Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom

the handwriting on the envelope as that of his cousin, Susan. Why
would she be writing to him? The paper bore no telltale black border…
and it wasn’t as if there was anyone left in his family he cared about…
Beckett broke the wax seal, and opened the letter.
My dear cousin,
I write to you today to ask your help. My son,
John, is now twelve years of age, which means he
must soon be apprenticed. John fancies that he would
like to see the World, and I know you have done
splendidly, cousin Cutler, earning for yourself a
high place ina Company that is Known to all and
Respected.
I ask you to recommend John to your superiors in
one of the English offices of the East India Trading
Company. If he were apprenticed here in England, I
could see my boy perhaps during Christmastide, and
if I traveled to the city. It is hard on a Mother’s
heart to lose her son, and I would bless you for
helping me keep him here in England until he is a
bit more grown.
I must note that I asked your father to take John
on as an apprentice and he refused me, saying that
it was his perception that my son has “no head for
business.”
I believe Jonathan is incorrect in his judgment,
dismissing John so unfeelingly. John is a likely
boy, eager to learn. He has done well with his
schooling, though I must concede his Latin tutor
despaired of him. But he can read and cipher, and he
writes a good, clear hand, so Jonathan’s refusal
made no sense to me, Except it helped me to see why
you and our dear departed Jane could not Feel the
familial affection normally due a father by his
offspring.
I hope this letter finds you well, Cutler, and
that you will find it in your heart to help us. Your
cousin Matthew sends his best Regards, as do we all,
as well as our Prayers, thinking of you in those
distant lands filled with Heathens and who knows
what else.