e come now to speak about the receiving and the paying away of money. These are things which, by common consent, are always done in a certain way. If they are done otherwise it shows either a want of sense or a want of education.
When money owing to any person is paid, a receipt for it should always be given—that is to say, it should be acknowledged in writing that the money has changed hands. If the receiver merely takes it and puts it in her pocket, she who pays will have no security, except the receiver’s good faith and good memory, against being called on to pay the sum a second time.
A receipt may be given in any form of words, but the following are correct forms for business purposes—
London, 15th September, 1886.
£17 4s. 6d.
Received from Miss Rose Hastaway, Chester, the sum of seventeen pounds four shillings and sixpence in payment of account rendered (or of annexed account.)
Flora Malcolm.
Guildford, 12th July, 1886.
Received from Mrs. Trundle the sum of six pounds seven shillings and ninepence, in payment of account to this date.
£6 7s. 9d.