1880-05-06 Letter: Fred W. Kelsey to J. W. Lovering, "business ethics," 2014.020.004-017

Subject: Business Ethics.

[letterhead: Fred. W. Kelsey, IMPORTER AND DEALER IN FINE NURSERY STOCK, ROCHESTER, N. Y. New York Office, 208 Broadway 6^th May 1880,]

J. W. Lovering Esq. Mt. Auburn Mass,

My Dear Sir -

I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 5^th inst, and to grant you herewith invoice of plants furnished the Cemetery. Also, bill on your personal a/c amounting to the large sum of $5.⁰⁰ - As you insist on paying for the few things sent you I see no other way but to make a charge - It is not an uncommon thing for me to send to my regular customers (with whom I have had a pleasant personal acquaintance) a few little things as complimentary and I have never regarded for one moment whether the party has been purchasing in an official capacity, or entirely for his private use - Whether such slight attentions are strictly "business" or otherwise they are certainly the pleasant side of business and tend I think to elevate, to a slight degree the dollar and cent principle which becomes such a failing many times with business men.

I remain Dr Sir, Yours very truly, Fred. W. Kelsey