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[following text horizontally oriented on top fold] Something something, if you return, you know. Could you be content to go back into the Old Store ["Old Store" underlined], brush it up, + put things to rights {"put things" and "to rights" underlined], + take hold with the will[underlined] to increase Cole's business? and board at home ["at home" underlined]? If you do so, my son, (take particular notice)[all underlined] you must only think of music[?] and of other like pleasures + amusement, as matters of altogether secondary[underlined] importance, mere relaxations from the study[underlined] + labor[underlined] of business. As I have before told you, I think you might grow[underlined] into successful trade in this village + ultimately into a competent property, if you will be so determined ["if you will be so determined" underlined], + will devote your talents + energies sufficiently to the object. You are young, healthy, + well respected here[underlined]. Now if

[following text horizontally oriented on bottom fold] you will resolve (+ not flinch[underlined] at any obstacle,) that you will[double underlined] do[underlined] it, I have no doubt you can, when 25 years old, be one of the first + most prosperous men of business in Buckpit. No matter, whether you begin for yourself[underlined], or in Mr. Cole's[underlined] employ or any body's else. ["or any body's else." added above the line with a carat] Begin on a regular, honest, accommodating system of trade. Be always up + dressed[underlined], prompt, punctual, always posted[underlined] at Maine [illegible] part of your business seen to in season + in order [multiple words illegible due to wear on edge] good will of people. Will you try? son. ZL

[following text vertically oriented on right fold] I say, by all[underlined] fair means, ["fair means" underlined], have the esteem [all underlined + favor of J.N.D.[underlined] + Co.[double underlined]. all. It may be you will sometime wish to return to Boston. If not their esteem will be worth having. I guess I would keep along, + do the hard ["do the hard" underlined] thing in the store [all underlined], till [illegible - hole in paper] giving[underlined]. That is the time that all[underlined] boys[underlined] [illegible - hole in paper] home[underlined] to see their mothers. Write[double underlined].

[address area, center] Paid Mr. Zadoc Long Jun Care J. N. Denison, + Co Boston ["paid 3" stamp over "Paid"] [cancellation: "Buckfield Oct 18 ME.]