Messrs. Baxter & Clark,
Gentlemen.
Herewith you will receive twenty-five dollars and fifty cents, the balance of my account, and for which you will please send me a receipt as soon as convenient.
When does either of your firm intend to visit Boston? I like the articles you last sent me very much better than the former ones, and so say my customers,—will send you another order before long.
Very Respectfully Yours,
F. P. Crane, Jr.
Bank notes of a small denomination were used to make up the twenty-five dollars named in the letter, and two American quarters enclosed, to make it more attractive; both bills and specie having been marked, and a full description of them taken.
Another letter, written in a different hand, addressed to a lady, and containing nothing of value, was also prepared and placed in a note envelope, to accompany the above business letter. Here is a copy of it:—
Boston, March 19, 1850
My Dear Cousin,
Since you visited us, we have experienced important changes. Our family is pretty much broken up by George's death. Father and mother depended so much on him to manage our out of doors affairs, that they don't feel like keeping house any longer, and have gone to boarding, and as I shall not have any particular household cares. I expect to be floating about, like many others of the sisterhood of old maids, ready to make myself generally useful.
Perhaps I may inflict a visit on you in the course of the summer, and help you to take care of that baby. I can't stop to write any more, for we are hardly settled after moving. Father and mother send love to you and husband.
Your Affectionate
Sarah