Because periodicals often were sent to readers for several months after a subscription had run out, this Letter to the Editor,” by M. C. Sawyer, was a not-exactly-subtle hint from the editors of The Youth’s Companion that some subscribers may be in arrears.


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“Letter to the Editor,” by M. C. Sawyer (from the Youth’s Companion, December 28, 1848; p. 140)

Bristol, N. H. Dec. 8, 1848.

FATHER.

Hard here, my children! stop your play!

And hear what “Father,” has to say!

The close of year is now in view;

The printer, well has earned his due!

“The Youth’s Companion” read to-day,

Must stop, unless you send the pay!

SON.

Stop my paper! I’ve no such fears!

I’ve read it half a dozen years!

What! stop our little paper now?

Ellen reads it well you know—

’Tis her companion, and mine too;

’Tis never stupid—always new!

DAUGHTER.

Father! must we pay the printer?

Now, because ’tis coming winter?

Does he want money? Is he poor?

My money, he can have, I’m sure;

If he will send the paper here,

With easy stories, short and queer!

Here is the argument, Friend Willis; and if my children never find any worse companions than the “Youth’s Companion,” I will “underwrite" them on the score of good behaviour. Send it another year.

Yours truly,

M. C. SAWYER

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