Figure 15

Dear Sir/Madam I beg to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 15th inst. in connection with our not clearing our account, which was outstanding as of the end of June. Please accept our profuse apologies. We were unable to settle this matter due to the sudden demise of Mr Noel, our Accountant, and as a result were unaware of those accounts which were to be cleared. We now, however, have managed to trace all our commitments and take pleasure in enclosing our remittance for £2,120, which we trust will rectify matters. We hope that this unforeseen incident did not in any way inconvenience you, nor lead you to believe that our not clearing our balance on the due date was an intention on our part to delay payment. We remain, yours, etc...

 

 

Here is a simpler version of the letter. Mr Aldine will be satisfied with it because it tells him – simply and clearly – what he wants to know. First, his customer uses his name. Second, he has apologized. Third, Mr Aldine knows hiss was not the only account that was not paid when due, and knows why. Finally, he has his cheque.