to: john smith, supervisor
from: george chen, accounting department
date: march 11, 2001
subject: casual leave of absence
john, i would like to know if i could ask for a casual leave of absence from march 23 to 27.

yesterday i received a letter from my parents, who are both over 70, telling me that a big flood took place at my home village, causing serious damage to my house. as the only son of my parents, i should of back to assess the situation, and help them to get over these difficulties. though i cannot stay at home for too long a time, i should at least make arrangements for repair work. i believe my relatives in the village and my neighbors will also come to help. financially i have no difficulties.

i will call you at 1:30p.m. or you can call me at any time.