Memo to New Master

Sir. Alfred,

Congratulations on your succession as master as the Ashford family. I hereby present you with an earthenware vase, according to the Ashford family tradition. As you may know, this tradition first began when a butler presented a golden teacup as a commemorative to Veronica. As founder of the Ashford family, her intelligence and beauty are legendary.

The second and third, masters, Stanley and his son Thomas were also presented with similar teacups. It was their hope to achieve glory as Veronica did before them. The position as family master then shifted to Sir. Thomas to his twin brother Sir. Arthur. It then went to Sir. Edward, your grandfather. That was when the Ashford family enjoyed it's golden age. It was also Sir. Edward's achievement that established the large chemical enterprise, Umbrella Inc.

However, when Sir. Edward passed away, and your father Sir. Alexander succeeded the position, the glorious Ashford family gradually began to sink... I sincerely hope that the Ashford family regains it's glory with your guidence, just as this vase continues to shine eternally.

Ashford Family Butler, Scott Harman