A newly-qualified lawyer found work in the Fines Enforcement office of a Magistrates' Court.
In answer to a begging letter for time to pay, he replied;-
Dear sir,
I beg to refer to your letter of the 16th, ultimo, wherein you......
Your humble servant,
(name)
The Fines Manager picked on the letter, and had him in the office, explaining that he was dealing with cons and lags, who might not understand his language. In future, he was to use plain language.
He re-wrote the letter;-
Pay £10 by Friday, or there will be hassle
(Yup - it's true!)
