Part 72 (1/2)

In writing a social letter the address is omitted or added at close of the letter. A gentleman in private or professional life would be addressed as:

FREDERIC GUY, Esq. DEAR SIR: (or, SIR:)

Or,

HON. FREDERIC GUY. DEAR SIR: (or, SIR:)

Respectfully yours, JOHN GRACELAND.

The use of t.i.tles will be explained farther on, but here it may be said that two t.i.tles are very seldom given to the same individual at once. For instance, never write Mr. Fred. Guy, Esq., nor Hon. Mr.

Fred. Guy. There are some exceptions to this rule, as where the Rev.

Mr. Churchill and the Hon. Mr. Brice are addressed under circ.u.mstances where their Christian name is unknown, and where a married lady makes use of her husband's t.i.tle, as: Mrs. Capt. Jones; Mrs. Judge Snyder, and where the Rev. Prof. Dr. Kemp shows by his t.i.tles the weight of his learning. Never deny an individual the t.i.tles that are rightfully his. They show that he has fought and conquered men, or books, to win them, and they are the well-earned meed of his endeavor. But never, if you have t.i.tles, be guilty of bestowing them on yourself; leave that for others.

A gentleman writing to a married lady would address her in friendly correspondence as, ”Dear Mrs. French,” or, ”My dear Mrs. French.” To an unmarried lady, ”Dear Miss French,” or ”My dear Miss French.” A lady addresses a gentleman in the same fas.h.i.+on, as ”Dear Mr.

Courtney,” or ”My dear Mr. Courtney,” or ”Dear Dr. Courtney.”

The Proper Salutation.

Nearer degrees of intimacy, of course, formulate their own laws in this regard, but even here, be it said, that discretion may be exercised to advantage. It will also be observed that if the word ”dear,” or any like term, begins the salutation it is capitalized; otherwise, not. Thus: ”My dear Friend;” not ”My Dear Friend.”

Authorities on etiquette differ somewhat on this score, different works in the author's possession taking exactly opposite sides, the weight of evidence, however, falling on the form given here.

The complimentary conclusion, ”Yours truly,” ”Very truly yours,” ”Very respectfully,” etc., should begin about the middle of the page on the next line below the body of the letter. The first word only should be capitalized, and the expression followed by a comma. The signature should come on the line below and end at the right-hand margin of the page. The address also is sometimes, especially in social notes given at the conclusion, where it should begin, one or two lines below the signature, at the left-hand margin of the page, occupying two or more lines, according to its length, as:

DEAR MISS LOTHROP:

In reply to your kind note, I would say, etc.

Cordially yours,

MARION KENT.

2 Arcade Court, Chicago, Ill., October 5, 189-.

Another very formal style would be:

21 DELAWARE PLACE, BUFFALO, N.Y., June 1, 189-.

DEAR MISS LOTHROP: In reply to your kind note, etc.

Truly yours,

GEORGE HARLAND.

To MISS JULIA LOTHROP, 110 Beacon Street, Boston, Ma.s.s.

The conclusion of a letter gives the writer fully as much lat.i.tude of style as the salutation. Some graceful little phrase should follow the subject-matter of the letter and lead up to the conclusion, thus:

I am, with love to the family, and remembrances to all my friends,