet with from all, not excepting the idle companions of his folly; the injustice he does his family, in depriving his children, not only of the power of raising themselves, but of living tolerably, and how, on the contrary, from being born to a creditable expectation, he sinks them into the lowest class of mankind, and exposes them to most dangerous temptations. What has not such a father to answer for! and all this for the sake of indulging himself in an idle, careless, thoughtless habit, that cannot afford the least satisfaction, beyond the present hour, if in that; and which must be attended with deep remorse, when he begins to reflect. Think seriously of these things, and in time resolve on such a course as may bring credit to yourself, justice to all you deal with, peace and pleasure to your own mind, comfort to your family; and which will give at the same time the highest satisfaction to

Your careful and loving father,

DWIGHT READ.

The Son's Grateful Answer.

BUFFALO, N. Y., April 20, 1881.

My Dear Father:—I return you my sincere thanks for your seasonable reproof and advice; I have indeed too much indulged myself in an idle, careless habit; and had already begun to feel the evil consequences of it when I received your letter, in the insults of a creditor or two, from whom I expected kinder treatment. But, indeed, they wanted but their own, so I could only blame myself, who had brought their rough usage upon me. Your letter came so seasonable upon this, that I hope it will not want the desired effect; and as I think it is not yet too late, I am resolved to take another course with myself and my affairs, that I may avoid the ill consequences you so judiciously forewarn me of, and give to my family and friends the pleasure they so well deserve at my hands; and particularly that satisfaction to so good a father, which is owing to him by his

Most dutiful son,

WILLIAM READ.

Advice to Young Man Intending to go into Business.

BLOOMINGTON, Oct. 14, 1880.

Dear Mr. Cushing:—I was glad to receive your letter, and glad to find you have confided in your father's old friend for advice, under the circumstances of your starting in business. You do not tell me the amount of your capital; but whether large or small, the same rule should be adopted;— you must be very careful in the matter of investing your money, for without great precaution and judgment you may be a considerable loser. Do not lay in too large a stock. Should trade prove slack, the rent and taxes of your premises must be paid; the stock lies idle and deteriorates in value; and when once you dip into your capital there will be little prospect of your recovering yourself again.

With regard to a locality, you must be guided very much by the number of the inhabitants, the nature of the neighborhood, the requirements and customs of the resident population, and

if possible you should ascertain whether there is any one in the same business who may already have obtained the best connection. Many small capitalists, in going into a new neighborhood, have been bitterly disappointed in their expectations of making a good connection. It is really a fact, that the first shops established in a new place generally fail. Should your neighborhood be a poor one, guard against laying in a supply of luxuries. Necessaries will be certain to sell. There is one thing necessary to success in business, and that is civility, an amount of which in stock will cost nothing. And by treating all your customers, rich and poor, with due deference but not servility, you will find your custom very much increase. Let your customers see that it is a pleasure for you to oblige, and that it is not done with a view only of selfish greed or gain. Should you require advice at any future time, I shall be very glad indeed to give you any information you may require.

I will close my letter with one word more of counsel, which is this—do not get into debt. Wishing you every success,

Believe me,

Your sincere friend,

CLARK WOOD.

Urging a Son to Relinquish the Naval Profession.

WILLIMANTIC, CT., March 1, 1880.

My Dear Son Albert:—Your letter of the 1st, informing me that you had determined to remain in your present profession, caused me great distress. If you wish to add some little portion of comfort to the last years of a father's life, which your headstrong passions have already greatly embittered, you will immediately relinquish it. Remember you are the only representative of our family. Why then persist in remaining in a profession wherein you are exposed to constant and imminent danger.

I wish you to marry, and hope to see you settle down and discharge the duties of your position in society as a country gentleman; you have ample means at your disposal now, as the whole of your late uncle's property is yours. Concede a little to your father, whose only desire is to see his name honorably upheld, his family perpetuated, in the county in which we are now so much respected. Age is creeping on me, Albert; I am widowed and alone. I trust this appeal will not be made in vain. You know my deep and lasting afection for you; do not wound it by a refusal. Awaiting with great anxiety your determination,

Believe me,

Your affectionate father,

ELLIOT SUMNER.

A[n]swer.

U. S. S. INTREPID, June 3, 1880.

My Dear Father:—Dearly as I love my noble profession, I am unable to resist your last earnest appeal, and agree therefore to give up my commission, and return to a life on land. The pang this resolution costs me is softened by the remembrance that I may thus hope to insure the happiness of so good a father.

I shall shortly return to you, and will endeavor in all things to prove

Your most dutiful and affectionate son,

ALBERT.

TO HON. ELLIOT SUMNER,

Willimantic, Ct.