I found these letters simply charming! Seriously, they're so adorable I can hardly take it. My favourites were the letters from Squirrel Nutkin to Old Mr. Brown, asking for his tail back. Here is the complete correspondence of Squirrel Nutkin:
Mr. Brown,
Owl Island.
Sir,
I should esteem it a favour if you would let me have back my tail, as I miss it very much. I would pay postage.
Yrs. truly,
Squirrel Nutkin
Mr. Old Brown Esq.,
Owl Island.
Dear Sir,
I should be extremely obliged if you could kindly send back a tail which you have had for some time. It is fluffy brown with a white tip. I wrote to you before about it, but perhaps I did not address the letter properly. I will pay postage.
Yrs. respectfully,
Squirrel Nutkin
Old Mr. Brown Esq.,
Owl Island.
Dear Sir,
I should be exceedingly obliged if you will let me have back my tail, I will gladly pay 3 bags of nuts for it if you will please post it back to me, I have written to you twice Mr. Brown, I think I did not give you my address, it is Derwent Bay Wood.
Yrs. respectfully,
Sq. Nutkin
The Right Honourable
Old Brown Esq.,
Owl Island.
Sir,
I write respectfully to beg that you will sell me back my tail, I am so uncomfortable without it, and I have heard of a tailor who would sew it on again. I would pay three bags of nuts for it. Please Sir, Mr. Brown, send it back by post and oblige.
Yrs. respectfully,
Sq. Nutkin
O. Brown Esq., M.P.
Owl Island.
Dear Sir,
I write on behalf of my brother Nutkin to beg that as a great favour you would send him back his tail. He never makes- or asks- riddles now, and he is truly sorry that he was so rude. Trusting that you continue to enjoy good health, I remain,
Yr. obedient servant,
Twinkleberry Squirrel
Master Squirrel Nutkin,
Derwent Bay Wood.
Mr. Brown writes to say that he cannot reply to letters as he is asleep. Mr. Brown cannot return the tail. He ate it some time ago; it nearly choked him. Mr. Brown requests Nutkin not write again, as his repeated letters are a nuisance.
Dr. Maggotty,
The Dispensary.
Dear Dr. Maggotty,
Having seen an advertisement (nailed on the smithy door) of your blue beans to cure chilblains, I write to ask whether you think a boxful would make my tail grow? I tried to buy it back from the gentleman who pulled it off, but he has not answered my letters. It spoils my appearance. Are the beans very strong?
Yrs. truly,
Sq. Nutkin
Sq. Nutkin Esq.,
Derwent Bay Wood.
Sir,
I have much pleasure in forwarding a box of blue beans as requested. Kindly acknowledge receipt and send 30 peppercorns as payment.
Yrs.
Matthew Maggotty, M.D.
Dr. Maggotty Esq., M.D.
The Dispensary
Sir,
I am obliged for the box of blue beans. I have not tried them yet. I have been wondering is there any fear they might make me grow a blue tail? It would spoil my appearance.
Yrs. truly,
Sq. Nutkin
Sq. Nutkin Esq.,
Derwent Bay Wood.
Sir,
I do not think that there is the slightest risk of my beans causing you to grow a blue tail. The price per box is 30 peppercorns.
Yrs. truly,
M. Maggotty, M.D.
Dr. Maggotty/
Sir,
I am sending back the box of blue beans, I think they have a very funny smell and so does my brother Twinkleberry.
Yrs. truly,
Sq. Nutkin
Poor little Squirrel Nutkin! But then again, he was a very naughty boy in the book.
Do you like Miss Potter's stories?
Have you ever read Squirrel Nutkin?
Yrs. Truly,
Emma Jane
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