Mr. C. D. Gibson,

New York City. Dear Sir:

Your letter regarding Mr. Smith received. He contrived through his intercourse with ultra-fashionable people to acquire extremely extravagant tastes, entertaining without
25 restraint, and indulging in intrigue, making no effort to retrench his expenditures, often finding himself in a position from which it was difficult to extricate
50 himself. It was but inevitable that such extravagance would sooner or later destroy credit and rapidly deteriorate the most ample fortune. I have often interposed
75 objections; but this intrepid and unintellectual young man, contrary in disposition and unalterable in his ideas, has pursued his retrograde movement uncontrolled and unceasingly until
100 his fortune is now practically exterminated.

Retribution ever employs swift means. He seemed determined from the beginning to distribute his money in the most profligate
125 manner. Even now he is not of contrite spirit, maintaining an air of impudent carelessness. Early in his career he enlisted my interest and won
150 his way somewhat into my confidence which he abused; but I hope that nothing I have said will be construed as vindictive. If so I
175 am willing either to extirpate such sentences or retract them altogether; but of this I am sure - none of my statements can be controverted.

Very truly yours, (202)

Paragraphs 157, 158, 159

Mr. G. H. Hermine,

Chicago, Ill. Dear Sir:

Yours of even date received. I perceive that you still have much untransacted business on hand - in fact, have done comparatively little.

Owing
25 to your eccentric business methods, uncon-centrative mind and an insuppressible tendency towards delay, we have suffered unparalleled losses in your territory. Of course, you understand
50 we are naturally not entirely unselfish in our desire for your success, or wholly disinterested in your business there. While it is for your own
75 self-interest that we mention these things - and we could not be misunderstood as to motive under any circumstances - still you realize that our success
100 there and your work are interdependent.

Wishing you greater success in the future, we remain

Yours truly, (117)

Paragraphs 157, 158, 159

Messrs. H. B. Newman & Co.,

Detroit, Mich. Gentlemen:

We are under the impression that if you would alter the method of your operations, enter into the work with enthusiasm, and give extra discounts,25 if necessary, to secure the business of the larger consumers, you would have no difficulty in rounding up a large business in a short time.50 Your last letter is full of self-contradiction, and shows a lack of self-control.

We hope that now, if you have your self-interest
75 at heart, you will take hold of your work there with a firm purpose; and we also hope you understand that while we do not
100 wish to alter our business relations at present, under our contract we can do so unless more strenuous action on your part becomes apparent.

very truly yours, (127)