Lord Chesterfield says in those inimitable letters to his son, that “style is the dress of thoughts, and let them be ever so just, if your style is homely, coarse and vulgar, they will appear to as much disadvantage as your person, though ever so well proportioned, would if dressed in rags, dirt and tatters.”

So true is this that graceful commonplaces, either spoken or written, are far more apt to produce a pleasing impression than weightier matter awkwardly uttered, or uncouthly expressed. Hence, the length and familiarity of the friendly epistle should never be carried into the short, concisely worded business letter, while the social note, though brief, should differ greatly in its gracefully turned phrases from the formal note of acceptance, regret, application, or introduction.

The following forms are to be looked upon, not as copies, but chiefly as suggestions that may be used to solve some doubtful point.

Social and Friendly Letters.

These are less subject to rule than any other class, and the models here given are simply to show how flowing and easy the style may be between friend and friend, or how gracious and instructive from parent to child. In the friendly letter great freedom of detail is allowable, especially among near relatives. “You do not tell me half enough,” writes H.H. from Europe. “I even want to know if the front gate is off its hinges.” But do not render a friendly letter so long as to tax the patience of the reader. “Samivel Veller” discovered one of the secrets of letter-writing when he made that famous love letter of his short, “so she vill vish there vos more of it.” Neither railing, nor fretfulness, nor too great egotism, is wise in letter-writing, for written words have a sad fashion of outlasting the mood in which they were penned, nay, even the hand that penned them.

Letters of Introduction.

These are left unsealed, that the bearer may be permitted to read the contents. They are brief, so that if read in the presence of the person introduced, the slight embarrassment may be shortened as much as possible. They usually contain a reference to the occupation or character of the individual in order that some slight clue may be given to the recipient in beginning a conversation, and usually conclude with some pleasant, complimentary phrase.

One simple form would be:

Evanston, January 1, 189—.

My dear Miss Kimberlin:

This letter will introduce to you my friend, Mr. Otis Van Orin, a member of the Corps of Civil Engineers, to be located near your home for several months during a partial survey of the new railroad. May I not be assured that you will extend to him some of the hospitalities of your delightful home, thus being to him that “friend at court” so desirable to the stranger in a strange land? Trusting that this will be the case, I am,

Very sincerely yours,
Charles H. Calcraft.

Another, from a mother introducing her daughter to an old friend, would read:

Waterbury, Conn., March 10, 189—.

Dear Frances:

My daughter Madge will present this letter in person, as she is about to enter school in your town for a several years’ course of study. Under these circumstances, and in memory of our own lifelong friendship, may I not ask that you will help her to forget some of the sorrow of this, the first parting her happy, young life has known? Trusting that you will do this for the sake of auld lang syne,

I am, as ever, your friend,
Margaret M. Blatchford.

Mrs. Frances H. Page,
Portland, Me.

A still briefer form would be:

Baltimore, Md., November 20, 189—.

Dear Denton:

My friend, Louis Ross, will present this note. Any kindness you may show him will confer a favor upon

Yours truly,
Frank P. Breckenridge.

To Mr. James Denton,
Ottumwa, Ill.

The envelope to a letter of introduction should be addressed as follows:

Mr. James Denton, Ottumwa, Ill.

Introducing Mr. Louis Ross.

Letters of introduction should not be sent indiscriminately, as no one has a right to force a possibly undesirable acquaintance upon a friend, while, at the same time, the individual asking such a favor should be thoroughly convinced that he is entitled to the privilege. Letters of introduction, where they are between ladies, may be left by the caller, together with her card. She must not, however, ask to see the lady of the house, who is expected, shortly after the receipt of such a missive, to call in person, and should endeavor, during her stay, to include her in a portion of her social plans for the season; circumstances, of course, governing the extent to which these attentions should be carried.

A gentleman, in presenting a letter of introduction to a lady, may, if she should be at home, make his first call when sending in his letter and card, whereon should be designated his hotel or place of residence. If this should not be the case, she will answer by sending her card with her reception day engraved upon it, or, if that be too far distant, a note, stating when he may call, should be sent; it may also be expected that her husband, son or brother will call upon him and offer what civilities are at command. Even should neither card nor note be sent, it is still permitted him to call once more. His responsibility ceases here, and if no attention follows he may conclude his friend has overstepped the limits of a slight acquaintance in giving him the letter of introduction.

A Letter of Recommendation

to some position or appointment is very much the same as one of introduction. Its reception, however, does not necessitate social attentions. The form is very simple:

644 Broadway, New York, November 22, 189—.

Dear Mr. Hill:

Recognizing, as I do, that your position in commercial circles will give your influence great weight, I take it upon myself to introduce to you Mr. Philip Palmer, a graduate of one of the best business colleges in New York City, and a young man of integrity and capacity. Any recommendations which you can grant him will be looked upon as a favor by

Your friend,
Milton Jones.

To William Hill,
Elmira, N.Y.

A general letter of introduction, intended for the perusal of strangers, would read somewhat as follows:

To whom it may concern:

This is to certify that the bearer of this letter, Miss Marietta Hope, was graduated with high honors from Vassar College, and has since taught in the schools of this city. As her principal for a number of months, I can truthfully recommend her as capable of filling any position for which she may apply.

James H. Blanchard,
Principal of Livingston School,
New York City.

Letters of Condolence

should be written very soon after the occurrence of the sorrowful event, and, while brief, should not be cold and formal; neither should they touch the opposite extreme, and, by dwelling with maddening iteration upon the fresh sorrow, harrow anew the stricken soul of the mourner. The occasion should never be seized upon as a text for a sermon on resignation, nor should frequent reference be made to various like bereavements suffered by the writer. These comparisons only wound, for “there is no sorrow like unto my sorrow,” has ever been the cry of the stricken soul. And when friends have done their little all, each mourner still feels the truth of Lowell’s lines:

Yet friends cannot deny themselves the privilege of a few loving words, and a letter on the loss of a beloved daughter might be as follows:

Cape May, June 1, 189—.

My dear Mrs. Sutherland:

I cannot resist my desire to write you a few words of love and sorrow; only a few, for my heart is full and words seem very weak. Thank God, my friend, for the nineteen beautiful years that ended that morning in May.

If you could but know how sweet and tender a recollection she has left enshrined in the hearts of her friends, and all the loving, gracious utterances that are offered to her memory! It is well with Alice in heaven; that it may be well with you on earth, in the days that are to come, is the prayer of

Your loving friend,
Marie.

To a friend who has sustained a financial loss might be written:

Tonawanda, N.Y., November 12, 189—.

My dear Blake:

The first announcement that I had of your severe financial loss was through the morning paper. I can only express my sorrow at the event and my indignation over the falsity of the cashier in whom you placed so much confidence.

Hoping that you have employed the best of detective skill, and that you will succeed in recovering a portion, at least, of the sequestrated funds, I am,

Yours sincerely,
George G. Parsons.

Mr. Fletcher Blake,
President of the First National Bank, Aurora, Minn.

It must be remembered that letters of condolence, unlike those of congratulation, are not expected to receive an early answer, and, in case of very deep affliction, may remain seemingly unnoticed, save perhaps, after a time, by cards of thanks.

Letters of Congratulation

should be sent immediately upon the occurrence of the fortunate event that calls forth congratulatory wishes; they should be brief, gracefully worded and contain no mention of other matter. The occasions in life that call forth such missives are numerous: birthdays, engagements, marriages, anniversaries, business successes, etc., each, or all, should win some congratulatory notice. The formal congratulation is in set terms, usually written in the third person, and may be used between individuals but slightly acquainted; for example:

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Fielding upon the successful conclusion of Mr. Harold Fielding’s college course and express the pleasure with which they listened to the delivery of his eloquent oration on Commencement Day.

81 St. Caroline’s Court, July 1, 189—.

This, in common with all congratulatory letters, should be replied to at once, and, wherever any missive is written in the third person, the reply must follow the same fashion. An appropriate answer for the above form would be:

Mr. and Mrs. Fielding unite in sending thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Stuart for kindly praise awarded their son Harold on the late important event in his life, and also for the exquisite flowers they sent to grace the occasion.

891 Michigan Avenue, July 2, 189—.

A friendly congratulation in the first person is less stately, as, for instance, one friend might congratulate another upon his marriage:

Georgetown, D.C., January 10, 189—.

Dear Jack:

“And so they were married and lived happy ever after,” of course. At least, that is what you and Mrs. Julia anticipate at this present time, and is what I, knowing you both, do confidently predict. Accept my heartfelt congratulations, and believe me

Your true friend,
Richard Doe.

To John Myers, Esq.,
Yankton, Da.

Answer to the foregoing might be:

Yankton, Da., January 20, 189—.

Dear Dick:

Julia and I received your congratulations with pleasure, my only regret being that I cannot return them in kind.

“Gather roses while ye may,

Old Time’s a-flying.”

A word to the wise, etc., and let me speedly have occasion to felicitate you in like manner.

Your friend and well-wisher,
John Myers.

Mr. Richard Doe,
Georgetown, D.C.

It should be mentioned here that while one congratulates a gentleman upon his engagement, or marriage, and may congratulate his parents upon the same occasion, it is inadmissible to congratulate a lady on a similar event, or to extend the congratulations to her parents. Well-bred mothers have been known to resent this solecism keenly. You may, and indeed are expected to, offer to her, and her parents, all manner of good wishes for future happiness, but be sure not to congratulate.

Almost any success, or pleasant happiness in life, may be made the subject of a congratulatory letter, but a multiplicity of forms is unnecessary here.

Proposals, Engagements, “Naming the Day,”

And other letters of this description are important affairs that may all be transacted through the medium of correspondence, but it is to be hoped that a matter so closely personal will quicken the imagination and inspire the pen of the dullest swain.

Let him woo his Dulcinea swiftly and tempestuously, as King Hal wooed Kate, or let him serve twice seven years as Jacob served for Rachel, but let him never search out printed forms whereby to declare his passion: nor fit the measure of his love to the lines of the “Model Letter-Writer.” As to “naming the day,” ’twere a wordless lover indeed who could not say, as the poet says:

The note has become a factor in modern social life. We send a note when we send a gift, when we ask a favor, when we acknowledge a favor, when we offer an apology, when we postpone an engagement, and when we give, accept, or refuse an informal invitation. These forms will be given here for reference, excepting those pertaining to invitations, which are discussed in their place.

Notes Accompanying a Gift

should be brief, prettily worded, and strictly confined to the subject in hand; for instance, a gentleman sending flowers to a lady might say:

Mr. Irwin, hearing Miss St. John express a preference for roses, hopes that he may have the pleasure of seeing her wearing the accompanying cluster this evening at the Opera.

91 Ashland Boulevard, October 2d.

The wearing of the flowers would be all the answer required by this note.

With a birthday gift an appropriately worded note would be as follows:

At Home, August 1st.

Dear Nettie:

Remembering that your birthday is at hand, I send you this little painting as a token of my love, together with wishes for many happy returns of this day.

Your friend,
Marie St. John.

These little notes should always receive an answer, as, for instance, this last might be appropriately replied to thus:

632 Corson Street, August 2, 189—.

My dear Marie:

You cannot think with what delight I received your beautiful birthday gift, rendered tenfold dearer by the knowledge that it is the handiwork of my friend. With many thanks,

I am, as ever, yours,
Nettie D. Caton.

Notes of Apology

are a frequent necessity. They should be written with promptness, evince a repentant spirit, and should be acknowledged pleasantly and forgivingly. Always remember in such a note to explain the cause rendering the apology necessary. For instance, an unfulfilled engagement might be apologized for thus:

Dear Miss Mason:

I cannot sufficiently regret that I was unfortunately prevented from keeping my engagement to drive with you on Wednesday. An important telegram, received but a moment before the time set for our “outing,” left me but a brief five minutes to catch the first train for R——, where affairs, permitting no delay, awaited my attention.

Dare I hope that I have your pardon for so great a seeming negligence?

Very respectfully yours,
John H. Curran.

This note being written in the first person will be replied to in the same manner by the recipient:

Mr. Curran (or, Dear Mr. Curran, according to the degree of familiarity):

I accept your apology as quite sufficient, and beg that you will give yourself no further uneasiness over so unavoidable an occurrence.

I am, sincerely,
Gertrude Mason.

Notes of Postponement

are always to be sent when the necessity arises for deferring any social gathering. Write them promptly, and explain the unavoidable reasons for the postponement; for example:

Dear Mrs. Briggs:

It is with great regret that I inform you that our exhibition of private theatricals is indefinitely postponed on account of the sudden and serious illness of Miss Hope Ledyard, who was the chief star of our little company.

The “Lady of Lyons,” with the “Lady” left out, would be like “Hamlet,” with the noble Dane missing, an impossible performance; and, as there was no one else so capable of filling the part as Miss Ledyard, we are resolved to await her recovery.

Your friend,
Elizabeth Stuart.

Notes of Request or Refusal

are frequently necessary, but care should be taken neither to make an unreasonable request, nor to return an unjustifiable refusal. Should denial seem imperative, strive to imitate that English statesman who could refuse more gracefully than others could grant. The following examples will suffice:

Dear Mrs. Winterblossom:

You remember the little picture, a Sunset View, that I admired so much the other evening at your home? Would you have any objection to lending it to me for a copy?

Should you have even a shadow of dislike toward my proposition, do not hesitate to refuse at once. So many people are averse, and justly so, to having their paintings duplicated that I feel my request almost an impertinence.

Believe me, truly yours,
Edith Granger.

Refusal to the same:

My dear Miss Granger:

I dread to answer your note, since it must be a refusal of your request, for the little painting is the property of a friend of mine, who has left it, together with a few others, in my care during her tour in Europe. The fact that she has a morbid dislike to having duplicate copies made of her pictures, forces me to deny a request that, were the painting in question mine, I would gladly grant.

Sincerely your friend,
Helen Winterblossom.

Business Letters

need especial care in writing. They are to be read by men with whom time is precious and the demands upon it numerous. Hence they should be brief, clearly worded and straight to the point. Such a letter is much more certain of speedy attention and prompt returns than the rambling, incoherent missive of the unaccustomed writer. If you want ten yards of ribbon of a certain color and quality, say so, but do not lose the order in a maze of irrelevant matter; for instance:

Mendota, Ill., April 4, 189—.

Messrs. Blank & Co.

Please send me:

10	yards of black silk, at $1 per yard	$10 00
14	yards of green cashmere, at 75c. per yard	10 50
1	pair black kid gloves	1 50
1	pair tan kid gloves, undressed	2 00
	Total	$23 00

Enclosed find money order for the above amount. Goods to be sent by American Express. By filling the above order quickly as possible, you will greatly oblige,

Mary McNett.

Address: Mrs. W.D. McNett, Mendota, Ill.

If there is any special reason for filling an order hastily, such as a birthday gift or wedding present, mention the fact briefly, and care will be taken that it is sent in time. Always make use of money order, draft or registered letter, when sending other than very small amounts of money by mail. Should you have anything to say in such a letter aside from the affair in hand, attend first and briefly to the matter of business, and then add whatever remarks may seem necessary.

Answers to Advertisements

should also be concisely worded, as for example:

61 Delaware Place, February 19, 189—.

Mrs. General Channing:

Seeing your advertisement for a governess in to-day’s “Herald,” I wish to inform you that I am a graduate of Wellesley, and have, for the two years since being graduated, taught French and German in the college.

Any references which you may desire as to my efficiency for completing the education of your daughter will be furnished you by the College Faculty.

Hoping to hear favorably from you,

I am, respectfully,
(Miss) Elizabeth Stuart.

A letter of inquiry might be something as follows:

Dr. J.H. Gratiot:

In making some inquiries relative to the present residence of a friend of mine, Miss Grace Gage, a mutual acquaintance of ours, Mrs. Emmons B. Corthell, of this place, gave me your address, suggesting that you could afford me the desired information.

This being the case, would you be so kind as to send the lady’s present address, or, by handing her this note, permit her personally to furnish the desired information. Any communication addressed, from now on, to 1267 Madison Avenue, will find and greatly oblige,

(Miss) Kate G. Cox.

A letter of resignation, being a rather formal document, should be worded very much as follows:

To the Directors of the Owatonna Public Library.

Gentlemen: I hereby tender my resignation of the Librarianship of the Owatonna Public Library, said resignation to take effect on the —— day of —— 189—.

Thanking you for the kindness and thoughtfulness with which you have acceded to my wishes and requests during my late term of office,

I am, respectfully,
George H. Graham.

Owatonna, Minn., August 1, 189—.

Some Don’ts and Do’s for Letter-Writers.

Don’t write an anonymous letter; it is a cowardly stab in the dark.

Don’t pay any attention to an anonymous letter; it is not worth your regard.

Don’t conduct private correspondence on a postal card. Many persons consider this an insult. A purely business message may be thus sent, but even then the slight saving in postage is small recompense for the delay so often attending the delivery of postal cards.

Don’t use a postscript; it is unnecessary, old-fashioned, schoolgirlish, and in a particular, punctilious letter the omission of any important matter necessitates the rewriting of the entire letter rather than the use of a postscript. In very friendly letters one may be permitted to add the forgotten paragraph in the form of a postscript, omitting, however, the obsolete abbreviation, “P. S.”

Don’t write on a half-sheet of paper unless the nature of the correspondence permits the use of the ordinary business letter-head. If the note is short, write only on one side of the paper, but don’t tear a sheet in half for economy’s sake. The rough, torn edges, denote haste, ill-breeding, or carelessness on the part of the writer.

Don’t use tablet paper for ceremonious letters.

Don’t write on both sides of the paper to any but very intimate friends or relatives, they being disposed to tolerate slight departures from formality on our part.

Don’t meddle with foreign nouns or verbs unless conversant with the language itself; incorrect and ungrammatical usage is too apt to be the unhappy result. Even foreign names and titles should not be used without the exactest care as to their orthography and application.

This rule should be especially remembered with reference to all matters destined to pass through hands editorial.

Don’t erase misspelled words in letters of any moment. Recopy the entire missive.

Don’t quote too constantly.

Don’t underscore your words, unless they express something very important.

Don’t send enclosures in a letter written by some one else; only the greatest intimacy can excuse this practice. Write your own letters and send in a separate envelope.

Don’t write a letter in a towering passion; you would not care to have it confront you in some cooler moment.

Don’t cross the writing in your letters. Life is too short and the time and eyesight of your correspondent too precious for this.

Don’t fill up every available blank space and margin of your letter with forgotten messages. If these are very valuable, add an extra sheet to your letter, thus saving its appearance and the patience of its recipient.

Don’t divide a syllable at the end of a line. The printer may do this, not the letter-writer.

Don’t fall into the habit of using long words in a letter, they show a straining after effect. One should “say,” rather than “observe,” “talk,” rather than “converse,” if one’s missives are to be easy, well-bred and readable.

Don’t refold a letter, the marks always remain to show your carelessness. Fold it correctly the first time.

Do remember to answer all important questions in a letter clearly and decisively.

Do burn the great majority of your letters after answering. Those that are to be kept should be filed away in packages adding date and writer’s name on corner of envelope and by a word or two suggesting the topics with which they deal. This will save time in referring to them.

Do answer your friendly letters with reasonable promptness. To do otherwise is a breach of etiquette. An unanswered letter is an insult, a cut direct. Business letters, of course, must be replied to at once.

Do send a postage stamp when you write a letter of inquiry, the answer to which is of interest only to yourself. A stamped and addressed envelope would be a still better enclosure.

Do, if you are an absent son or daughter, write home promptly and regularly; the comfort this will be to the parents at home, and the pain they suffer at any negligence on your part, cannot be overestimated. Husbands and wives, when separated for a time, would do well to follow this same advice.

Do date your letters carefully. Events and proofs of the greatest importance have hung upon the date of a single letter.

Do put sufficient stamps upon a letter to make sure of no extra postage falling to the lot of your correspondent.

Do put your address plainly in all letters. This ensures a prompt answer and, in case of miscarriage, a speedy return from the Dead-Letter Office.

Do, if a business man or woman, have your address on the outside of your envelope. This will make sure of your uncalled-for letters returning to you immediately. It is well to do this in any case where a little uncertain as to the exact address of your correspondent.

Do read your letters over carefully before sending, that no errors may be overlooked.

Do give every subject a separate paragraph instead of running the whole letter, social items and sentiment, all into one indistinguishable whole.

Do begin the first line of each paragraph, at least one inch from the margin of the page.

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