Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

We take great pleasure in transplanting into our columns the following highly honorable conduct of Messrs. Gilbert & Dean.

Those who were creditors of Messrs. Gilbert & Dean at time of their misfortunes in 1813, yesterday received the following letter. To have witnessed their industry, prudence and integrity, and aside from interested considerations rejoice in their success.

"Boston, Aug. 20, 1821

Gentlemen,—When, in the course of human affairs, misfortunes, which can neither be foreseen nor avoided, happen to the man of business, changing at once competence to poverty, and hope to despair; among the many painful emotions which thus press heavily upon his heart, the consciousness of utter inability to discharge his just debts to their full extent is, to the honest debtor, one of those which is the most painful and oppressive. And when, under such circumstances, liberal minded creditors, accepting a part for the whole voluntarily relieve him from a load of debt, which would be fatal to all future hope and exertion, the most pleasing sensation which he can experience is the glow of thankful gratitude. Under these impressions, and with a vivid recollection of your former kindness, we renew our thanks individually, for your liberality in signing the release, which in the year 1813, discharged us from that portion of our debts, which our misfortunes had rendered us unable to pay.

In consequence of that discharge, several of our friends voluntarily loaned us a small capital, with which we re-commenced business; and by industry, assiduity, and the blessing of Providence, we have been enabled, besides supporting our large families, to acquire a small property Out of this we have reserved three thousand dollars, which in order to evince in some degree the greatful feelings which we have always cherished towards our creditors, purpose to pay over to them in proportion to the losses which they in 1813, sustained by our insolvency.

We have obtained from Thomas B. Wales, esq. to whom we then assigned our property for the benefit of our creditors a schedule of the names, and the debts of each; and we are now ready to pay, with great cheerfulness, to those who will do us the favor to call at our office, their several proportions of our fund of gratitude. We beg you to accept this, with our thanks for your goodness, and to believe that, with our best wishes for your happiness and prosperity, we shall ever remain,

Very respectfully, Sirs, your much obliged, and very humble servants,

GILBERT & DEAN."