The capital that I intended to invest in Association gone to Davy
Jones' locker in the wreck of the commercial world.
An answer to these few inquiries would much oblige
Your obedient servant,
HORATIO N. OTIS.
Reply to Preceding Letter.
[The preceding letter has the following draft of a reply to it on a letter sheet in the handwriting of Mr. Ripley.]
MY DEAR SIR: Yours of the 1st inst. is this day received. I dare say that you have received a correct impression of our establishment from the article in the Tribune. We are laboring with cheerfulness and hope, in the midst of great obstacles, for the organization of society and the benefit of man. Whoever wishes to join us must be willing to make great sacrifices; to endure severe toil patiently; to live in comparative poverty; to suffer many deprivations for the sake of realizing justice and charity in the social state.
We are at present on a small scale, but we are making arrangements to enlarge our number and our branches of industry. We should like to establish your branch of business, and could do so to advantage with an efficient and skilful workman and a small increase of capital. An answer to the following questions will decide whether we can have any further negotiations with you:——
1. Are you ready from an interest in the cause of Association to endure the sacrifices which all persons must suffer?
2. Could you by yourself, or your friends, command a few hundred dollars sufficient to start your business?