I hereby certify that Mr Robert L Smith, a native of the parish of Cameron, Fifeshire, has been known to me for the last nineteen years. When I first became acquainted with him he was quite a youth. I soon saw him to a boy of good parts, of sound religious principle, and actuated by a strong desire after knowledge. I accordingly paid considerable attention to him, and by means of private lessons and public instructions, endeavoured to help him forward in his education, and in the prosecution of his religious studies. His diligence, progress, and conduct in every respect, were all that I could wish. For the past ten or twelve years I have only met with him occasionally, and at distant intervals. I have been greatly pleased, however, to hear by those who have had the best opportunities of knowing him, that he has all along maintained an unblemished Christian character, and has realised the expectations which I and others cherished respecting him. I know not what may be his intentions in applying to me on the present occasion for a certificate, but from what I know of his character, attainments, and honourable feeling, he will not, I am sure, propose himself for any situation which he cannot fill with credit to himself and advantage to those concerned. He has my best wishes, and I shall be much gratified if my humble testimony prove of any advantage to him.

Dear Sir -- In reply to your application for a certificate of character, etc, in regard to your application to be appointed an "Inspector of the Poor", I beg leave to say that I am not intimately acquainted with the duties of the office. If, however, from a knowledge of your character for some years I am requested to give an opinion, I candidly confess, that if it lay in my power you should have my suffrage, being perfectly satisfied of your integrity, faithfulness, honesty, and activity in business, and likely to benefit and give satisfaction to your employers. Should you be fortunate enough to obtain the situation, I shall rejoice to hear of your success and welfare. -- I am, Dear Sir, yours very sincerely,

Mr. Robert L. Smith has been known to me for several years past, and I have always found him to be intelligent, upright, and steady in his habits. For any situation requiring conscientiousness, prudence, and correctness of moral character, I think him admirably fitted. His experience both of town and country life must add materially to his qualifications for the situation of "Inspector of the Poor".

For a number of years I have been personally acquainted with Mr. R. L. Smith (late of No. 21, George Street, Edinburgh,) and have known him to be a man of sober, upright, industrious, and religious habits; and have no doubt but that he is highly qualified for any place of trust.