(Translation: from P.Oxy. 8) Apollonius to his son Apollonius, greeting. I have received through Heraclas the boxes
with the books, as you write, and the half-chous jar of oil which Nicanor writes that
he has sent. Tell Nicanor that Heraclas the boatman ... to pay us the 600 drachmae
for his freights; he was here to-day; I found the boat sailing down and I thought
that I ought to let you know about what I have said. You will receive through Origas
two variegated (?) wrist-bands, one scarlet and one purple, which your brother Pausanias
went to the expense of having made some time ago and presented to you; write and acknowledge
their receipt. If I can buy a cloak for you privately, I will send it at once, if
not, I will have it made for you athome. The blankets have been cut out; the account
of them, as you write, shall be sent by Diogas to Nicanor through Heraclas. A pattern
of the colour of the dress that is being made is enclosed in this letter; give it
to Nicanor to look at, in order that, if he likes it, he may write to us, for it has
not yet been given out. We are going to use local purple. Good-bye. Mecheir 6. (Address on verso.)