Dear
Having been away from the office for a few days, I didn’t
read your letter of May 19th until today.
While I am sure the young man you wrote to me about
wouldn’t warrant the recommendation you gave unless he is
truly exceptional, I believe it would be unfair to him to
set up an interview at this time.
We have just had to lay off twenty four employees and there
is no way that I could justify hiring someone new under
those circumstances. We anticipate that business should
improve over the next six months, but for now, …

Dear
Thank you for sending me the information on [name of
venture]
While I found the concept interesting, I am reluctant to
become involved in any venture that would require my absence
from the firm for an extended period of time.
I am returning your material under separate cover and wish
you the best of luck in your new venture.