Volume I Part 16 (1/2)
Any delay in acknowledging a letter of introduction is uncivil, both to the person who wrote the letter and the one being introduced. If one is invalided, a short note should be written explaining why a call cannot be made, and arranging for a meeting as early as circ.u.mstances permit.
But to wait a week or two before acknowledging a letter of introduction, and then writing to explain, is to show lack of good breeding and ignorance of the laws of good conduct.
It is a mark of courtesy to write to the person who brought about the acquaintance with a new friend by means of a letter of introduction, thanking him or her for the note that inspired the friends.h.i.+p.
MODEL LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION
A letter of introduction should be simple and to the point. It should also be friendly, cordial and explanatory. It is placed in a single envelope, unsealed, with the full name and address of the person to whom the bearer is introduced. Here are some letters that are offered merely as suggestions. Of course they may be changed and added to, to meet certain conditions:
_New Haven, Conn., March 4, 19--_
_My dear Mrs. Brown:_
_This will introduce to you Miss Rose Johnson of Camden, New Jersey, who intends staying in your charming city during December and January._
_I have known Miss Johnson for three years, and feel sure that you will find pleasure in her company._
_With warmest personal regards, I am_
_Sincerely yours,_
_Margaret F. Dowe._
_New York, N.Y., April 4, 19--_
_Dear Travers:_
_The bearer of this note, Mr. Robert Duncan, of Chicago, plans to be in your town for two months. Besides being a personal friend of mine, he is the advertising manager of the Goodfield Company in Los Angeles, and knowing as I do how interested you are in advertising, I feel that you would like to know him._
_You will find him good company everywhere, I think, for he not only talks entertainingly but he plays tennis and golf and bridge and plays them well. I hope that you will be able to help him enjoy his stay in Madison._
_With kindest regards to Mrs. Travers, I am_
_Cordially yours,_
_Bob Westely._
_Baltimore, Md., Oct. 19, 19--_
_My dear Mrs. Rowell:_
_It gives me great pleasure to present to you Mr. Raymond Gordon, the bearer of this note, with whom I have been a.s.sociated in business and socially for many years. Business takes him to Baltimore, where he is an entire stranger. I will personally appreciate any kindness you may show him during his stay there._
_Yours most sincerely,_
_Robert S. Balfour._