FROM THE SAME TO THE SAME. (SECOND LETTER).

Bumbleton Butts, April 4, 1841.

MY DEAR FRIEND AND PATRON,—­All’s right, the two M’s are in their places, when will Joe be in his? I know your heart; pray excuse my earnestness, but oblige me with an early answer.  Joe is dying to be near so kind, so dear, so sincere a friend.

More devotedly than ever yours,

FUNK FLAT

G. Gammon, Esq., M.P., &c. &c.

(Sixthly.)

ANSWER FROM THE M.P.  TO THE ABOVE.

St. Stephen’s.

How can I express my feelings? My name, mine engrafted on the innocent offspring of the thoroughbred Funks, evermore to be by them and their heirs handed down to posterity!  How I rejoice at that circumstance, and the intelligence I have so happily received about the wretched situation you speak of.  Fancy, Funk, fancy the man, your son, in a moment of rashness, I meant to succeed, died of a sore-throat! an infallible disorder attendant upon the duties of those d—­d landing-waiterships.  What an escape we have had!  The place is given to my butler, so there’s no fear.  Kiss the child, and believe me ever,

Your sincere and much relieved friend,

GRIPE GAMMON.

To Funk Flat, Esq., &c. &c.

From this time forward the correspondence, like “Irish reciprocity,” is “all on one side.”  It generally consists of four-and-twenty letters from the constituent in the country to the returned member in town.  As these are never opened, all that is required is a well-written direction, on a blank sheet of paper.

(Seventhly.)

FROM SONS TO FATHERS.

(Several.)

DEAR FATHER,—­Studies continued—­(blot)—­profession—­future hopes—­application—­increased expenses—­irate landlady—­small remittance—­duty—­love—­say twenty-five pounds—­best wishes—­sister, mother, all at home.

Dutiful son,

JOHN JOSKIN.

(Eighthly.)

ANSWER TO THE SAME.

Delighted—­assiduity—­future fortune—­great profession!—­Increase of family—­no cash—­best prayers, sister, mother.

Loving father!

JOSKIN, SEN.

N.B.  By altering the relative positions and sexes, the above is good for all relations!  If writing to nabob, more flattery in letter of asker.  Strong dose of oaths in refuser’s answer.

(Ninthly.)

FROM “DEAR AND INTIMATE” TO A “DITTO DITTO.”

Brighton.

MY DEAR TOM,—­How are you, old fellow?  Here I am, as happy as a prince; that is, I should be if you were with me.  You know when we first met! what a time it was! do you remember?  How the old times come back, and really almost the same circumstances!  Pray do you recollect I wanted one hundred and fifty then? isn’t it droll I do now?  Send me your check, or bring it yourself.