Page:Robert Carter- his life and work. 1807-1889 (IA robertcarterhis00coch).pdf/224

208 fiftieth anniversary of your entrance upon the business, to convey to you their best regards and congratulations.

Some of us are the sons and successors of your early contemporaries; others are the representatives of a later generation; but the good will and kindly feeling which you commanded at the beginning, you have continued to retain through all the succeeding years of an honorable career. In your fifty years of business life, you have seen the wonderful growth of the American publishing trade, and have borne a conspicuous part in the development and maintenance of that important branch which you originally chose, and to which you have ever adhered. You have survived, with but one or two exceptions, those who were in business when you began, and are still able to take a part in the management of your well established house.

In all these years of activity and of many changes, you have made no enemies, and have constantly added to the number of your friends. You have conducted an exacting and difficult business with dignity and success, and in the serene years of later life are permitted to fully enjoy the substantial fruits of your industrious enterprise and unquestioned fidelity.

Be pleased, then, on this notable anniversary, to accept our congratulations and hearty good wishes for your continued health and prosperity, and believe us,

Very sincerely, yours,