LIBRARY (jtei&jte^^ ft ACTUAL BUSINESS DEPARTMENT, NAPA BUSINESS COLLEGE A SHORTER COURSE INSTRUCTION GRAMMAR. Arranged in a Manner to be Easily Understood and Applied. DKSICNKII ESPECIALLY FOR PRACTICAL INTSRUCTION iff BUSINESS COLLEGES, AND IN ALL SCHOOLS WHERE A MERCANTILE EDUCATION IS GlVEN. EDITION. COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY HEALD'S BUSINESS COLLEGE. SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. 1897. Copyrigtited, 1883, by BUSINESS COLLEGER. PR E K A THE title page gives a very complete idea of this publication, and it seems only necessary to add a few suggestions by way of a preface to explain more fully, what called forth this book and to mention some of its more prominent features. From a somewhat extended experience as a teacher, the author felt that the text-books in grammar were filled with much that was unnecessary to a commercial education, and more especially is this shown to be true when it is considered that a majority of the students do not attend such a college but six months, many of whom have never before made grammar a study. Hence it was deemed highly essential that only important practical topics should be dwelt upon. The plan pursued is to define the various parts of speech, instruct in sentence building and then present errors in syntax for the student's correction, requiring him to assign reasons therefor. Appropriate space is devoted to composition, extended rules for spelling, abbreviations, punctu- ation, and such other important elements of grammar as are deemed indispensable to a thorough business education. A large space is given to mispronunciation of words, and a still larger one to the misuse of words. These subjects are arranged alphabet- ically to make them of ready reference, and the student will find it a valuable book for use after he has completed his course. The author during the arrangement of these pages has frequently consulted the works of some of our prominent grammari- ans, and has adopted many suggestions which seemed to be useful. Among those to whom he feels himself under obligations, and gladly makes this acknowledgment, may be mentioned Brown, Wells, Sill, Swinton, Kerl as grammarians and as philologists, Ayers' Verbalist and Westlake's Practice Words. If this book shall succeed in relieving the important study of grammar of much that is not essential and of pointing out a more attractive and shorter route of travel to make good writers and speakers, the author will feel well compensated for the time and labor bestowed in its publication. Craving the indulgence of critics for any short-comings, and hoping to merit the approval of co-laborers in the cause of science, the author presents for deliberation his "Shorter Course of Oral Instruction in Grammar." 2003948 I N E> Abbreviations 4 table of general 5 used in book-keeping . . 6 Adage, definition of 38 Adjective, definition of. 24 compound 24 descriptive 24 definitive 24 participial 24 proper 14 Adjectives and participles, how con- nected 32 Adverbs, degree of 26 definitions of 27 Alphabet I Amen, yes and no 27 Apostrophe, definition of 38 Article (see marginal note) 9 Auxiliaries, list of 64 Axiom, definition of 38 Balance 49 Brackets 31 Capital letters 7 exercises for correction in 8 Case II nominative 1 1 Case, objective n possessive 1 1 possessive, rules for n Clause I Colon 31 Comma 32 Comparison, definition of 24 Composition 35 correction of 37 direction for writing 36 preparation of 36 Conjunction, definition of 29 Curves... .. 31 Contraction 4 Dare and need 15 Dash, definition of 30 Declension 12 Degree, comparative, definition of 24 Degree, positive, definition of 24 superlative, definition of 24 Derivatives, prefixes 2 suffixes 3 Diphthongs, definition of 49 Ellipsis 37 Elision 4, 3& English grammar I Etymology I Exclamation, definition of. 38 False syntax, promiscuous exercises 50-63 Figures of speech 37 Forming the plural, rules for 10 Gender, definition of 9 Hyperbole, definition of 37 Interjection 30 Interrogation point 32 definition of. 38 Interrogative Pronouns 14 Irony 37 I, 9 i. Maxim, definition of 38 Metaphor, definition of. 37 Mispronunciation 38 Misused words 42 Moods, definition of 15 infinitive 15 indicative...- 15 imperative 15 (v) Language Letter. . . INDEX. Moods subjunctive 1$ potential 15 Nouns common, definition of 9 abstract 9 and pronouns, properties of . . . 9 collective 9 definition of. 9 independent, case of. 31 proper, definition of 9 Noon phrase 12 Number 10, 16 Orthography I Participles, definition of 49 Parts of speech 9 Person 9, 16 Personification, definition of 37 Period 30, 31 Phrases. I, 25 Phrase adverbial, definition of. 27 Pleonasm, definition of. 38 Possessive plural 12 Prepositions, definition of. 28 list of 28 Profanity 49 Pronoun, compound, personal, defini- tion of. 13 Pronouns, definition of 9, 13 Pronouns, declension of 13 Pronouns, division of 13 Pronoun interrogative, definition of. . . 13 Pronoun personal, definition of 13 possessive 13 relative 13 Prosody I, 64 Proverb, definition of. 38 Punctuation, definition of 30 correction in 32 exercise in 32 Punctuation, definition of. 30 Quotations, how written 32 Quotation marks, single and double... 32 Relative Pronouns 14 Review (General) 33 Rhetoric (see figures of speech) 37 Semicolon 31 Sentence 2 Shall 64 Simile, definition of 37 Slang 48 Spelling 2 rules for 2 Stops and marks (see punctuation) ... 30 Syllable i Syntax i Tenses, definition of. 16 present 16 past 16 present perfect 16 past perfect 16 future 16 future perfect 16 Triphthong,definition of 49 Verbs finite, definition of 15 Verbs, definition of 14 active transitive 15 auxiliary 64 classes of 14 conjugation of 16 defective, definition of 15 irregular 15, 20 Verbs finite, definition of 15 intransitive 15 irregular, list of 15 modifications of 15 neuter, definition of 15 passive 15 regular 14 redundant 15 Verbs irregular, list of, 20 Will 64 Word i Words, classes of 2 compound 4 derivatives 2 formation of 4 Words, primitive 2 GRAMMAR EXERCISES. Language is the expression of ideas by means of signs and sounds. Language is either spoken or written. English Grammar treats of the laws and forms of the English lan- guage, and teaches how to speak and write it correctly. The basis of Grammar is the usage of our best writers and speakers. English Grammar is divided into four parts, Orthography^ Etymology, Syntax, and Prosody. Orthography is derived from the Greek orthos, correct, and grapho, to write. It treats of the properties of letters, and teaches the art of writing words correctly. Etymology (Greek etumon, true, and logos, word). It treats of the various inflections and modifications of words, and shows how they are formed from their simple roots. Syntax (Greek suntaxis, act of arranging or putting together). It treats of the proper arrangement of words in sentences, according to established usage. Prosody treats of punctuation, of the quantity of syllables, of accent, and of the laws of versification. ALPHABET. A Letter is a character that denotes one or more elementary sounds. There are about forty elementary sounds, represented by twenty-six letters called the Alphabet. A Syllable is a letter or combination of letters pronounced by a single impulse of the voice. A Word is a syllable or combination of syllables used to express an idea. A Phrase is two or more words put together, but not expressing a thought. A Clause is a proposition that makes but a part of a sentence. GRAMMAR EXERCISES. A Sentence is a group of words making complete sense, and is fol- lowed by a full pause. SPELLING. Spelling is the art of arranging letters into words in accordance with the best usage. This art can best be acquired by careful observations in reading, by writing, and by reference to dictionaries. RULES FOR SPELLING. Words may be divided into three classes, Primitive, Derivative, and Compound. PRIMITIVE WORDS Rules for Primitives. RULE i. Monosyllables ending in f, 1, or s, preceded by a single vowel t double the final consonant. EXAMPLES. Stuff, bell, miss. RULE 2. Words ending in any other consonant than f, 1, or s, do not double the final letter. EXAMPLES. Put, rap, on, trim, brag, star. EXCEPTIONS. Add, odd, ebb, egg, inn, bunn, err, burr, purr, butt, buzz, fuzz. RULE 3. The diphthong ei generally follows c soft and s. After other letters ie is used. EXAMPLES. Deceive, seize, relieve. EXCEPTIONS. Siege, sieve, and a few others. DERIVATIVE WORDS Prefixes. RULE 4. Derivatives formed by prefixing one or more syllables to words ending in a double consonant commonly retain both consonants. EXAMPLES. Enroll, befall, foretell (from roll, fall, tell]. EXCEPTION. Until, which is always written with one /. (a) The final letter of a prefix is sometimes omitted. EXAMPLES. Coexistent for rt?-existent, . RULES FOR SPELLING. DERIVATIVE WORDS Suffixes. RULE 5. On receiving a suffix beginning with a vowel, the final con- sonant of a monosyllable, or any word accented on the last syllable, is doubled, if the root ends with a single consonant preceded by a single vowel; otherwise it remains single. EXAMPLES. Dig-mg, digging; defer-wg-, deferring. (a) In many words ending in /, as travel, libel, cancel, council, rival, etc., the / is doubled on adding a suffix beginning with a vowel, though the accent is not on the last syllable; others follow the rule. (b) As x final is equivalent to ks, it is never doubled. EXAMPLES. Mix, mixed, mixing. (c) When in the derivative word the accent is changed to a preceding syllable of the root, the final letter is not always doubled. EXAMPLES. Prefer, preference; refer, reference; transfer, transferable. (ct) The derivatives of excel, and of some other words, though the accent is changed, still double the final letter. EXAMPLES. Excel', ex'cellent, ex'cellence. RULE 6. On receiving a suffix beginning with a vowel in words end- ing in e silent, the final vowel of the root is dropped. EXAMPLES. 'Love-ing, loving. It is also dropped in some words ending in y or /. EXAMPLES. Felicity-^ felicitate; dei-ism, deism. (a) Contrary to the general rule the final e is retained when preceded by c or g to preserve the soft sound of these letters. EXAMPLES. Peace-0//, skilful. (d) Sometimes when the final e is preceded by a vowel, it is dropped before a suffix beginning with a consonant. EXAMPLES. True, truly; awe, awful. The final e preceded by a consonant is dropped before a suffix begin- ning with a consonant in the words whole, wholly; judge, judgment; acknowledge, acknowledgment; abridge, abridgment. RULE 7. The final y of a root is generally changed to i, if preceded by a consonant; otherwise it usually remains unchanged. GRAMMAR EXERCISES. EXAMPLES. Happy-esf, happiest; duty- They, their or theirs, them. ( Neut., It, its, Second person, solemn style, Thou, thy or thine. Nominative plural, Ye. him. ) her. \ it. ) 14 GRAMMAR EXERCISES. THE RELATIVE AND INTERROGATIVE PRONOUNS. The relative and interrogative pronouns who and which have modifi- cations denoting case. That and what are not declined. SINGULAR. I'LURAL. NOMINATIVE POSSESSIVE OBJECTIVE NOMINATIVE POSSESSIVE OBJECTIVE Mas. or Fern. Who, whose, whom. Who, whose, whom. Mas. Fern. orNeu. Which, whose, which. Which, whose, which. EXERCISE. Tell the person, number, and case of the pronouns. 1. Heaven helps men who help themselves. 2. Promise me that you will send him what he wants. 3. Whatever he asks I will give him. 4. Avoid such companions as do not speak the truth. 5. Who found the money ? It was we. 6. We bathed in Great Salt Lake, whose waters floated us like corks. 7. I think I know what you were talking about. 8. This is the dog that worried the cat that caught the rat that ate the malt. 9. Whom did you say she married ? 10. What is it worth ? What is it good for? 1. Compose a sentence containing the personal pronoun of the first person singular. 2. Compose a sentence containing the personal pronoun of the third person plural. 3. Compose a sentence containing the personal pronoun of the third person, singular number, feminine gender. 4. Compose a sentence containing the relative who in the objective case. VERBS. Verb is from the Latin verbum, meaning word, and signifies to be, to act, or to be acted upon; as, I am, I love, I am loved. CLASSES. Verbs are divided with respect to their form, into four classes, regu- lar, irregular, redundant, and defective. A Regular Verb is one that forms its past tense and past parti- ciple by annexing d or ed to the present. NOTE i. The present participle of all verbs is formed by the suffix ing to the root of the verb. NOTE. 2 The principle parts of all regular verbs are formed as follows: Pres- ent tense, -walk; past tense, walked; present participle, -walking; past participle, walked. MODIFICATIONS OF VERBS. 15 An Irregular Verb is a verb that does not form its past tense and past participle with d or ed; as, do, did, doing, done. A Redundant Verb is a verb that forms its past tense or past participle in two or more ways; as, thrive, thriving, thrived, or thriven. A Defective Verb is a verb that forms no participle, and is used in but few of the moods and tenses; as, beware, ought, quoth. QUERY. Is hear, a regular or irregular verb ? Verbs are divided again, with regard to their significations, into four classes, active-transitive, active-intransitive, passive, and neuter. An Active-transitive Verb is a verb that expresses an action which has some person or thing for its object; as, "Ned loves Nell;" "Cain slew Abel." An Active -intransitive Verb is a verb that expresses an action which has no person or thing for its object; as, "James reads." REMARK. A verb that takes the noun things and makes good sense after it, is a transitive verb, but when it does not, it is an intransitive verb. A Passive Verb is a verb that represents its subject or nominative, as being acted upon; as, I am loved. A Neuter Verb is a verb that expresses neither action nor passion, but simply being or a state of being. He is, you are. MODIFICATIONS. Verbs have modifications of four kinds: namely, Moods, Tenses, Numbers, and Persons. MOODS. Moods are the different forms of the verb, each of which expresses the action in some particular manner. There are five moods: the Infinitive, the Indicative, the Poten- tial, the Subjunctive, and the Imperative. The Infinitive Mood is that form of the verb which expresses the being, action or passion, in an unlimited manner; as, to run, to love. The Indicative Mood simply indicates or declares a thing or asks a question; as, I walk, or, Do you study? The Potential Mood expresses power, liberty or possibility; as He can go, John would learn. The Subjunctive Mood represents the being or action as doubtful and contingent; as, If you know, disclose the fact. The Imperative Mood is that form of the verb used to express a command, an entreaty, or permit; as, "Wayward sisters, depart in peace." Forgive me. REMARK. A finite verb is a verb not in the infinitive mood. 16 GRAMMAR EXERCISES, TENSES. Tenses are those modifications of the verb which distinguish time. There are six tenses: the Present, the Past, the Present Perfect, the Past Perfect, the Future, the Future Perfect. The Present Tense expresses the present time; as, I hear a voice. The Past Tense expresses what took place in some time past; as, George excelled in his class yesterday. The Present Perfect Tense expresses an action as completed at the present time; as, John has read his book. The Past Perfect Tense denotes past completion, or an event trans- piring before some other occurrence; as, Mary had been excused. The Future Tense denotes future time; as, I shall go. The Future Perfect Tense denotes future completion; as, He will have eaten. PERSONS AND NUMBERS. RULE 1 8. Verbs, like nouns, have two numbers and three persons, and always agree with the subject nominative in both number and person. EXCEPTION. The Infinitive Mood having no relation to a nominative is exempt from the agreement. NOTE i. Verbs in the Imperative Mood commonly agree with the pronouns thou, ye, or you understood; as, Give heed to duty's call. NOTE 2. The adjuncts of a nominative do not control its agreement with the verb; as, the hotel, with the other buildings, was destroyed. NOTE 3. The Infinitive Mood, a phrase or a sentence, is sometimes the subject of * finite verb, the verb should be third person singular; as, " To see the sun is pleasant," To lie is base. How far the change would contribute to his welfare, comes to be con- sidered. NOTE 4. A neuter or passive verb between two nominatives should be made to agree with the preceding noun; as, "Words are Wind," except when the words are transposed; as, "The wages of sin is death," or when a question is asked; as, Who are you? NOTE 5. Dare and need are sometimes used without the s in the third person singular. The foregoing definitions are such as have met the approval of most of our authors of text-books on grammar. The writer of this treatise does not fully indorse the opinions and views herein set forth, for it seems unnecessary to make more than three divisions of time the past, the present, and the future and the author fails to understand how the student is instructed as to the usage of our best writers and speakers by the employment of moods and tenses, and the cumbersome system pursued by grammarians in the conjugation of the verb. It will be the purpose of th ; < publication, in the main, to present as exercises faulty expressions for the student's correction. PERSON AND NUMBER. 17 FALSE SYNTAX. You was kindly received. We was disappointed. She dares not oppose it. His pulse are too quick. Circumstances alters cases He needs not trouble himself. Twenty-four pence is two shillings. On one side was beautiful meadows. He may pursue what studies he please. What have become of our cousins? What says his friends on this subject? What avails good sentiments with a bad life? What sounds have each of the vowels? There were a great number of spectators. There are an abundance of treatises on this subject. While ever and anon there falls Huge heaps of hoary, mouldered walls. Dyer. Not one of the authors who mentions this incident is entitled to credit. The man and woman that was present, being strangers to him, won- dered at his conduct. O thou, forever present in my way, Who all my motives and my toils survey. The derivation of these words are uncertain. Two years' interest were demanded. One added to nineteen make twenty. The road to virtue and happiness are open to all. A round of vain and foolish pursuits delight some folks. To obtain the praise of men were their only object. RULE 19. When the nominative is a collective noun conveying the idea of plurality, the verb must agree with it in the plural number; as, The jury have agreed upon a verdict. RULE 20. A collective noun conveying the idea of unity requires a verb in the singular form; as, The army was defeated; or it may take the plu- ral form; as, The armies were defeated. EXERCISES. Correct the following: The people rejoices in that which should cause sorrow. The committee has attended to their duties. Mankind was not united by the bonds of civil society. 18 GRAMMAR EXERCISES. The majority was not disposed to adopt the measure. The peasantry goes bare-foot and the middle class makes use of wooden shoes. All the world is spectators of your conduct. The church have no power to inflict corporal punishments. The fleet were seen sailing up the channel. The meeting have established several salutary regulations. The regiment consist of a thousand men. A detachment of two hundred men were immediately sent. In this business the House of Commons were of no weight, Are the Senate considered as a separate body? There are a flock of birds. To steal and then deny it are a double sin. To live soberly, righteously, and piously, are required of all men. That it is our duty to promote peace and harmony among men, admit of no dispute. The reproofs of instruction is the way of life. So great an affliction to him was his wicked sons. What is the latitude and longitude of San Francisco ? RULE 21. Two or more singular subjects meaning different things > joined by and, take a verb in the plural; as : "Judges and Senates have been bought for gold; Esteem and love were never to be sold ." Pope. EXCEPTION i. A gentleman and scholar lives here. This means that one person is both a "gentleman" and a "scholar," and that he lives here. There is but one person spoken of, and notwithstanding we give him two different names, the verb is in the singular number, for the reason that the verb makes a statement of a subject, and not of its names. EXCEPTION 2. "Why is dust and ashes proud ?" The singular verb is correct, because we are really speaking of one thing, a "man." "Love and love only is the loan for love." Young. EXCEPTION 3. The man, and not his servants, is responsible. This sentence is correct One subject is singular and the other plural. We let the verb agree with the affirmative subject, leaving the negative form to be understood. EXCEPTION 4. Can it be said that every man and every woman is happy? When two singular subjects joined by and are described by the adjectives each, every or no, the verb takes a singular form. FALSE SYNTAX. Temperance and exercise preserves health. Time and tide waits for no man. Wealth, honor and happiness forsakes the indolent. In unity consists the security and welfare of every society. High pleasures and luxurious living begets satiety. Wisdom, and not wealth, procure esteem. PERSON AND NUMBER. 19 Not fear, but labor, have overcome him. Not her beauty, but her talents, attracts attention. Each day and each hour bring their portion of duty. Every house and every cottage were plundered. The time will come when no oppresser, no unjust man, will be able to screen themselves from punishment. Town or country are equally agreeable to me. The king, with the lords, and the commons, compose the British parliament. NOTE. The speaker should mention his name last, except in confessing a fault, and then he may assume the first place. RULE 22. Two or more singular subjects joined by or or nor re- quire a singular verb; as, John or his brother has the book. RULE 23. When nominatives are of different persons, the verb agrees with the first in preference to the second, and with the second in preference to the third; as, Neither you nor I am loved. RULE 24. Two or more phrases, like nouns, connected by and when they are subjects of a verb, require a plural verb; as, To be happy, to be good, to be wise, and to be just, are valued qualities. RULE 25. Two or more distinct subject phrases connected by or or nor require a singular verb. FALSE SYNTAX. Neither imprudence, credulity, nor vanity have ever been imputed to him. What the heart or the imagination dictate flows readily. Either ability or inclination were wanting. The sense or drift of a proposition often depend upon a single letter. Neither he nor you was there. Either the boys or I were at fault. Neither the captain nor the sailors was saved. Are they or I expected to be there ? Neither he, nor am I, capable of it. Neither were their riches nor their influence great I and my father were riding out. I and Jane are invited. They ought to invite me and my sister. To profess, and to possess, is very different things. To practice tale-bearing, or even to countenance it, are great in- justice. To reveal secrets or betray one's friends, are contemptible perfidy. 20 GRAMMAR EXERCISES. RULE 26. When verbs are connected by a conjunction, they must either agree in mood, tense and form, or have separate nominatives expressed; as, He himself held the plow, sowed the grain, and attended the reapers. She was proud, but she is now humble. EXERCISE FALSE SYNTAX. They would neither go in themselves nor suffered others to enter. Did he. not tell thee his fault, and entreated thee to forgive him ? The day is approaching, and hastens upon us. This report was current yesterday, and agrees with what we heard before. RULE 27. The past tense should not be used to compound the tenses, nor should the past participle be used for the past tense: as> To have seen> not, to have saw. I did it, not, I done it. EXERCISE. They have chose the part of honor and virtue. He soon begun to be weary of having nothing to do. Somebody has broke my slate. I seen him when he done it IRREGULAR VERBS. An Irregular Verb is one that does not form its past tense and past participle by annexing d or ed to the present; as, see, saw, seeing, seen. LIST OF IRREGULAR VERBS. EXPLANATION. When a verb has a past, or past participle, or both, of the regular conjugation, this fact is indicated by placing -ed after the form or forms. This -ed is to be suffixed to the root, care being taken to observe the rule of spelling for derivative words. When the -ed is in heavy type it indicates that the -ed form is preferable. The forms in italics are either out of use, seldom used, or not used by the best authors. PRESENT. PAST. PRESENT PARTICIPLE. PAST PARTICIPLE. abide abode abiding abode arise arose arising arisen awake awoke, -ed awaking awaked be or am was being been bear (to bring forth) bore, bare bearing bom bear (to carry) bore, bare bearing borne beat beat beating beaten, beat begin behold began beheld beginning beholding begun beheld belay belaid, -ed belaying belaid, -ed bend bent,-ed bending bent,-ed bet bet,-ed betting bet,-ed bereave bereft bereaving bereft, -ed beseech besought beseeching besought beware IRREGULAR VERBS 21 PRESENT. PAST. PRESENT PARTIClPLJfc PAST PARTICIPLE. bid bid, bade bidding bidden, bid bide bide,-ed biding bide,-ed bmd,-un,-re bound binding bound bite bleed bit bled biting bleeding bitten, bit bled blend blent, -ed blending blent,- ed bless blest, -ed blessing blest, -ed blow blew blowing blown break broke, brake breaking broken, brokt breed bred breeding bred bring build, -re,-up brought built,-ed bringing building brought built, -ed burn burnt, -ed burning burnt, -ed burst burst bursting burst buy can bought could buying bought cast cast casting cast catch caught, -ed catching caught, -ft/ chide chid, chode chiding chidden, chid choose chose choosing chosen cleave (to adhere) cleaved, clave cleaving cleaved cleave (to split) clove, cleft, clave cleaving cleft, cloven climb climbed, clomb climbing climbed cling clothe clung clothed, clad clinging clothing clung clad,-ed come,-ee,-ffuer came coming come cost cost costing cost creep crept creeping crept crow crew, -ed crowing crowed cut cut cutting cut dare (to venture) durst, -ed daring dared deal dealt,-** dealing dealt, -ed dig do, -, -mi j, -over did' digging doing dug,-ed done draw,-zwV/i drew drawing drawn dream dreamt,, ed dreaming dreamt, -ed dress, -un,-rt drest,-ed dressing drest,-ed drink drank, drunk drinking drunk, drunken drive drove driving driven dwell dwelt, -ed dwelling dwelt, -ed eat ate, eat eating eaten, eat fen,* fell falling fallen feed fed feeding fed feel felt feeling felt fight fought fighting fought find found finding found fke fled fleeing fled fling flung flinging flung fly flew flying flown forbear forbore forbearing forborne forbid forbade forbidding forbidden forget forsake forgot forsook forgetting forsaking forgotten, forgot forsaken freeze froze freezing frozen freight freighted freighting fraught, freighted getj ~dfm ~for got, getting got, gotten giw gird, -be, -un, -en gilt,-ed girt,-ed gilding girding gilt,-ed girt,-ed give,-for,-mts go,-fore,-under gave went giving going given gone grave, -en graved graving graven -ed grind ground grinding ground 22 GRAMMAR EXERCISES. PRESENT. PAST. PRESENT PARTICIPLE. PAST PARTICIPLE. grow hang* have grew hung had growing hanging having grown hung had hear,-ozw heard hearing heard heave hove,-ed heaving hoven,-ed hew hewed hewing hewn.-ed hide hid hiding hidded, hid hit hit hitting hit hold,-fe,-Tt>#/l,-*/^ held holding held, holden hurt hurt hurting hurt keep kept keeping kept kneel knelt, -ed kneeling knelt, -ed knit knit,-ed knitting knitted know -fore knew knowing known lade laded lading laded, laden lay,-w laid laying laid lead,-wM led leading led leap learn leapt, -ed learn t,-ed leaping learning leapt,-ed learnt, -ed leave left leaving left lend lent lending lent let let letting let lie (to recline} light lay lit,-ed lighting lain lit,.ed load,-,- the apos- trophe ['], the acute accent ['], the macron [-], the breve [ v ], the diaer- esis [ ], the caret [A], the section [], the paragraph [^f], the star [*], single dagger [f], double dagger ({], the hand (f^F"). There are but three principal marks in ordinary letter writing or book-keeping; viz., period, comma, and interrogation point. The period must be placed after every sentence which simply affirms, denies, or commands; after abbreviations; and after numbers written in Roman notation. The interrogation point is used when a question is asked. 1. The comma is used to separate phrases or clauses not closely con- nected with the word it modifies. 2. When the connecting word is omitted. 3. To separate the subject when composed of several nouns. The other punctuation marks are colon, semicolon, etc. ; The semicolon denotes a longer pause than a comma, and is used when there is less relation existing. : Colon denotes a still longer pause, and is used when there is less connection that at a semicolon. ! The exclamation point denotes surprise, joy, or other emotion. - The dash denotes emphasis, abruptness, or sudden change of sub- ject 'Grammarians usually postpone the consideration of punctuation till near the end of their works, but the author introduces it at this time that the student may be instructed in the stops and marks before entering upon sentence making. PUNCTUA TION. 31 () Curves or parenthesis are used to inclose some explanation that can be omitted without injuring the sense. [] Brackets are used to inclose some correction or explanation inserted by another person. " " Quotation marks inclose words taken from another person. * ' Single quotation marks inclose a quotation within a quotation. ' The apostrophe denotes possession or omission. - The hyphen joins parts of a compound word and is placed at the end of a line when part of the word is carried to the next line. ' Accent marks a stress of voice. - Macron marks the long sound of a letter. "Breve marks the short sound of a letter. . . Diaeresis separates two vowels into two syllables. A Caret shows where words or letters are to be inserted. - The star, f dagger, or \ double dagger are used as marks of refer- ence to marginal notes. Figures are also used for the same purpose. ^^ The hand is used to call special attention to something. The comma is the shortest pause, and occupies about the time required to speak a monosyllable. The semicolon is a pause double that of a comma. The colon, double that of the semicolon. The period, double the colon, and is a full stop. The other stops and marks vary, and the pauses are made in accord- ance with the sense and construction of the sentence, and may be equal to either of the foregoing. The comma is the most frequently used, and thereby the most important mark of punctuation. RULE 44. Simple sentences that make up a compound sentence are separated from each other by commas. RULE 45. When several words are used as the subject of a sentence the conjunction should be omitted and the comma used, except between the last two, when the commas should be omitted and the conjunction used; as, James, John, Susan, Mary and William, were left. NOTE. When but two words are used the comma should be omitted, but the con- junction retained. If, however, the conjunction is understood, the comma must be inserted. RULE 46. Nouns in the independent case should be separated by a comma; as, "Peace, be still." RULE 47. Words in apposition are separated by a comma. RULE 48. Words repeated for the sake of emphasis are separated by a comma; as, very, very, very good! 32 GRAMMAR EXERCISES. RULE 49. Quotations should be set off by commas, and when it is a complete sentence it should begin with a capital; as, The teacher says, " The diligent student will surely succeed." RULE 50. Adjectives and participles with tJieir modifiers should be separated by commas; as, The buck, wounded so that he cannot escape, often turns upon the hunter. RULE 51. The comma is usually given the rising inflection, but the semicolon, colon and period generally the falling. RULE 52. The interrogation point has the rising inflection when the question is a direct one, i. e., a question that can be answered by yes or no, but the falling inflection when the question is indirect. RULE 53. The exclamation point is used to denote wonder or emotion, and its inflection will depend upon the contsruction of the sentence. FOR PUNCTUATION. Pope says The proper study of Mankind is Man How much truth there is in Franklins maxim One today is worth two tomorrows Where is your eye glass Always show to the aged When Socrates was asked what man approached the nearest to perfect happiness he answered Th- at man who has the fewest wants Phocion one of the most illustrious of the ancient Greeks was condemned to death by his ungrateful, cou- ntrymen When about to drink the fatal hemlock he was asked if he had anything to say to his son Bring him before me he cried My dear son said this Magnanimous patriot I entreat you to serve your country as faithfully as I have done and to forget that she rewarded my services with an unjust death Know then this truth enough for man to know Virtue alone is happiness below Pope Sitting there I heard a cry of fire I ran but alas was too late I only heard these dying words Save me save me or I perish FOR CORRECTION. Woman without her man, would be a savage. A divine once read from his pulpit the following notice, "Captain Smith having gone to sea his wife, desires the prayers of this congre- gation." Every lady in the land Has twenty nails upon each hand; Five and twenty, on hands and feetj This is true without deceit. She leads without doubt, a happy life? REVIEW. 33 REVIEW. WHAT is a noun? Into what two general classes are nouns divided? What is a common noun? What is a proper noun? What can be said of a proper noun com- posed of several words? What other kinds of nouns are there? What is a collective noun? What is an abstract noun? What is a pronoun? What are the properties of nouns and pronouns? Define person; gender; number; case. How many persons? What are they called? Define each. How many genders do grammarians usually give? Name them. How many genders really exist? Define each. What can you say of child and house? Write gender exercise, see page IO. How many numbers? What are they called? Define each. Illustrate each. How is the plural generally formed? (see Rule 9.) Write exercise under Rule 9. How do nouns ending in s, z, sh, x, and ch soft form their plural? What excep- tions? Write exercise under Rule 10. How do nouns ending in y preceded by a consonant form their plurals? How when preceded by a vowel? Write exercise under Rule II. How do nouns ending in f or fe form their plurals? Write exercise under Rule 12. Name some nouns that form their plurals irregularly. What can be said of the plurals of proper nouns? Give illustrations. Write exercise under Rule 14. Define case. How many cases are there? What is the nominative case? possessive? objective? How is the possessive singular formed? How is the posses- sive plural formed? How when the nominative plural does not end in s? Give illustrations. How do noun- phrases form their possessive case? In joint ownership how is the possessive case formed? Give illustrations. In separate ownership how formed? Give illustrations. How do nouns that have only the singular form their possessive plurals? Give illustrations. Write exercise under Rule 17, false syntax. What exceptions can be noted? How do proper nouns form their possessive plurals? How is a noun or pronoun declined? Decline boy, man, and sheep. Write exercise forming possessive plural, page 13. What is a pronoun? How many kinds are there? Name them. What is a personal pronoun? interrogative? relative? adjective? possessive? compound personal? Give illustrations of each. Are there any other classifications of pronouns? What are they? What is said of the declension of pronouns? Decline /, he, she and it. Name the relative and interrogative pronouns. Decline who and -which. Decline that and what. Write exercise page 14 under pronouns, giving person, number, and case of same. From what is the word verb derived? What is its meaning and signification? Into how many classes are verbs divided ? Name them. What is a regular verb? How is the present participle formed? How are the principal parts of regular verbs formed? Give illustrations. What is an irregular verb? Give illustrations. What is a redun- dant verb? Give illustrations. What is a defective verb ? Give illustrations. Is hear regular or irregular? How are verbs again divided with regard to their significations? What is an active-transitive? active-intransitive? passive? neuter? Give illustrations of each. How may a transitive verb be told? How many modifications have verbs? What are they? What is mood? How many moods are there? Name them. Define the infinitive mood; indicative; potential; subjunctive; imperative. Give illustrations in each. What is a finite verb? What is tense? How many are there? Name them. What does the present tense express? past? present perfect? past perfect? future? future perfect? Give illustrations in each tense. What can be saiw of the number and person of verbs? (See Rule 18.) What exceptions to the ruler What is said of the imperative mood? Do the adjuncts of a number control its 34 GRAMMAR EXERCISES. agreement? What is sometimes made the subject of a finite verb? What is said of dare and need? How many divisions of time seem necessary? Write exercise under false syntax, page 17. When a collective noun conveys an idea of plurality, what number must the verb be? Also, when conveying the idea of unity? Write exercise under Rule 20. When two or more singular subjects, meaning different things, are joined by and, what is the form of the verb? What exceptions can you note? Give illustrations. Write exercise under false syntax, page 1 8. What is the form of the verb when two or more singular subjects are joined by or or nor? Give illustrations. What is said of the verb when nominatives are of different persons? (See Rule 23.) Give illustrations. When phrases are connectet by and and are subjects of a verb, what is its form? (See Rule 24.) Give illustra- tions. When connected by or or nor, what form? (See Rule 25.) Write exercise under Rule 25 (false syntax). What is said of verbs connected by a conjunction? Give illustrations. (See Rule 26. ) Write exercise, false syntax, under Rule 26. What is said of the use of the past participle for the past tense? (See Rule 27.) Give examples. Write exercise under Rule 27. Give principal parts of irregular verb? (See list, page 20.) What is an adjective? Into how many kinds are they divided? Name them. What is a descriptive adjective? Give examples. Definitive? Give the list. Proper? Give examples. Compound? Examples. Participial? Examples. What are the properties of the adjective? What is comparison? How many degrees, and what are they? What does the positive degree express? comparative? superlative? How are adjectives of one syllable regularly compared? Give examples. Of two or more syllables? Give examples. What exceptions? Give examples of irregular compar- ison. What is said of square, round, dead, etc.? What is said of phrases and clauses? Give examples. What adjectives admit of number? Give examples of adjectives whose positive degree is wanting. Also those that have no comparative. What is said of either and neither? Give examples. What is said of a and an? (See Rule 28.) When is a, an, or the used? (See Rule 29.) Give examples. What is said of few and little? (See Rule 30.) Give examples. What is said of the use of adjectives in writing? (See Rule 31.) Write exercise under Rule 31. When is the comparative degree used? Write exercise under Rule 32. What part of speech is used sometimes as an adjective? Give examples. How should adjectives be placed in a sentence? When should the latter term exclude the former? Give examples. When should it include the former? Give examples. What should not be used with adjectives that will not admit of comparison? (See Rule 37.) When are adjec- tives used for adverbs? anc 1 when is their use not allowable? Write exercise for cor- rection. What is an adverb? Name the different classes. From what are adverbs usually formed, and how? Name the list of adverbs. How do adverbs generally end ? What is an adverbial phrase? Are adverbs compared? Name some independent adverbs. Do adverbs qualify nouns? What ought they then to be called? Give examples. Ought adverbs to be used instead of adjectives? (See Rule 40.) What is said of the adverb houu? What is said of two negatives in one sentence ? What is said of ever and never? Where should adverbs always be placed in a sentence? Write exercise for correction, Rule 42. What is the meaning of preposition? For what is it used? What always follows a preposition? What is a preposition with its object called? Give the list of prepositions. How are prepositions placed in interrogative sentences? What is COMPOSITION. 35 said of in and into? Give examples. Between and among? What should be avoided in prepositions? How should they be used? Write exercise for correction. For what are conjunctions used? Repeat the list. What does and imply? but? yet? or? nor? Write exercise for correction. What is an interjection? What are those in common use? What is punctuation? What stops and marks in general use? What three marks in ordinary use in letter- writing and book-keeping? When is the period used? When the interrogation point? For what is the comma used? What does the semicolon denote? colon? exclamation point? dash? curves or parentheses? brackets? quotation marks (double), (single)? the hyphen? apostrophe? accent? macron? breve? diaeresis? caret? the star, dagger or double dagger? the hand? Which is the shortest of all the pauses? What length of time should the comma occupy as a pause? semicolon? colon? period? What is said of the other stops and marks? Which is the most important mark? How are commas used in sentences? (See Rule 44.) When should a comma be omitted and a conjunction be used? (See Rule 45.) Give examples. What is said of the use of the comma when the conjunction is understood? What use is made of the comma in the independent case? When words are in apposition? When words are repeated for the sake of emphasis? When in quotations? Of adjectives and participles with their modifiers? What inflection is usually given at the comma ? semicolon? colon? period? interrogation point? exclamation point? What is a direct question? indirect? Define the exclamation point and tell its use. Punctuate and correct exercise on page 32. COMPOSITION.* THE writing of compositions in a school is one of the most important duties required of the student, and should in some form or other be a daily exercise of every institution of learning. In writing compositions the student is taught penmanship, punctuation, spelling, grammar, and the use of capital letters, together with a knowledge of how to talk, for good writers are easy and fluent speakers. No one can speak properly that has not first been taught to write in full accord with the rules of grammar. While too much stress cannot be laid upon the importance of good penmanship, it is infinitely of more consequence that the student should spell his words rightly. However beautifully and grace- fully the curve, angle, and form of a letter may be constructed, its beauty and grace are often hidden from view by a misspelled word. Not only is it important to spell correctly and punctuate properly, but the style of composition, the mode of expression, and the language used are of the utmost importance to a ready writer or good speaker. The great variety of words with which the English language is endowed makes it easy for the diligent student to acquire a habit of writing, but the expression of his ideas should be condensed into the smallest pos- *The author calls attention to J. Willis Westlake's Three Thousand Practice Words from which he has taken valuable suggestions on this and other subjects in this work. GRAMMAR EXERCISES. sible space. The object of every writer should be to advance new ideas, give birth to new thoughts, and to express them in the fewest possible words. It is far easier to write a long letter to communicate a few thoughts than a short one to convey many. Those poets whose names have been handed down to immortality are noted for terseness and for so clothing their subjects in words that the meaning is carried beyond the language used to convey the thought. In composition, first, Never use one word that might be left out with- out injury to the sense. Second Too many subjects in one sentence will confuse the sense. Third Use short sentences they are better than long ones. Fourth Make use of such words as your readers will readily under- stand. PREPARATION OF COMPOSITIONS. Compositions that are to be handed to a teacher for correction should be prepared as follows : DIRECTIONS. 1. PAPER. Use the regular essay paper, called examination paper. Write only on one side. 2. HEADING. The subject should be written on the middle of the first line. Every important word in a title or heading should begin with a capital. A blank line should be left between the heading and the composition, unless the heading is short or the lines far apart. 3. MARGIN. Leave a margin of half an inch on the left-hand side of every page. This direction applies also to letters, varying the width of the margin according to the width of the paper. 4. PARAGRAPHS. Indent the first and every succeeding paragraph one inch ; t. of shoes. The plum is good. The pole stands plumb. Don't A?r, * PREFACE IN publishing this work the object desired was to secure in a condensed form a thoroughly practical course in Business Correspondence. Ranking high, as this sub- ject does, in importance, to the general public, it has received far too little attention, hitherto, even in our Commercial Schools; and, copious as is the supply of text-books in every other field of literature, this department alone contains but few of real practical utility. Diligent research has been made in all works on this subject now extant, and among hundreds of actual business letters, that only the most prac. tical and generally used forms might be given. The multiplicity of forms, usually presented, unaccompanied by a sufficient number of practical exercises, has tended only to bewilder the student, without producing any definite impression. To avoid this result, but little theory with much practical work is here the plan pursued. Accuracy and facility in arrangement and expression are indispensable to every good correspondent and are only to be acquired by study and patient, persistent practice. A knowledge of this fact has led to a large amount of work being required of the pupil at the end of each section. The first three chapters are designed especially for beginners, and those of some literary attainments, who are unskilled in arrangement. The last chapter, containing as it does so much that is instructive and entertaining in the letters of eminent persons, cannot fail to interest and benefit even the most proficient in letter writing. Acknowledgments are due to many sources for valuable information, but especially to the Rhetoric of Rev. James R. Boyd, and the Letter Writer of J. Willis Westlake, for many thoughts contained in Chapter IV. on the subject of SOCIAL LETTERS, NOTES and CARDS. To these and other authorities, and to the friends who have by kindly criticism aided in this work, grateful thanks are tendered. TO THE TEACHKR. THE following is an outline of the steps to be pursued to use this work successfully: 1. Have each student make an accurate copy of the complete letter following the introduction; this will call the attention particularly to the general arrangement, and punctuation. 2. Have all the lessons on form learned and the answers to the questions written, 01 recited in class. The exercises at the close of each section should be written by the pupil, and returned to him after being corrected: he should not be allowed to proceed until the letters at the close of Section IV. have been copied and correctly arranged. 3. When the student is thoroughly proficient in the arrangement, he may be allowed to take up the subjects of perspicuity and brevity, but not before. A correct mechanical form must be the first thing acquired. In copying the brief letter at the bottom of page 105, place it so that the body of the letter will come in the center oi the page, the space above the heading being nearly equal to that below the signa- ture. 4. The exercises on Capital Letters, Punctuation, and Business Letters, may be indefinitely extended if the needs of the pupil should require it. 5. For Chapter IV. the general plan corresponds to that of the Business Correspon- dence. First, study forms; then the letters and extracts, noting and criticising all peculiarities of expression, and then require of the pupil original letters on similar nubjects. CON TENTS. INTRODUCTION Pag. 71 CHAPTER I. GENERAL ARRANGEMENT. SECTION I. HEADING " II. MARGIN AND ADDRESS .... " III. BODY OF LETTER ..... *' IV. COMPLIMENTARY CLOSING AND SIGNATURE. " V. FOLDING OF LETTER ... " VI. SUPERSCRIPTION ' VII. INSERTION AND STAMP .... *' VIII. POSTAL CARDS AND TELEGRAMS CHAPTER II. PERSPICUITY. SECTION I. PERSPICUITY IN COMPOSITION . CHAPTER III. MISCELLANEOUS. SECTION I. II. III. BREVITY IN COMPOSITION ... CAPITAL LETTERS AND PUNCTUATION LETTERS OF BUSINESS AND GENERAL RULES CHAPTER IV. SOCIAL LETTERS, ETC. SECTION I. CARDS AND NOTES " II. SOCIAL LETTERS " III. TITLES AND FORMS OF ADDRESS ' IV. LETTERS AND EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS 100 1 06 112 119 "3 127 131 Business Correspondence 'intercourse on business subjects by means of letters, 2 is the most important division of prose composition, and at the same time the most easily acquired. The subject in a busi- ness letter s is clearly denned in the mind of the writer, before the neces- sity of expression arises; while in all other prose productions much must be supplied by and the beauty depends upon the imagination. The three most important characteristics of a good business letter are ^neatness, perspicuity and brevity. Neatness including 5 penmanship and general arrangement accord- ing to the most approved models should rank first, for, however merito- rious the other qualities may be, without this first essential, a good impression of the writer will not be produced in the mind of his corre- spondent. Perspicuity 'clearness, especially of statement renders each letter with its answer a complete history of the transaction which forms its subject. 7 It requires that every detail should be carefully considered and ranked in the order of its importance as a component part of the com- plete subject. Brevity "shortness requires that, however necessarily long the letter may be from the nature of the subject, not one unnecessary word sliced be used. Having thus noted the most important points, they will next be con- sidered carefully, beginning with neatness as embodied in form; shown, ist , as a whole in the model letter; and, zd , as component parts in sec- tions of Chapter I. QUESTIONS. 1. Define Business Correspondence. 2. What is its rank in prose composition? 3. What is said of the subject of a business letter? 4. What are the three important characteristics? 5. What are included under the subject of neatntsi* 6. Define perspicuity. 7. What does it require? 8. Define Brevity. 72 LETTER WRITING. \ \N V^ ^ ^> VVi S V 1 il ^ \ V se K BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE. 7 3 i s < ^-! 1 .8 s ^ J ^ V S ^ I ^ <* V* * y Xi v ^ V ^ NX v * S^ 1 \ ^S V x x X ^> Ss v> S CHAPTER I. SECTION I -HEADING. *The place where, and the time when, the letter is written should be given in the heading. The place should always be 2 the post-office address of the writer 3 sc that his correspondent may use it, if necessary, in directing the reply. The time should always include 4 the month, day of the month, and year, The general rule for placing the heading in letters that are to be nearly a page, or a number of pages in length, is, 5 Begin on the first ruled line at or near the center of the page, and extend toward the right- 6 One, two, or three lines may be used, depending on the number and length of the items. Where two or more lines are used 'begin the first about the center of the page, and each subsequent line 8 about three> fourths of an inch to the right of the preceding line. If the letter is to be quite short, 9 begin low enough on the page to bring the body of the letter as near the center of the page as possible. Only Ifl two pauses are used in punctuating the heading; the comma> "between the separate parts, and the period "after each abbreviation, and at the close. 13 This city is so well known that no other item in the location need bfc given. The " state is given to distinguish between this city and others in dif ferent states bearing the same name. The 15 county is required when the town is not well known. HEADING. 75 '"The number and name of the street should always be given in a city which has a postal delivery, unless directed to a post-office box. <&, When necessary to give post-office box, 17 it should be the first item. "Official letters often require as many as three lines for the heading, but 19 t\vo will usually be sufficient for business letters. Student should copy the preceding examples carefully and give in addition five original ones. Arrange properly and punctuate the following headings:- 1. July 5, Park Ave., No. 39, 1883, Cal., Sacramento. 2. Market St., Baldwin Hotel, 1883, San Francisco, Cal., July 2. 3. Ohio, Dec. 3, Mahoning Co., 1882, Youngstown. 4. San Francisco, 1200 Grand Ave., July 4, 1883. 5. Cal., Napa Co., July 16, Creston, 1883. 6. 1883, July 5, Sacramento, cor. J and i4th Sts., 7. Alameda Co., Seminary Park, Mills' Seminary, 1883, July 7. 8. Modoc Co., Hayden Hill Mine, July 8, 1883, Cal. 9. Mass., Boston, 1883, 89 Boylston St., July 4. 10. San Jose, P. O. Box 93, July 9, 1883, Cal. QUESTIONS. 1. What items are included in the heading? 2. What is meant by the //art?? 3. Why should it be given? 4. What are the divisions of the timel 5. Where should the heading begin? 6. How many lines should be used? 7. Where should the first begin? 8. Where should the second or third line begin? 9. Where should the heading begin when the letter is very short? 10. What pauses are used in punctuating the heading? 1 1. When is the comma necessary? 12. When is the period used? 13. Why is the city alone sufficient in example I? 14. Why is the State given in example 2? 15. Why is the county given in example 3? 76 LETTER WRITING. 16. When should the number and name of the street be given? 17. When the post-office box is given, where should it be placed? 18. How many lines are sometimes used in official letters? 19. How many for other business letters? SECTION II. MARGIN AND ADDRESS. 'Three-fourths of an inch space must be kept free from all writing on the ///>, / / y ( &e. ftAtd-e-yi'Ce.d' Id- MM*, \i either of the above forms are used there can be no uncertainty in regard to beginning the body of the letter: in either case it is to be "immediately after the complimentary address and on the same line. Paragraphs 6 are used to mark the important divisions in a letter whether they all refer to one subject, or each to a different subject. Each new paragraph 'should begin three-fourths of an inch to the right of the margin line or one and a half inches from the edge of the paper. If the last form given above be used, every paragraph will begin directly under the complimentary address, which is the Beginning of the first paragraph. LETTER WRITING. QUESTIONS. 1. Define body of letter. 2. Upon what does the position of the beginning depend? 3. Where should it be placed if only one or two lines have been used? 4. What objection to the two forms given? 5. What is the general rule for beginning the body of the letter? 6. What is the use of paragraphs? 7. Where should they begin? 8 What is said of the complimentary address? SECTION IV. COMPLIMENTARY CLOSING AND SIGNATURE. After the body of the letter is completed, it is customary and therefore necessary to place ^ome word or words indicating respect on the part of the writer for his correspondent. With the exception of official letters which may be made very formal, 2 one or two lines should be sufficient for the complimentary closing and the arrangement 3 should correspond to that of the heading: the 'first line beginning at or near the center of the page, on the next line below the body of the letter, and the second line, when two are used, 'should begin three-fourths of an inch to the right of the first. If the complimentary closing is long enough to fill two or three lines 6 it may be arranged as a paragraph and so appear as a part of the body of the letter. The signature T name of the writer 8 must be written alone, 9 on the next line below the closing terms of respect, and should end "near the right-hand side of the page. Three-fourths of an inch has been given as the standard of measure- ment in the heading, address, margin, paragraphing and conclusion "because it is a good medium and it is necessary to maintain uniformity throughout the entire letter. "The beginning of no two lines, except in the body of the letter, should ever form a vertical line. "The same rules used for the punctuation of other species of compo- sition, apply to the body of the letter and "may be found on page 30 of the Grammar; also on 14 page 7, the rules for the use of capitals. The is comma and period only are used for the punctuation of the complimentary closing and signature. The comma Barter each item or division except the last, and the period "after each abbreviation and after the complete signature. Copy the following conclusions and compose five original ones. COMPLIMENTARY CLOSING, ETC. 83 'j,n 2 tea^ Student should copy on business note paper one or more of the follow- ing letters, as the teacher may direct, paying particular attention to the general arrangement and punctuation. 84 LETTER WRITING. Arrangement of all parts to be in accordance with forms heretofore given. San Francisco, July 24, 1883. Messrs. Smith & Co., San Jose, Cal. Gentlemen: Mr. C. C. Royal, who is leaving my employ on account of the coolness of this climate, has been in my hardware store for three years, during which time he has discharged every duty faith- fully, proving himself to be industrious and thoroughly reliable. He is an excellent business penman, and a thorough accountant, and in case you are needing an assistant, you cannot do better than to employ him. If you should not need him and can recommend him to some other business house in your vicinity, in which he can get a lucrative position, you will confer a favor on, Yours truly, (Student's signature). Healdsbtjrg, Sonoma Co., July 28, 1883. Editor Healths College Journal, San Francisco, Cal. Sir: Please find inclosed One Dollar ($i), for which forward to my address the Journal, for one year, beginning with the next number. Address to. J. L. Stanton. Auburn, Placer Co, Cal., July 21, 1883. J. W. Davidson & Co., San Francisco, Cal., Gentlemen: Please forward to my address per Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express, C. O. D., the following: 3* yds. Black Velvet No. A. 3 bolts Blue Satin Ribbon i y 2 in. wide. 4 doz. Pearl Buttons, small size. 1 6 yds. Summer Silk, small checks. 12 dozen White Linen H'd'k., best quality. 15 yds. Torchon Lace, 2in. wide. Immediate attention to this order will greatly oblige, 'Student's signature). FOLDING OF LETTER 85 Bridgeport, Mono Co., Cal, Aug. 9, 1883. Agent Home Mutual Ins. Co., 216 Sansome St., San Francisco. Sir: I have three lots with first-class buildings on them, situated in the part of your city known as Hayes Valley, which I wish to insure in your company. Will direct my agent, C. S. Warner, to call on you, and show you the property, and pay the premium, whatever it may be. Please send me copy of your special rates, as I have some property here that I may insure if the rates seem reasonable. Respectfully yours, (Student's signature). QUESTIONS. 1. Define complimentary closing. 2. How many lines necessary? 3. To what should it correspond in arrangement? 4. Where should the first line be placed ? 5. Where should the second line begin ? 6. How may the closing be arranged when very long ? 7. What is the signature? 8. How written ? 9. On what line ? 10. Where should it end? 11. Why three-fourths of an inch used for standard of measurement? 12. Whal general rule for arrangement? 13. What rules for punctuating body of letter? 14. Where found ? 15. Where are rules for use of capitals ? 16. What pauses used for punctuating the complimentary closing? 17. When is the comma used? 1 8. When the period? SECTION V. FOLDING OF LETTER. The mere mechanical folding of a letter is a matter of no little importance, for *if awkwardly put together it produces an impression ot ignorance or extreme carelessness that numberless merits cannot remove. The business man must acquire a 2 neat and rapid way of folding "that will leave his letter in such form as to give his corre- spondent the least possible trouble to prepare it for reading. The method of folding here given has reference only to Business note paper, which is the only paper suitable for business men; a smaller size "would detract from the dignity of the letter. 86 LETTER WRITING. Whether the letter consists of one or more pages, 'always have the beginning or heading of the letter facing you when you begin to fold. 'Turn the sheet up from the bottom toward the top until the length is nearly that of the envelope. Next 8 fold the sheet from the right toward the left until thefotdis nearly the width of the envelope. Lastly, 'fold, whatever remains of the sheet, from the left toward the right over the preceding fold. The letter will then be ready for insertion in the envelope; but this "must not be done until the superscription has been placed upon the envelope, for two reasons; first: "The envelope with the letter in it does not present so good a surface to write upon; second, 12 If several letters have been written at once there is a liability of sending your letters to the wrong persons. Carelessness in this respect has often occasioned absurd mistakes, and occasionally very serious ones. QUESTIONS. 1. What is the effect of a badly folded letter? 2. What manner of folding is required? 3. What special effect to be produced? 4. What size of paper is here referred to? 5. What is said of a smaller size? 6. What is the first point to observe? 7. What is the first fold? 8. What is the second? 9. What the third? 10. Should it then be put into the envelope? 11. What is the first objection? 12. What the second? SECTION VI. SUPERSCRIPTION. The superscription Hhat which is written upon the outside of the envelope is to a certain extent 2 the most important point in letter writing. The superscription s has produced an impression favorable or unfavorable that can never be entirely eradicated by anything else, before the letter has been seen. With a little care every one may acquire a good superscription, for 'fine penmanship is not an essential, although it is power that should not be lightly estimated. It is essential though that the address should be ^distinctly written and neatly placed. A general rule as nearly as one can be given that will apply to all cases is to "place the name of the person addressed a little below the center of the envelope so that a line drawn through the center of the envelope would form a head line for the small letters. 'The space on SUPERSCRIPTION. 87 the left of the name should be about the same as that on the right. The other lines, whether there be two or more, 'should slant gradually toward the right, each being, when the length of the items will permit, about three-fourths of an inch to the right of the preceding one. The *last should end near the right-hand lower corner, about one- fourth of an inch from the right-hand side and the same distance from the bottom. If one item is placed in the lower left-hand corner "it should also be one-fourth of an inch from the left-hand side, and the same distance from the bottom. The "comma and period are the only points used in punctuating the superscription. The "comma after each item except the last, and the "period after each abbreviation and the last item. 88 LETTER WRITING. This superscription consists of four distinct items. Name of person, of town, of county, and of state. The comma between Jones and Esq. is in accordance with the rule that, 14 a title placed after a name must be separated from it by a comma. The second item name of town being quite short is carried to the right of a point that would be on a line drawn from the first to the last item. The position of items com- ing between the first and last should be governed by their length. SUPEXSCJiJPrtON. 89 In this diagram 15 the name and number of the street take the place of the county in the preceding diagram. The second item San Fran- cisco is begun to the left of the iine^ of uniform slant on account of its length, which would bring it too near the right-hand side if it should begin on a line between the first item and the last. 90 LETTER WRITING. "I This diagram represents the manner in which the superscription should be given for a letter of introduction. 16 The word introducing and the name of the person for whom the letter is written are placed in the lower left-hand corner. The other items are exactly the same in substance and arrangement that they would be if the letter were to be sent through the mail. The title coming before the name is not separated from it by the comma. SUPERSCRIPTION. 17 The city being well known it is unnecessary to give the county. D2 LETTER WRITING. 1 B This superscription consists of five distinct items. 18 The name of the person with titles, of university, of city, of country, and of district. The last is a very important item in English superscriptions. Although the use of abbreviations is so common in writing the names of the states, it is best to write the name in full in addressing to distant states. SUPERSCRIPTION. 93 If the last item England in the above diagram had been abbre viated, the left slant could not have been kept uniform, for the second and third items would have been too long, and if placed on a line drawn from the first to the last item would have extended too far to the right. If by writing the name of the state or country in full the left slant can be kept uniform, it should be done even when the abbrevia- tion is well known. If the student will study carefully the foregoing diagrams, apply- ing the rules foi punctuation, he need never be in doubt as to the proper punctuation of a superscription after the items are arranged. In arranging the superscription, the position of some items should never deviate from the rule. The name or names addressed should be placed a little below the center and equidistant from the left side and the right. The last item should always end one-fourth of an inch from the right edge, and the same distance from the bottom. An item placed in the left-hand lower corner should begin one-fourth of an inch from the left edge and the same distance from the bottom. The stamp should always occupy the upper right-hand corner. The items between the first and last vary in position according to their length. The special request for letters to be returned, usually printed on business envelopes, is placed across the left end or in the upper left-hand corner of the envelope. Among business men there is to some extent 19 a tendency to drop all titles, especially those of courtesy. This practice ^should not be countenanced, for not only does "politeness demand that you should accord all possible honor to your correspondent, but M in many cases the title helps to identify when both Christian and surname are too common to be distinctive. The titles most commonly used will be particularly noticed in Chap- ter IV. Arrange the following items for superscriptions, on business-size note paper, ruling figures similar to the diagrams to represent envelopes. After each one is completed, examine carefully to see that the punctua- tion is in every respect correct: 1. Daniel Clark Esq. Salem Oregon. 2. Major General H. T. Powers, U. S. A. Washington District of Columbia. 3. Lieutenant Commander B. M. Bronson U. S. N. Baltimore Maryland. 4. John Lyons D. D. S. Casey, Guthrie Co Iowa. 5. Mrs. Wm. M. Lane, Clarendon, New South Wales. 6. Mrs. W. F. Bell, Atlanta, Georgia ion Clay St. 7. Messrs. Coleman & Sons P. O. Box 1549 Louisville, Kentucky. 94 LETTER WRITING. 8. Messrs. Colton & Hayne, 93 Howgate Hill Upper Thames Street London England. 9. To the President, Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C. 10. His Excellency, Gov. Grant, Executive Chamber Denver, Col. xi. Hon. W. H. Hillyer, Consul U. S. A., Rio Janeiro Brazil. 12. Prof. W. D. Whitney, Yale College, New Haven, Conn. Give five original examples similar to the above. QUESTIONS. 1. Define superscription. 2. What is said of its importance? 3. Why? 4. What is said of fine penmanship? 5. What two things essential? 6. What is first point to observe in placing superscriptions? 7. What the second? S. What the third? 9. What should be the position of the last item? 10. What of an item in the lower left-hand corner? 11. What points used in punctuating the" superscription? 12. When is the comma used? 13. When the period? 14. What of a title placed after a name ? 15. What of number and name of street? 1 6. What of superscription for letter of introduction? 17. What is said of diagram No. 4? 1 8. What items in diagram 5 ? 19. What tendency among business men? 20. What is said of it? 21. What is first reason given? 22. What the second? SECTION VII. INSERTION AND STAMP. The envelope and letter both being now completed, the 'letter must be placed properly in the envelope. Take the envelope in the left hand with the lap pointing toward the points of the fingers, the opening up, then with the right hand take the letter with the last folded edge up, and without changing the position of either slip it into the en- velope. Next 'seal the envelope carefully and 'place the stamp, as indicated in the diagram, in the upper right-hand corner, about 5 one- eighth of an inch from the top, and the same distance from the right edge. In all letters that demand an answer, referring solely to the personal business of the writer, 'a stamp should be inclosed. It will often insure an answer that would never otherwise be received. POSTAL-CARDS AND TELEGRAMS. 95 QUESTIONS. 1. What is the next step after the superscription and letter are completed? 2. Give complete directions for insertion. 3. What next? 4. Then what? 5. How far from top and edge of envelope? 6. What of letters referring solely to personal business? SECTION VIII. POSTAL-CARDS AND TELEGRAMS. The superscription 'should always be placed upon a postal-card before the communication is written upon the other side. This caution is considered necessary from the fact that it is usually on occasions demanding special haste that the postal is used, and hence it is of frequent occurrence that the superscription is omitted, and the postal never reaches its destination. The "location and date should always be given on a postal-card, and 3 may be placed in the right-hand corner at the top or the left-hand corner at the bottom. The address and complimentary closing may be omitted unless the communication is so short as not to occupy all the space allotted to it. s Never write any- thing on a postal that you are not willing for every one to know. "Un- less well known to your correspondent, give our signature in full. Telegrams 7 should be as directly to the point as the use of the fewest words possible can make them. 8 Omit the complimentary address and also the complimentary closing. Use no abbreviations. For the exercises, rule figures the proper size for p< tals on business letter-paper. 1. Write to Messrs. Vick & Co., Washington, D. C., stating that you would like for them to send you some good, fresh garden-seeds, to be sold on commission. That you would not take anything that was not perfectly reliable, and they must be done up in papers ready for the retail market. 2. Write Messrs. Vick & Co.'s answer to the above, in which they, say that they can only ship seeds to strangers C. O. D., but will fill any order you may send them, on your own terms, provided you can furnish some reliable reference in Washington. Address to yourself, / L. J. Hunt. 3. Write to Leonard & Co., Washington, D. C., with whom you have an intimate acquaintance, asking them to furnish Vick & Co. with the required testimonials. 4. Write postal to Heald's Business College, San Francisco, Cnl., asking for information in regard to the character of a graduate who has applied to you for position as entry clerk. 96 LETTER WRITING. 5. Write postal to H. E. Hibbard, Bryant & Stratton Business Col- lege, Boston, Mass., asking for information regarding school. 6. Write telegraphic message to Ivison, Blakeman, Taylor & Co., New York, ordering 3 doz. Webster's Dictionaries (unabridged), sent to your address C. O. D. 7. Write telegraphic message to Palmer House, Chicago, 111., order- ing suite of rooms for isth prox. 8. Send telegraphic order amounting to $136.50 to M. N. Pierson, Richmond, Va. 9. Order by telegraph from LaRue & Co., St. Augustine, Florida, one bunch ripe bananas, fifteen boxes oranges, and five hundred limes, to be sent by express immediately. 10. Write telegram to W D. Allison, 319 State St., Chicago, asking if he will accept position of traveling salesman for Grim & Co., of Sacramento, Cal., at salary of $3,000 per year. 11. Write five original telegrams. QUESTIONS. 1. What of superscription of postal-card? 2. What should always be given? 3. What two forms for placing the location and date? 4. What of the address and complimentary closing. 5. What caution given? 6. What in regard to signature? 7. What of telegrams? 8. What should be omitted? CHAPTER II. SECTION I. PERSPICUITY. The first requisite of good composition is, 'that it should be perfectly clear and neither above nor below the dignity of the subject-matter. Clearness perspicuity depends 2 not alone on the choice of words but on the construction and arrangement of the sentences. In making choice of words, use care to "select as many as possible of Saxon origin; *for they are most in use, and therefore best understood by the middle and lower grades of society. 5 Select nouns and verbs from those in common use, and the effect of clearness will then be produced even if the modifying words are uncommon, compound, or newly coined. 6 It is always allowable and often especially desirable to produce a more elevated and elegant style than the use of ordinary words will effect, but it must be done by the modifying, and not the principal words. The clearness of a sentence 'does not depend upon its length nor upon the punctuation but on its arrangement. 8 The predicate should PERSPICUITY. 97 be placed near the subject even in long sentences, 'so that the idea to be conveyed in each part may be taken in at once and the connection to the whole be seen clearly as we proceed. 19 If many clauses are placed between the subject and predicate, and the meaning is not complete until near the end of the sentence, it cannot be easily under- stood. Compare the two sentences following and see which is clearer: "It is not without a degree of patient attention and persevering dili- gence, greater than the generality are willing to bestow, though not greater than the object deserves, that the habit can be acquired of ex- amining and judging of our own conduct with the same accuracy and impartiality as that of another." "The habit of examining our own conduct as accurately as that of another, and judging of it with the same impartiality, cannot be acquired without a degree of patient atten- tion and persevering diligence, not greater indeed than the object de- serves, but greater than the generality are willing to bestow." Inexperienced writers should observe the following points: i. "Avoid the frequent use of participles; 2. 12 Be careful to select suitable con- nectives, especially in cases in which they should be correlative; 3. "Never use long parentheses, and seldom use short ones; 4. "Place adverbs so there can be no doubt as to what they modify; 15 by an im. proper position they may be made to qualify a wrong word and convey a meaning totally different from that intended. The same caution should be observed in using adverbial or prepositional phrases. 5. l6 Never use a pronoun either personal or relative when there can be any doubt as to its antecedent. The relative pronoun is more re- stricted in position than the personal pronoun, and having but little to mark its connection with its antecedent "should follow the antecedent as closely as possible, and always in the same sentence. The personal pronoun more nearly resembling the noun 18 may be used at a greater distance, either in the same or a subsequent sentence. If 19 one or more sentences have intervened the noun should be repeated. 2 *Clear ex- pression can only come from clear thinking. 21 Clear thinking can be acquired neither by indolence nor by haste. 22 Think quickly, for quick- ness may be acquired without detracting from carefulness, but never think hastily. 23 Haste arises from indolence. The indolent mind when forced to decision M grasps and usually obstinately retains the first view of the subject presented, "'because this requires less effort than to give careful consideration to all modifying circumstances, to weigh justly their influences upon the whole, and to reach a correct conclusion that may appear directly opposed to the preliminary decision. Overcome every inclination toward carelessness; think clearly and clear sentences must result. 98 LETTER WRITING. Notice all errors in the following letter: New York, July 18, 1882. Mr. G. Hastings, 731 Sixth Ave., New York. Dear Sir: Understanding that you have a great deal of experience in business life, I would like to beg some information from you in that line. And also I would like to know what advantage to put myself to through life. As I am now going to college, I am not quite ready to take any situ- ation that may be vacated. I am also in the dark to know what course to take when I get through school. If I am not^ asking too great a favor from you, I would like to have your opinion in the matter, and I think that it would be of great advantage to me. Hoping that you may favor me I remain, Yours respectfully, All that is contained in the above letter could have been given in one-half the space used if the sentences had been clear and there had been no repetition. Students should correct all errors in the above and rewrite making it as concise as possible. Pittsburg, Penn., Feb. 7, 1883. Messrs. Young and Norton, 68 Broome St., New York. Gentlemen: Yours of the 3d inst. was quite a surprise as I had not referred to your letter of Dec. that contained the check since re- ceived and had no idea but that the 13 dollars for said casks was col- lected at that time or I should of rectified it before this as it was not noticed by me but the mistake was yours and not mine as your letter at that time proves on the bill rendered at that time the freight and charges with the 13 dollars for the cask returned were all on the bill but not properly deducted then it says net 29.75 I never gave it a sec- ond thought but am pleased to correct any mistake that concerns me you will please present said bill to A. Jacobs & Co. my agents and they will please pay the same for me and charge the same to my account thirteen dollars. Yours respectfully, D. C. Smithson. Correct all errors in the foregoing letter, rearranging' and dividing into separate and complete sentences. PERSPICUITY. 90 St. Paul, Minn., Oct. 10, 1882. Allen & Rice, 30 Lafayette Place, New York. Gentlemen: Your letter came to-day and I will answer your letter. I failed in the stationery business and came out eight hundred dollars in debt so I am in no condition to pay you or any one else. I am very sorry I owe you as I have nothing to pay with. I could not pay expenses with the price I got for my stationery. I can't to-day pay one farthing on the dollar to any person, which I am very sorry to say, hoping this will be some satisfaction to you until I can do something more satisfactory for you. Yours truly, Ross Turner. Rewrite the above, making all necessary corrections and changes in construction. Las Vegas, New Mexico T., March i, 1883. Green & Brewer St. Louis, Mo. Gentlemen: Please send me by the next express 5 boxes of Flor- ida oranges and with about 200 oranges in a box, 50 Ibs. of Eastern Peanuts and send by express a box of limes if they could be got at the lowest rates of market prices. Yours truly, A. Langdon. P. S. I was pricing your goods three weeks ago. If you send the things the money is ready for you. Send an answer to me immediately so I won't get disappointed by the first return mail. A. L. Correct the above letter and include all that is necessary in the letter, omitting the postscript. QUESTIONS. 1. What is the first requisite of good composition? 2. On what does clearness depend? 3. What class of words should be chosen ? 4. Why? 5- What of the nouns and verbs chosen? 6. How can a more elegant style be produced without detracting from the clearness? 7. What is of more importance in a sentence than the length or punctuation? 8. What of the predicate? 9. Why? 10. What is the effect of many clauses? 11. What is the first caution for inexperienced writers? 12. What is the second caution? lUO LETTER WPITING. 13. What is the third? 14. Whatofadverbs? 1 5. What effect is produced by wrong position ? 16. What is said of pronouns? 17. What of the relative pronoun? 18. What of the personal pronoun? 19. What should be done if one or more sentences have intervened ? 20. What of clear expression ? 21. What is said of clear thinking? 22. Is it best to think quickly? 23. What produces haste? 24. What is said of an indolent mind? 25. Why? CHAPTER III. SECTION I. -BREVITY. 'Brevity must be observed so far as it is consistent with clearness. In a business letter 2 never use an unnecessary word; but 3 never omit a word or phrase for the sake of brevity that would make the meaning clearer. 4 A brief letter may not always be a short letter. The subject may contain many divisions, each of which may be treated of in a few short sentences, and yet the whole may produce a letter of many pages. The length of a letter should depend entirely "upon the subject. r Inexperienced v.riters should avoid long sentences, but must not make their sentences too short; for "very short sentences produce an abrupt and disconnected style. 'Business letters should never be combined with social letters. "If it is thought desirable to treat of subjects not strictly connected with business, do so, but in a separate letter. "The most desirable qualities for a business letter brevity and dig- nity would detract from a good social letter; hence the impossibility of combining the two without marring each. "Brevity may be assisted to a great extent by precision in the choice of words. Precision "accuracy cannot be too carefully studied. 14 The right word will usually convey the idea more clearly than ten other words that may appear somewhat synonymous. The student should study the subject of MISUSED WORDS beginning 15 on page 42 of the Grammar-^which will give him an idea of what is contained in the definition of precision. One example here will probably be sufficient for illustration. Take the four words, surprised, astonished, amazed, and confounded. 16 We are surprised only at what is new or unexpected; we are astonished at what is vast or great; we are amazed at what is incomprehensible; we are confounded by what is shocking BREVITY. 101 or terrible. Unlike as these words actually are, we hear them used interchangeably continually. "Make a business letter as directly to the point as possible. If you have a favor to ask, 18 do it in the very first sentence, and let whatever you have to say of excuse or compliment follow the petition. Your correspondent will credit you with more manliness and grant the required favor far more readily than if you had filled three or four pages with fulsome compliment and flattery, and then betrayed your object by asking a favor at the close. Make your sentences as strong as possi- ble lf by using care in placing the important words. M Never close a sentence with a weak or unimportant word, as an adverb or preposition, but with a word that will convey some definite idea. "Novel reading is a species of intemperance which many persons are guilty of, is not nearly so strong as, Novel reading is a species of intemperance of which many persons are guilty. Notice all errors in the following letter and rewrite, making the answer as brief and direct as possible, omitting all that is not strictly in accordance with a good business letter. Galveston, Texas., July 1 8, 1883. Messrs. Hamilton & Morris, 3015 Cedar St., New York. Gentlemen : Your letter inclosing Account Sales and Draft, came safe. I have confidence in you to believe you did the best that could be done under the circumstances, and I am satisfied. I had been offered 230 a pound at home, by an agent. So far I have gained a little by shipping. To-morrow, if the day be fit, (it is raining beauti- fully to-night, thank the Lord!), I will send 15 sacks more of the same sort of cotton to the landing (three miles) to be shipped by first steamer to you. I will also ship 100 boxes of raisins and if you think there is no danger of worms (a man told me he had known lots of raisins, shipped late, to be destroyed by worms. Is there risk in it?), take your own time in selling, and do just the best for me you can. I have no other instructions to give you. I have full confidence in youi ability to sell and in your honor that you will make correct returns! I have not much produce this year, but will have more each succeeding; and if you continue to do well for me, you are the men who shall sell it all. When I find a good friend, I always stick to him pretty closely! Next year I shall have 60 acres of cotton, instead of 20, as this year. Then soon 150 acres, and by and by shall have 1,000 acres of cotton and the fruit from one thousand orange and lemon trees that I have just planted. Almost all of this work has been done, so far, by my own 102 LETTER WRITING. two hands (my own right hand and left hand I mean!). I came here broken down in health by work in the counting-room of a large estab- lishment in Baltimore. Now I can work thus! I am pretty poor, but will not always be so! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Do your duty by me, Gentlemen, and you will always find a friend in, Yours truly, John Grayson. The main points in the above letter are, first, that the Account Sales was received, and was satisfactory; second, that he expected to ship more cotton; third, that he would ship raisins to be sold at the discre- tion of the consignees. It may sometimes be advantageous to the con- signor to establish a strong feeling of sympathy for himself in the con- signee, by an account of his struggles and successes, but he should do it in a social and not a business letter. Trenton, July 4, 1883. Dear Sir: Your kind note (containing a check for $15, the balance due me on your bill of goods), of the twentieth proximo was received by me in due course of mail. -It found me in the enjoyment of a tolerable good state of health, and I most ardently, sincerely, and earnestly hope that these few lines will find you enjoying the same great blessing. This is my 3d letter to you. I am yours very respectfully, Mr. Edwin Booth. Student should be required to rewrite the above, giving all necessary corrections, and the reason for each correction. The errors demand special attention, for they are of frequent occurrence. Hawleyton, Broome Co., New York, Jan. i, 1883. Russell, Hawkins & Co., 47 Cherry St., New York. Sirs: Not long ago a friend of mine, that I can indeed call a friend, for I have known him for twenty years, and he has always done me a favor when he could, he came to see me and as I was just ready to sell my crop of grain wheat and barley both and just the very best wheat and barley that ever anybody saw why I asked him how the grain market was. You see he had just been down to New York on a visit, and as he is a right practical sort of fellow, I allowed that he had found out about all that was worth knowing down there. Well says he I can just tell you what is the very best thing you can do, too quick. BREVITY. 103 I got acquainted with Mr. Russell while I was down there he belongs to the firm of Russell, Hawkins & Co., grain merchants and they either buy at the highest market price or you can ship your grain to them and they will store it for you, and watch the market and sell it for you on commission when prices rise. I would advise you to ship your grain now and let them hold it for a rise. All right says I you have always given me good paying'advice and I am not going back on it now. So he gave me your address and said I had better write to you fight away. Now if you gents will just do the very best you can for me I'll give you all my patronage every year and will use my influence in this neighborhood, and I have a good deal I can assure you, to get all the trade here for you. I will have a hun- dred acres in grain next year any way and perhaps a hundred and ten; so- you see it will be to your advantage to secure me for a customer. I forgot to tell you that my friend's name is Edward Perkins; everybody around here for fifteen miles knows Ed. Perkins. My grain is in the granary at present and is not sacked. I need 500 sacks. Now if you will send me sacks and wait until the grain is sold for payment, it will greatly oblige me and I will have no hesitation in using my influence for you and telling others what you have done for me. Now if you will accommodate me in regard to the sacks it will be sure to secure the whole neighborhood for you, for we are clannish fellows and help one another and are always glad to get acquainted with a fellow that is willing to help us all, and take his chances for getting paid. That about chances is a joke, for I tell you what, we are solid men, we are. We are plain kind of folks here, but we know when we are well treated. Write to me soon please and tell me just what you will do. Hoping to hear from you in the near future, and to hear favorably too, I am now and forever your friend Walter Bowen, Esqr. Rewrite the above, omitting everything not strictly business; put it in as few words as you can and address to Russell, Hawkins & Co., Grain Merchants, 67 Cherry St. New York. Punta Arenas, Mendocino Co., Cal., June 30, 1883. President Union Tel. Co., 127 Montgomery St., San Francisco. Honored Sir: Notwithstanding the fact that we are personally 10-4 LETTER WRITING. unacquainted, I consider myself at liberty because of the prominence of your professional position to apply to you as to a well-known and trusted friend, and I shall, therefore, write to you as fully as if I had already received your assurance to this effect. Why should you stand at the head of your department, if you are not to give all who apply to you a full, free, and unprejudiced hearing ? I say "to all," but this may, perhaps, require some modification. Were all applicants as deserving of your undivided attention as am I, the clause might stand as written but that can hardly be expected. I, Sir, am a retired army officer, whose exploits on behalf of his country would fill a volume; and if, as I dare say will be the case, you wish to hear more of my military abilities than properly belong to a business letter, I shall be only too glad to oblige you in return for the present favor you are about to confer on me, which is, as perhaps I should have said before, to interest yourself in my daughter. Jane, Sir, is a remarkable girl, the representative in feminine form of many of the characteristics that have distinguished her father. Having already chained your interest, so to speak, I will tell you with all the confidence I would use in speaking to one of my intimate friends who had also been a companion in arms, that our financial affairs are not now what they used to be; this I will explain to you at length at some other time. As I do not wish to intrude upon your valuable time now, I will merely say that Jane my daughter, with remarkable abilities, wishes to assert her independence and help to regain our past financial standing ; and that, after lengthy and numerous consultations with all our friends, it has generally been agreed upon by us that an application be for- warded to you. She desires, naturally, to have a first-class position and the highest salary. After having given you these very definite particulars, I, indeed I might say we all, shall expect to hear from you very soon. With many thanks for thoughtful consideration on your part, and with my compliments to your family, I beg to have the honor of signing myself, Yours with very great respect, Lieut. Julius Winterton. Rewrite the above application, making it simple and direct, and inclose in an envelope properly addressed. QUESTIONS. 1. What is said of brevity? 2. What is the first caution? BREVITY. 105 3. What is the second caution ? 4. What is said of a brief letter? 5. What of the subject? 6. Upon what should the length of a letter depend? 7. What is the first rule for inexperienced writers? 8. What the second rule? 9. What of business and social letters? 10. When necessary to write upon other than business matters how must it be done? it. What are the desirable qualities of a business letter, and what is said of them? 12 How may brevity be assisted? 13. What is precision? 14. What is said of the right word? 15. Where can MISUSED WORDS be found? 16. Give the example. 1 7 What of a business letter ? 18. What if a favor is to be asked? 19 How can sentences be made strong? 20. What caution in closing a sentence? .21. Give the example and correction. c- ff t tf 5, (S/ 106 LETTER WRITING. p_ i .iS ^ SECTION II. CAPITAL LETTERS AND PUNCTUATION. These two subjects should receive particular attention from all who desire to become good letter writers. The opinion is somewhat prev- alent 2 that care in capitalizing and punctuating a business letter, detracts CAPITAL LETTERS, ETC. 107 from its business air and gives it an affected manner, but it is entirely a mistaken idea. *Errors in either of these particulars are attributed to ignorance or carelessness. No man wishes to be considered ignorant; *no man can afford to be considered careless. An error arising from ignorance is not so culpable as one from care- lessness; 6 for ignorance the person is not always responsible; for careless- ness he is responsible. If to master these subjects required an extraordinary intellect or a great length of time, there might be some excuse for ignorance; but the student of ordinary capacity who has even a slight knowledge of grammar ought to be able to master either subject in a short time. Study the rules for the use of Capital Letters on page 7, and supply them whenever needed in the two following letters. Rewrite both letters, but do not change the construction or punctuation. new york, sept. 20, 1883. thos hooper, esq., Chicago, ill. sir: having taken the premises lately occupied by mr. james hasborne and purchased the stationery business carried on therein by him for nearly twenty years, i beg to assure you that, anxious as i am to secure his connections and retain his customers, i shall make it my endeavor to follow, as nearly as possible, his punctuality, and that mode of conducting the business, by which he succeeded in establish- ing, and whereby i hope to render permanent this extensive business. to this end, permit me to solicit the kind continuance of your sup- port, which i shall ever seek by zeal, industry, and integrity to deserve, that my means are ample i can satisfactorily prove; and for any information that you may desire to have on that or any other point regarding me, i beg to refer you to messrs. cooper & co., bond st., in this city, or to messrs. sommers & thorne of Chicago, i am, sir, with great respect, very truly yours, george cars on. a. boston, June n, 1880. mr. b. g. lewis, 23 beacon st, boston, sir: i demand payment of the note held by us, and drawn by you, for twenty-five hundred and thirty dollars ($2,530), dated oct. 8, 8 108 LETTER WRITING. 1879 an d payable June i, 1880. in default of payment, we shall sell at public sale the following securities which you gave us: 5 shares broadway bank, $100 each, par. 10 ohio city bonds, $100 each, par. 10 shares people's insurance co., $50 each, par. 20 st. louis warrants, $100 each, par. very respectfully yours, jonas smith. Correct the following letters, giving the reason for each change in the use of capital letters. i. Seattle, Washington t. . feb. 8, 1883. eveleth & nash, san francisco, Cal. sirs: enclosed find Draft for two hundred And fifty dollars, ($250); please collect and place To my Credit, send On return Steamer: one Case oranges, good, Two cases oranges, medium, three cases Oranges,common. one case sicily lemons, two Bunches bananas. one box persian Dates, five six Lb. box smyrnA figs, fifty cocoanuts. one half Doz. pine-apples. yours Respectfully, f. G. browN. 2. Boston, June 14, 1883. John Lucas, Esq., Sydney, Australia. sir: herewith You will Please to receive account-Sales of Your thirty bags of Wool, received as advised in My Letter of the yth inst. i Was enabled to sell at 40 cts. per pound and the whole net sale is $2,453.- 75, which I hope Will Give you Satisfaction. This amount i remit you Inclosed, in my own draft At two Months' date, on my friends, messrs. bailey & Co., in Your City; am convinced it will be duly Honored and not Discounted. Hoping this small trial will induce You to favor me with More and CAPITAL LETTERS, ETC. 109 Larger consignments, and begging your attention to The Annexed price-current, i Am Happy To Say that Our market continues encour- aging for the Importation of all grades of Wool; but, as you will be better informed as to the quantity Shipped from your Ports, you can Best judge To What extent you can go with Safety in your speculation In this article. I am, sir, yours Truly, L. A. Rockwell. 3- San francisco, July, 1883. Charles Brown, Esq., Sacramento, cal. sir: Your acceptance For Three hundred Dollars ($300) drawn By me April ist last, and Payable To my order Three months after Date, fell due yesterday, and now lies at my bankers, messrs. manning & Co., noted for Non-payment. I beg, Therefore, to call your imme- diate Attention to It, and Request you will take up the Same With the Protest fee thereon. Yours respectfully, Joseph Williams. Letter written by Stephen Hopkins one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence to the Governor of Connecticut. Providence, Aug. 2, 1755. Sir: This moment I rec'd a letter from Gov'r Delancey inclosing the copy of one from Capt. Orme, giving an account of the Defeat and Death of Gen'l Braddock and many of his Officers and men. This is an event of so much consequence to all the Colonys, that I thought it my duty to send it to you, by Express, not knowing you would receive it from any other quarter. I shall immediately call our Gen'l Assembly together, and recommend to them in the strongest manner, the doing everything within their power toward repairing this unhappy Loss and preventing any other of the same nature. What method will be thought most effectual by the Colonys for such a purpose I cannot yet tell, but am in hopes all will exert themselves to their utmost. I am Sorrowfully at present, your Hon'rs most Obed't and most Humble Serv't, Step. Hopkins. To His Excellency, Governor of Connecticut. 110 LETTER WRITING. St. Louis, Feb. 3, 1883. Mr. George Gray, 920 Water St., St. Louis. Sir: The Amount for my Goods sold by you at auction, having become due yesterday, I fully expected that you would send it to me. When i Gave you orders to Sell, you Assured me that I might Rely upon receiving Cash Within a month, depending upon that, I remitted a Bill, For net proceeds to the Party Consigning to me, calculating that i should Receive the same from you In Time to take Up that Bill. I must request that you Send me a check for Proceeds of Sale without Delay. i Am yours, etc., Giles stone. Copy the following letters, punctuating when necessary. San Francisco May 8 1883. Chas Smith Esq Sacramento Cal Sir your bill for goods sold you last winter has now been delivered six weeks and I have called upon you several times to solicit payment but have not been so fortunate as to find you at home. I have a large sum to make up in the course of the week and shall esteem it a partic- ular favor if you will let me have the amount of my bill I trust you will excuse the liberty I have taken in writing upon this subject and believe me Sir your obedient servant A S King 2 Atlanta, Georgia Sept ii 1883 James Jones, Esq Macon Ga Sir I am compelled by unfortunate circumstances and much against my will to make a request the first of the kind I have ever made and I sincerely trust it may be the last For a variety of reasons business in this vicinity has latterly been so very dull that I have been unable to realize the funds necessary to meet my engagements and I see no prospect that I can at present unless I dispose of my stock at a great sacrifice which I cannot think you would desire me to do I have many good accounts none of which however are due yet for three weeks and I could not ask for payment beforehand without running the risk of offending some of my best and largest customers CAPITAL LETTERS, ETC. Ill I trust that under these circumstances you will extend indulgence, and suffer my account to stand over say for one month from this day when it will be punctually met and the obligation most gratefully acknowledged by Yours very respectfully Hugh Higgins 3 Albany New York Sept 19 1882 Mr Geo H Pratt Watertown N Y Sir You wrote me a month ago declaring your inability to settle your account and stating in the most positive terms that a settlement should be made on the first day of the present month More than a fortnight has elapsed since the day named but the promised settlement has not been made neither have I heard one word from you respecting the matter I now feel compelled to write you in more serious terms and to urge upon your attention the necessity of attending to this business without further delay As a man of business you must be aware that these irregularities in connection with money matters are calculated to cause not only distrust in yourself but much inconvenience to me and allow me to tell you plainly that if all my customers were as tardy in settling their accounts as you are I should soon be compelled to give up business I cannot help thinking that although you may as other men do experience occasional periods of pressure- the general irregularity in your payments arises from an absence of consideration for others rather than a want of means Now that I have thus placed the matter before you I do hope that you will not only promptly attend to this account but that you will endeavor to be more punctual in future engagements I am Sir yours respectfully W. G. Wheeler. Dear Sir don't ship me any cauliflower and Cabbage ship me Pease new potatoes tomatoes Oranges bananas cherries any thing nice yours truly (signature) 2 bags onions. Rewrite the above letter, supplying heading and address; correct all errors in construction, capitalizing, and punctuation. 112 LETTER WRITING. Work in capitalizing and punctuation should be extended until the pupil is thoroughly acquainted with both subjects. Much benefit may be derived by making an accurate copy of any correct letter that may be obtained, whether it be of a business or social nature. QUESTIONS. 1. What is said of capital letters and punctuation? 2. What opinion is somewhat prevalent? 3. To what are errors in these particulars attributed? 4. What is said of carelessness? 5. What is said of ignorance? 6. Why no excuse for ignorance? SECTION III. LETTERS OF BUSINESS. The following letters, gathered from various sources many being copies of actual business letters and appearing in print for the first time are given merely as a guide to the student, and not for him to use in his own business transactions. No collection of business letters, how- ever extensive, could be found that would have something suitable for every occasion. The letters of a successful and thorough correspondent must be original and suited to the peculiar circumstances calling them forth. Syracuse, New York, July 9, 1883. A. B. Towne & Co., 49 John St., New York. Gentlemen:- Having sold my interest in the firm of Dole & Cole I asked you for a Statement of Acct, but as there is no balance except on the last bill, you will please charge the same to the new firm of Wilson & Cole, for they are to pay all bills due from the city at the time of purchase. Yours, 2 Chas. H. Dole. FROM THE NEW FIRM MENTIONED IN NUMBER I. Syracuse, New York, Aug. i A. B. Towne & Co., 49 John St., New York. Gentlemen:- Mr. Dole of the firm of Dole & Cole having sold his interest to J. B. Wilson, we, the new firm known as Wilson & Cole, ON BUSINESS. 113 desire to solicit a continuation of the same confidence and favor so long accorded to the old firm. We can assure you that there will be no diminution of the capital, and all indebtedness will be met with the former promptitude. Respectfully, The signature of Wilson & Cole. J. B. Wilson. Syracuse, New York, Aug. 4, 1883. A. B. Towne & Co., 49 John St., New York. Gentlemen:- Will you please give us a letter of recommendation to some reliable wholesale grocery house in your city? If so you will greatly oblige, Yours truly, Wilson & Cole. 4 49 John St., New York, Aug. 7, 1883. C. B. Elliot & Co., 1300 Sixth Ave., New York. Gentlemen:- We take pleasure in recommending to you the firm of Wilson & Cole. Mr. Wilson we have no personal acquaintance with, but his being associated with Mr. Cole, whom we have known long and favorably, is, we consider, sufficient guarantee of his responsibility. You need have no hesitancy in allowing them the usual term of credit accorded to country customers. Very respectfully, A. B. Towne & Co., per Moyne. 5 INQUIRY IN REGARD TO THE CHARACTER OF A CLERK. Cleveland, Ohio, June 6, 1882. Bidwell & Wells, 19 State St., Chicago. Gentlemen:- I wish to inquire as to the honesty and general conduct of B. M. Laton. He has applied to me for the position of head book-keeper in my wholesale paint store, and referred me to you, representing that he has been in your employ for the past seven years, and only left you to seek a more remunerative position. An early reply will greatly oblige T. K. Miner. 114 LETTER WRITING. Write two answers to the above letter, the first favorable, the second unfavorable. 6 New Orleans, La., Jan. 1 6, 1883. C. Horton, Esq., 964 Cedar St., New York. My dear Sir:- Permit me to introduce to you my intimate friend, Mr. Robert Hastings, and to claim for him a very kind and friendly reception. Mr. H. is a talented young man, who has, principally by his own unaided exertions, mastered several languages. His health having been for some time in a delicate state, owing, probably, to a too close applica- tion to his studies, the physicians have recommended him to travel for a few months, and when his strength is sufficiently recruited to admit of his returning to business, to fix his residence in some sea-port for a couple of years. Well acquainted with Mr. Hastings' character, I can with justice bear testimony in his favor, and more particularly so, knowing that his con- duct, during the nine years that he has spent in our counting-house, has been such as to give entire satisfaction to our principals, who regret that he is compelled to quit their employ. I therefore most earnestly entreat you to afford him every assistance in your power in accomplish- ing his object, and I confess to you that I expect more from your friendly exertions in his behalf than from the letters with which the house have furnished him. Fully persuaded that you will show Mr. Hastings every kindness and attention, and will endeavor to make his residence in New York as pleasant as possible, I beg to assure you that I shall consider myself greatly obliged, and shall be most happy to have an opportunity of serving you in return. Faithfully yours, Pierce Mason. Lincoln, Nebraska, Oct. 3, 1883. Messrs. Colton & Palmer, 975 Water St., Chicago. Gentlemen:- I have recently bought two hundred acres of land adjoining the three hundred acres in my home farm, and I need One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) to expend in improvements. If you will advance me the necessary amount, and wait for payment until I can ON BUSINESS. 115 ship my corn and pork to you next year, I will give you a mortgage on my place as security. Respectfully yours, Hiram Poston. 8 975 Water St., Chicago, 111., Oct. 6, 1883. B. D. Minturn, County Recorder, Lincoln, Neb. Sir:- We wish to know if there is any mortgage on the farm of Hiram Poston, situated in your township. Yours respectfully, Colton & Palmer. 9 Lincoln, Neb., Oct. 16, 1883. Messrs. Colton & Palmer, 975 Water St., Chicago. Gentlemen:- In answer to yours of 6th inst., I would state that I have found a mortgage against Hiram Poston favor of A. G. Lyon for Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), due one year from June 16, 1883, with int. at i per cent, per month. This mortgage is not on his farm but on a city lot; we find nothing recorded against the farm. You did not state whether you wanted a search showing all the incumbrances against Poston or not. The search from the time Poston purchased up to date would cost you Five Dollars ($5). If this information is not sufficient please answer at once, and I will send you the search. Yours truly, D. B. Minturn, Recorder, per Scott. 10 975 Water St., Chicago, 111., Oct. 1 8, 1883. Hiram Poston, Esq., Lincoln, Neb. Sir:- We are willing to let you have One Thousand Dollars ($ 1,000) on the terms mentioned in your letter of the 3d inst. Forward all necessary papers by express, and we will send you check for the amount on First National Bank of Chicago. Truly yours, Colton & Palmer. 116 LETTER WRITING. II It often happens that checks are issued without a signature, and cause much inconvenience if not loss to the person receiving them. First National Bank, New Orleans, July 3, 1883. Messrs. Tustin & Reed, 211 Madsion St., Nashville, Tenn. Gentlemen:- We received from one of our customers, per mail, the inclosed check, which is not signed. From the writing thereon we believe the same to have been issued by you; if so, please sign and return; if not, return. Yours truly, L. W. Brown, Cashier. 12. LETTER OF CREDIT. New York, March 12, 1883. Messrs. Redington & Co., San Francisco, Cal. Gentlemen:- Any sum of money that the bearer of this, Mr. J. T. Giles, may require, to the extent of Fifteen Hundred Dollars ($1,500), be pleased to advance on my account, either on his receipt or his draft on me to your order, as may be most agreeable to yourselves. Truly yours, Thomas Philips. J. T. Giles. 13 New York, June 4, 1883. Cashier Granger's Bank, San Francisco, Cal. Sir:- Do us the favor of furnishing the bearer, Chas. Miller, with whatever amount of money he may desire during his visit in your city, to the extent of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000). His signature we will forward to-day by mail. With great respect, James T. Smith & Co. The signature of the bearer of the letter is sometimes given at the close of the letter as in number 1 2 ; but a better way is to send in a separate letter as indicated in number 13. There is then no chance for forgery as in the first example. ON BUSINESS. 11? 14. Bennington, Vt, Dec. i, 1882. Saul Craig, Esq., Portland, Oregon. Sir:- The bearer of this, Miles Vanderpool, has been my most intimate friend for years. Any attention you may show him will be a personal favor to myself. Yours truly, Ben Delee. IS- Charleston, S. C.. July n, 1883. Mr. William Wight, Mobile, Ala. Sir:- I have the honor and pleasure of introducing to you I. E. Blair, whom you will find a pleasant addition to your circle of acquaint- ances. Respectfully, H. C. Holmes. In writing letters of introduction the utmost caution must be used. You are responsible for the acquaintance formed, and thus indirectly for the good or evil arising from it. Never give a letter of introduction when you have the least doubt in regard to the character of either party. Never give a letter of introduction to a person with whom you are only slightly acquainted. . 1 6. Write two letters of introduction; a long one and a short one. 17- Write two letters of credit; the first with, the second without the signature of the person presenting the letter. 1 8. San Francisco, Cal., July n, 1883. Editor Youth's Companion, Boston, Mass. Sir:- Enclosed find P. O. order for One Dollar and Seventy five Cents ($1.75) for one year's subscription to your paper, beginning with the first number in the present volume. Yours etc., Chas. Vaughn. Write an original letter similar to the above. 118 LETTER WRITING. 19 WANTED BY A SMALL PRIVATE FAMILY, A FOUR-STORY HOUSE ON GRAM- ercy Park, Stuyvesant Square, or vicinity; state size and rent; may purchase if an extra bargain is offered. Address W. B., 519 Herald Uptown Office. Write an answer to the above advertisement, giving a description of property that is for rent or sale; and that would fill all requirements named. 20. A RARE CHANCE STATIONERY, TOY, Music, PRINTING, AND NOVELTY Store for sale, doing a good cash business, established five years on the leading business avenue of New York ; price $7,000 cash, or will exchange for House and Lot in New York, or for Farm not more than 15 miles from New York. Address J. R. D., Box 230 Herald Office. Write answer to above, describing both town and country property that you would be willing to exchange for the business named. 21. THE WATERLOO HOUSE ESTABLISHED 1815 ONE OF THE OLDEST AND most extensive dry goods stores in the metropolis. HALLING, PEARCE, & STONE, Proprietors. Waterloo House, Pall Mall East and Cockspur St., Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London. Write to the firm named in the preceding advertisement, and order a bill of goods, to consist of ten items. Put the letter in an envelope and omit no necessary item from the superscription. 22. WINTER AND SUMMER BOARDING; CENTRAL LOCATION ; ELEGANTLY furnished; moderate terms. Address Williard House, Atlantic City, N. J. Write to the proprietors of the Willard House, stating that you would like to know what the terms would be for a suite of rooms and board for one person per month. 23- MUSICAL WANTED AN ARTISTIC SOPRANO SINGER FOR CHOIR AND solo work. Call or address Jackson Musical Institute, 2216 Wabash Ave,, Chi- cago, 111. Write an application for the position named, stating experience, ref- erences, and salary expected. 24. WANTED A FIRST-CLASS DRIVING HORSE THAT CAN DRAW A ROAD WAGON better than three minutes. Will exchange for same first-class real estate. Address G, 6l Inter Ocean, Chicago. Write an answer describing a horse you have for sale, and state price. Address correctly. CARDS AND NOTES. 119 RULES FOR BUSINESS LETTERS. 1. Study your subject before beginning to write, and arrange the parts in the order of their importance. 2. Come at once to the main point and word it so clearly that there can be no doubt as to the meaning. 3. Study forms for arrangement and follow them strictly. 4. Use as few words as possible, but never omit a word necessary to make the meaning perfectly clear. 5. Avoid all flourishing in penmanship, for it detracts from the legi- bility. 6. The heading should always contain your location, post-office ad~ dress, and the date month, day of month, and year. 7. When your letter is finished read it over carefully, correcting all mistakes and inserting omissions. 8. Be certain that your envelope is properly superscribed and stamped. 9. Retain a copy of each letter you write. 10. Keep all letters received in a letter-file, so that they may be con- venient for future reference. 1 1. When money is sent by means of draft, post-office order, check, etc., the amount should always be stated in the letter. 12. In giving an order for goods, complete it before making any sug- gestions or asking any questions. 1 3. Answer all letters promptly. 14. Use few abbreviations, and only such as are well known. 15. For business letters always use the size of paper known as com- mercial letter paper. 1 6. In giving a letter of credit be sure to state the exact amount for which credit is to be given. 17. Never put anything in a business letter that will detract from its dignity, even when addressed to an intimate acquaintance. 1 8. In replying to a business letter, discuss each subject in the same order as observed therein. 19. Paragraph carefully, so that each subject or each division of the subject may be found at once. 20. In every letter you write, do your very best CHAPTER IV. SECTION 1. -CARDS AND NOTES. CARDS are used so extensively and for such a variety of purposes that the subject cannot be omitted entirely, although to illustrate properly, it alone would fill a large volume. 120 LETTER WRITING. Socially, cards may be used on almost any occasion in place of a note, unless great formality is required. In visiting, and for professional and business men, they have become so generally in use as to be indispensa- ble. The greatest liberty is allowed in the choice of quality, size, and color, but as the card is a representative of the person whose name it bears* the endeavor should be to make it a worthy representative. The ladies' visiting card, especially, should be of the finest quality of card-board and either pure white or rose-white. The size varies, but should be in the prevailing style. The inscription (name and address) should either be written or engraved in plain, neat letters, without any flourishing. The name is sometimes given without the address. Gen- tlemen's visiting cards should be of medium size and contain both the name and address. The social titles used on cards are, Mr., Mrs., and Miss. Clergymen, physicians, and dentists use their professional title instead of Mr., and the same card is used professionally and socially. The official rank may be given by persons occupying high positions in the civil, military, or naval service. The title Honorable is never used on cards, and scholastic titles should never be used unless they are also professional titles. Some of the uses of cards are as follows : To Announce a Visitor's Name. On making a call, a card is handed to the person who opens the door, and the caller inquires for the person or persons for whom the visit is intended. To Announce a Guest's Name at a Reception. When attend- ing a reception or party, hand a card to the usher at the door. Also leave one in the card receiver. To Represent the Owner in Making Calls. Certain occasions demand formal visits, but for ordinary calls a card is by common con- sent accepted as a substitute for the person. To Announce a Departure. On leaving home to stay for a con- siderable time, cards should be sent to friends, with P. P. C. (to take leave) on the lower left-hand corner. To Announce a Return. Send cards with address and reception day. To Express Congratulation and Condolence. On either of these occasions a visit in person is required, but if the person visited is not at home leave a card with the word Congratulation or Condolence, as the case may require, written across one corner. To Accompany a Letter of Introduction. Always send a card bearing the temporary address with a letter of introduction; both to be .enclosed in one envelope. NOTES AND CARDS. 121 To Make Known One's Name to a Stranger. A person who wishes to make himself known to another, hands him a card. Corners of Cards Turned down, signify as follows: Visite The right-hand upper corner. Congratulation The left-hand upper corner. Condolence The left-hand lower corner. P. P. C. (to take leave) The right-hand lower corner. Delivered in Person The right-hand end turned down. Business Cards are used by business men to indicate the kind and location of their business. They are generally printed from ordinary job type, and should be neatly and tastefully arranged. People are influenced greatly by whatever is ornamental and pleasing to the eye, therefore business men are consulting their own interests when they take advantage of this fact and appeal in their cards not only to the judgment but to the taste of the public. Notes, as here meant, are unlike the ordinary letter, and in some respects more nearly resemble cards. They are always formal; are written in the third person; the heading and signature are omitted and the date is placed at the close instead of the beginning. They are used between equals: i. In all matters of ceremony, such as invitations to weddings, receptions, dinners, balls, etc., and in the answers, whether accepting or declining. 2. In all brief communica- tions between persons but slightly acquainted. They are used behveen unequals when a superior addresses an inferior or the reverse, if the message is a brief one. Like cards they must be of the finest quality of unglazed card-board the heavier the board the more desirable. The color most used is plain white, but very delicate tints are allowable. The size and color -depend entirely on the styles, which vary constantly. The wording should be as concise as courtesy will allow, and the penmanship or engraving must be plain, beautiful, and without flourishes, to be in good form. Both the paper and envelopes usually contain the monogram of the writer, and wedding invitations combine the initials of the bride and the bridegroom in the monogram. All invitations should be enclosed in envelopes; the inner one to match the paper, and the outer one> coarser, to protect the other. For the various anniversary weddings it is customary to have the invitation engraved or written on material characteristic of the occasion, or paper in imitation. PAPER One year married. WOODEN Five years married. TIN Ten years married. CRYSTAL Fifteen years married. LETTER WRITING. CHINA Twenty years married. SILVER Twenty-five years married. GOLD Fifty years married. DIAMOND Seventy-five years married. An invitation to dinner must always be answered at once whether an answer is requested or not. Other social invitations need not be an- swered unless they contain the request for an answer (R. S. V. P.). Failure to answer is understood to be an acceptance. Courtesy would always assign a reason in a regret for non-attendance, although not positively demanded. In invitations where two envelopes are used the inner contains only the name of the invited person; the outer the complete post-office address whether delivered by a messenger or sent through the mail. In answers whether of acceptance or regret only one envelope is used and should contain the name of the person named in the invitation. If from a husband and wife, the answer recognizes both, although the enve- lope is addressed to the wife alone. Invitations to college and society anniversaries, and public recep- tions, exhibit every imaginable variety of designs, some of them being exceedingly beautiful. The visiting card of the sender should always be inclosed with the invitation, to indicate his personal compli- ments. The following initials and phrases from the French are much used: FETE CHAMPETRE, a garden party. BAL MASQUE, masquerade ball. SOIREE DANSANTE, dancing party. COSTUME DE RIGUEUR, full dress in character. LE COTILLON, the German. EN VILLE, E. V., in the town or city. P. P. C., to take leave. R. S. V. P., answer^ if you please. The English custom is to date notes at the beginning, as in the fo" lowing example: 1 3th July, SIDNEY LODGE. Admiral the Earl of Hardwick presents his compliments to Admira) Farragut, and begs to say that he is now resident at the above address. He is lame and has difficulty in boarding ship, or he would wait in person on Admiral Farragut. The Earl of Hardwick hopes that he may be able in some way to gain Admiral Farragut's friendship. Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. The latest information in regard to form, size, and color of notes anc cards may be obtained at any large stationers. SOCIAL LETTERS. 123 The qualities named are dependent entirely on the fashions, so that the quality is the only thing of which we can assert positively, and of that, we say, always get the best. Unless the quality be good no amount of ornamentation can convey the impression of elegance and refine- ment. SECTION II. SOCIAL LETTERS. In this division we refer to all epistolary correspondence not included under the subject of business letters. It is so important a division that it is considered a distinct department of our literature, and is repre- sented by a larger number of eminent persons than any other subject. All persons are required occasionally to write letters of friendship or love, if not of business. Hence it is that in the literature presented in letters we may find something from the pen of almost every eminent person who has lived within the last two or three centuries. Letters are chiefly upon the common affairs of life, and hence possess for us an interest deeper than that felt in any other species of composition. Letters should exhibit the greatest ease and simplicity, and will be attractive in proportion as they are natural and unstudied. They are simply a conversation between two persons reduced to writing. Instead of being in the form of a dialogue, the first completes all he has to say on a given subject, replies to former questions, and asks new ones before any reply is offered by the second party. The history of no country can be complete without the letters of its prominent citizens; they will often illuminate a subject that would otherwise prove incomprehensible. By no other means can we come so near to the inner life that which exhibits the true motives, and principles as in the letters to friends in whom perfect confidence is reposed Notice how utterly unlike are the two characters represented in the life of Charlotte Bronte by Mrs. Gaskell and that by T. W. Reid. In the former only letters to those with whom she felt some degree of restraint are exhibited; in the latter the most fervent outpourings of her heart to her life-long friend show the depth and beauty of her character. Not only do letters give us a knowledge of men and times, but they give us a feeling of intimate acquaintance with those from whom we are debarred by time or position. Their struggles and triumphs, shown by their own words, encourage us to conquer similar evils and tempta- tions placed in our own paths. The best letters are not always those of the most eminent authors. A letter may be filled with brilliant and polished sentences, and yet unless they seem to arise naturally out of the subject and flow uninterruptedly from the preceding sentences, the 124 LETTER WRITING. effect of ease and grace will be destroyed and the letter will appear stiff and unnatural. Letters to our most familiar friends should never exhibit carelessness; we must remember not only what is due to them, but what we owe to ourselves, which is never to write anything of which we would hereafter feel ashamed under any circumstances. Avoid scandal as a pestilence, and only state the truth. If you give that which is doubtful, state that it is so, and if you afterwards find that it was a mistake it is much easier to correct the first impression than if you had given it as an absolute fact. In writing letters of congratulation, condolence, inquiry, etc., it is best to make them brief and confine them entirely to the one subject. The answers to letters of congratulation and condolence should express thanks as for a favor received. Regularity is essential to a valuable correspondence, for delay in answering not only shows disrespect to the correspondent, but diminishes the lively interest otherwise felt in the subjects under discussion. Promptness is especially desirable when it becomes necessary to render an excuse for any remissness. An excuse that would be accepted to-day or to-morrow as sufficient for the offense, might be considered an insult added to the injury if delayed a week or two or three weeks. Neatness in penmanship and general arrangement is as essential a characteristic of social as of business letters. There are many forms from which to choose that which pleases us best, but when chosen it must not be deviated from. The LOCATION and DATE of a social letter may be placed at the begin- ning or at the close; the best form though is at the beginning. When the location and date are given at the close of the letter, they should begin on the next line below the signature and at the margin on the left-hand side of the paper. When the heading is omitted the letter should begin with the complete address. The ADDRESS in social letters may be given at the close if the heading is given. The address should always be given even in the most unceremonious letter, for it could then be forwarded even if the envelope were defaced or destroyed. The address at the close seems less formal and is therefore preferred by many. The complimentary address may be made to indicate the relationship or degree of friendship, but all gusli ing and extravagant terms should be avoided; they indicate silliness, shal- lowness, or insincerity. The address, whether at the beginning or the close of a letter, should begin at the margin line. The complimentary address usually depends for its posicion on the position of the address. SOCIA2 LETTERS. 125 Notice the following forms: i G@teM^, i-ri-e ^tt m's true enough." On which I rejoined, "Oh! I am so sleepy;" so he merely replied, "Then stop writing." Addiol Pray to God that my opera may be successful. I am vour brother, W. M., whose fingers are weary from writing. Dec. 8, 1883. My dear Moore: Your letter, like the best, and even kindest things in this world, is both painful and pleasing. But, first, to what sits nearest. Do you know I was actually about to dedicate to you not in formal inscription, as to one's elders but through a short prefatory letter, in which I boasted myself your intimate, and held forth the prospect oiyour poem; when lo! the recollection of your strict injunctions of secrecy as to the said poem, more than once repeated by word and letter, flashed upon me, and marred my intents. I could have no motive for repressing my own desire of alluding to you (and not a day passes that I do not think and talk of you), but an idea that you might, yourself, dislike it. You cannot doubt my sincere admiration, waiving personal friendship for the present, which, by the by, is not less sincere and deep-rooted. I have you by rote and by heart; of which "ecce signum!" When I was at , on my first visit, I have a habit, in passing my time a good deal alone, of I won't call it singing, for that I never attempt except to myself but of uttering, to what I think tunes, your "Oh breathe not," "When the last glimpse," and "When he who adores thee," with others of the same minstrel they are my matins and vespers. I assuredly did not intend them to be overheard, but, one morning, in comes, not La Donna, but II Marito, with a very grave face, saying, "Byron, I must request you won't sing any more, at least of those songs." I started and said, "Certainly, but why?" "To tell the truth," quoth he, "they make my wife cry, and so melancholy that I wish her to hear no more of them." Now, my dear M., the effect must have been from your words, and certainly not my music. I merely mention this foolish story to show you how much I am indebted to you for even your pastimes. Write to me and tell me of yourself. Do you remember what Rousseau said to some one "Have we quarreled? You have talked to me often, and never once mentioned yourself. " Byron. P. S. The last sentence is an indirect apology for my own egotism, but I believe in letters it is allowed. I wish it was mutual. I have met with an odd reflection in Grimm; it shall not at least the bad part be applied to you or me, though one of us has certainly an indifferent name but this it is: "Many people have the reputation of being wicked, with whom we should be too happy to pass our lives." I need not add it is a woman's saying a Mademoiselle de Sommery's. Notice the form of address in the following letter. All other nations have a tendency to use much more formal introductions to their letters than do Americans. Stuttgard, 4th June, 1782. Empire-free, Highly- wellborn, Particularly-much-to-be-venerated, Lord Privy Coun- selor: The satisfaction I enjoyed at Mannheim in such copious fullness, I have paid, since LETTERS AND EXTRACTS. 133 my return, by this epidemical disorder, which has made me till to-day entirely unfit to thank your Excellency for so much regard and kindness. And yet I am forced almost to repent the happiest journey of my life; for by a truly mortifying contrast of Mannheim with my native country, it has pained me so much, that Stuttgard and all Swabian scenes are become intolerable to me. Unhappier than I am can no one be. I have feeling enough of my bad condition, perhaps also feeling enough of my merit- ing a better; and in both points of view but one prospect of relief. May I dare to cast myself into your arms, my generous benefactor? I know how soon your generous heart inflames when sympathy and humanity appeal to it; I know how strong your courage is to undertake a noble action, and how warm your zeal to finish it. My new friends in Mannheim, whose respect for you is boundless, told me this; but their assurance was not necessary; I myself in that hour of your time, which I had the happiness exclusively to enjoy, read in your coun- tenance far more than they had told me. It is this which makes me bold to give myself without reserve to you, to put my whole fate into your hands, and to look to you for the happiness of my life. As yet I am little or nothing. In this Arctic zone of tarte, I shall never grow to anything, unless happier stars and a Grecian climate warm me into genuine poetry. Need I say more, to expect from Dalberg all support? Schiller. The following is a letter of Mrs. John Adams, written before her marriage : Weymouth, i6th Apr., 1864. My Friend: I think I write to you every day. Shall not I make my letters very cheap? Don't you light your pipe with them? I care not if you do. "Pis a pleasure to me to write. Yet I wonder I write to you with so little restraint, for, as a critic, I fear you more than any other person on earth; and 'tis the only character in which I ever did or ever will fear you. What say you? Do you approve of that speech? Don't you think me a courageous being? Courage is a laudable, a glorious virtue, in your sex, why not in mine? For my part, I think you ought to applaud me for mine. Here are love, respects, regards, good wishes a whole wagon-load of them, sent you from all the good folks in the neighborhood. To-morrow makes the fourteenth day. How many mote are to come? I dare not trust myself with the thought. Adieu. Let me hear from you by Mr. Cyers, and excuse this very bad writing; if you had mended my pen it would have been better. Once more, adieu. Gold and silver have I none, but such as I have give I unto thee which is, the affectionate regard of your A. S . Extract from a letter to Mrs. L. H. Sigourney, of Connecticut, from the wife of the poet SOUTHEY. of England: You desire to be remembered to him who sang of "Thalaba, the wild and won- drous tale." Alas! my friend, the dull, cold ear of death is not more insensible than his, my dearest husband's, to all communication from the world without. Scarcely can I keep hold of the last poor comfort of believing that he still knows me. This Almost complete unconsciousness has not been of more than six month's standing, though more than two years have elapsed since he has written even his name. After ihe death of his first wife, the "Edith" of his first love, who was for several years LETTER WRITING. insane, his health was terribly shaken. Yet, for the greater part of a year, that he spent with me in Hampshire, my former home, it seemed perfectly re-established, and he used to say, "It had surely pleased God that the last years of his life should be happy." But the Almighty's will was otherwise. The little cloud soon appeared, which was, in no long time, to overshadow all. In the blackness of its shadow we still live, and shall pass from under it only through the portals of the grave. The last three years have done on me the work of twenty. The one sole business of my life is, that which I verily believe keeps the life in me, the guardianship of my dear, helpless, unconscious husband. DR. FRANKLIN TO DAVID HARTLEY, ESQ., M. P. Passy, July5 i 1785. I cannot quit the coasts of Europe without taking leave of my ever dear friend, Mr. Hartley. We were long fellow-laborers in the best of all works, the work of peace. I leave you still in the field; but, having finished my day's task, I am going home to go to bed. Wish me a good night's rest, as I do you a pleasant evening. Adieuj and believe me ever yours most affectionately, B. Franklin. WILLIAM COWPER, ESQ., TO LADY HESKETH. Your letters are so much my comfort that I often tremble lest by some accident I should be disappointed ; and the more, because you have been, more than once, so engaged in company on the writing day, that I have had a narrow escape. Let me give you a piece of good counsel, my cousin; follow my laudable example; write when you can; take Time's forelock in one hand and a pen in the other, and so make sure of your opportunity. It is well for me that you write faster than anybody, and more in an hour than other people in two, else I know not what would become of me. When I read your letters I hear you talk, and I love talking letters dearly, especially from you. Well! the middle of June will not be always a thousand years off; and when it comes I shall hear you and see you too, and shall not care a farthing then if you do not touch a pen in a month. O. W. HOLMES TO NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE. Boston, April 9, 1851. My dear Sir: I have been confined to my chamber and almost to my bed for some days since I received your note; and in the meantime I have received what was even more welcome, the new Romance "from the author." While I was too ill to read, my wife read it to me, so that you have been playing physician to my heartaches and headaches at once, with the magnetism of your imagination. * * * I don't want to refuse anything you ask me to do. I shall come up, I trust about the 1st of June. I would look over the MS. in question, as a duty, with as much pleasure as many other duties afford. To say the truth, I have as great a dread of the Homo Candalus Linn., Anglic6, the Being with a Tale, male or female, as any can have. "If foes they wrife, if friends they read me dead," said poor Hepzi ban's old exploded poet. Still, if it must be, I will stipulate to read a quantity not exceeding fifty-six pounds avoirdupois by weight, or eighteen reams by measure, or "tale," provided there is no locomotion in the case. The idea of visiting Albany does not enter into my intentions. I do not know who would serve as a third or a second LETTERS AND EXTRACTS. 135 member of the committee; Miss Sedgwick, if the Salic law does not prevail in Berk- shire, is the most natural person to do it. But the real truth is, the little Albaneses want to see the author of "The Scarlet Letter," and don't care a sixpence who else is on the committee. That is what they are up to. So if you want two dummies, on the classical condition not to leave the country except in case of invasion, absentees, voters by proxy, potential but not personally present bottle-holders, I will add my name to those of Latimer, Ridley, and Co., as a Martyr in the cause of Human Progress. Believe me, my dear Sir, Yours very sincerely, O. W. Holme*. To Nathaniel Hawthorne. GOETHE'S MOTHER TO BETTINE BRENTANO. Frankfort, May 12, 1808. Dear Bettine: Thy letters give me joy, and Miss Betty, who recognizes them on the address, says: "Frau Rath, the postman brings you a pleasure." Don't however be too mad about my son, everything must be done in order. The brown room is new papered with the pattern which you chose; the color blends peculiarly well with the morning-twilight, which breaks over the Catherine-tower, and enters into my room. Yesterday our town looked quite holiday-like, in the spotless light of the alba. Except this, everything remains as it was. Be in no trouble about the footstool, for Betty suffers no one to sit upon it. Write much, even if it were every day. Thy affectionate friend, Elizabeth Goethe. GOETHE TO BETTINE. Thou art a sweet-minded child; I read thy dear letters with inward pleasure, and shall surely always read them again with the same enjoyment. Thy pictures of what has happened to thee, with all thy inward feelings of tenderness, and what thy witty demon inspires thee with, are real original sketches, which, in the midst of more serious occupations, cannot be denied their high interest, take it, therefore, as a hearty truth, when I thank thee for them. Preserve thy confidence in me, and let it, if possible, increase. Thou wilt always be, and remain to me, what thou now art. How can one requite thee, except by being willing to be enriched with all thy good gifts. Thou thyself knowest how much thou art to my mother, her letters overflow with praise and love. Continue to dedicate lovely monuments of remembrance to the fleeting moments of thy good fortune. I cannot promise thee that I will not presume to work out themes as high-gifted and full of life, if they still speak as truly and warmly to the heart. The grapes at my window, which before their blossom, and now a second time, were witnesses of thy friendly vision, swell in their / ripeness; I will not pluck them without thinking of thee. Write to me soon, and love me. Goethe. BETTINE BRENTANO TO GOETHE. June, 1810. Dearest Friend: As far as it concerned him, I have imparted your beautiful letter to Beethoven; he was full of delight, and exclaimed, "If any one can give him an understanding of music, it is I." The idea of searching for you at Carlsbad he teizes with enthusiasm; he struck his head and said, "could not I have done that 136 LETTER WRITING. before? but I have already thought of it; I have only desisted through timidity, which often mocks my purpose, as if I were no real man, but now I am no longer afraid of Goethe." You may, therefore, reckon upon seeing him next year. And now I shall only answer the last words of your letter, from which I "gather honey." All things around me change, it is true, but do not grow in beauty; the most beautiful is, still, that I know of you, and nothing would delight me, if you were not, to whom I may impart it; and, if you doubt it, then you will take care of itj and I, too, am happier than all numbered and unnumbered friends could make me. My Wolfgang! you do not number among these friends; rather would I number none. Both the songs of Beethoven accompany this, the other two are by me; Beethoven has seen them, and paid me many compliments about them; as that, if I had devoted myself to this art, I might have built high hopes upon it, but I only touch it in flight, for my art is laughing and sighing in a breath, and beyond this I have none. Adieu, Bettine. HAWTHORNE TO HIS MOTHER. Salem, March 7, 1820. Dear Mother: I have left school, and have begun to fit for College under Benjm. L. Oliver, Lawyer. So you are in great danger of having one learned man in your family. Mr. Oliver thought I could enter College next commencement, but Uncle Robert is afraid I should have to study too hard. I get my lessons at home, and recite them to him (Mr. Oliver) at 7 o'clock in the morning. Shall you want me to be a Min- ister, Doctor, or Lawyer? A minister I will not be. I am extremely homesick. how I wish I was again with you, with nothing to do but to go a gunning. But the happiest days of my life are gone. After I have got through college, I will come down to learn E Latin and Greek. 1 remain, your affectionate and dutiful son, and most obedient and most humble servant, and most respectful and most hearty well-wisher, Nathaniel Hawthorne. LETTERS AND EXTRACTS. 137 HAWTHORNE TO LONGFELLOW. Salem, June 19, 1837. Dear Longfellow: I have to-day received and read with huge delight, your review of "Hawthorne's Twice Told Tales." I frankly own that I was not without hopes that you would do this kind office for the book; though I could not have anticipated how very kindly it would be done. Whether or no the public will agree to the praise which you bestow on me, there are at least five persons who think you the most sagacious critic on earth, viz., my mother and two sisters, my old maiden auat, and finally the strongest believer of the whole five, my own self. If I doubt the sincerity and cor- rectness of any of my critics, it shall be of those who censure me. Hard would be the lot of a poor scribbler, if he may not have this privilege. Very sincerely yours, Nath. Hawthorne. HENRY W. LONGFELLOW TO HAWTHORNE. My dear Hawthorne: I have been waiting and waiting in the hope of seeing you in Cambridge. I have been meditating upon your letter, and pondering with friendly admiration your reviews of "Evangeline" in connection with the subject of which, that is to say, the Acadians, a literary project arises in my mind for you to execute. Perhaps I can pay you back in part your own generous gift, by giving you a theme for story, in return for a theme for song. It is neither more nor less than the history of the Acadians, after their expulsion as well as before. Felton has been making some researches in the State archives, and offers to resign the documents into your hands. Pray come and see me about it without delay. Come so as to pass a night with us, if possible, this week; if not a day and night. Ever sincerely yours, Henry W. Longfellow. CHARLES BURROUGHS TO HAWTHORNE. Portsmouth, Sept., 1860. Mr. Hawthorne, My dear Sir: There are no Mosses on our "Old Manse," there is no Romance at our "Blithedale;" and this is no "Scarlet Letter." But you can give us a "Twice Told Tale, " if you will for the second time be our guest to-morrow at dinner, at half past two o'clock. Very truly yours, Charles Burroughs. M. R. MITFORD TO HAWTHORNE. Swallowfield, Aug. 6, 1852. At the risk of troubling you, dear Mr. Hawthorne, I write again to tell you how much I thank you for the precious volume enriched by your handwriting, which, for its own sake and for yours, I shall treasure carefully so long as I live. The story has your mark upon it, the fine tragic construction unmatched amongst living authors, the passion of the concluding scenes, the subtle analysis of jealousy, the exquisite finish of style. I must tell you what one of the cleverest men whom I have ever known, an Irish barrister, the juvenile correspondent of Miss Edgeworth, says of your style: "His English is the richest and most intense essence of the language I 138 LETTER WRITING. know of; his words conveying not only a meaning, but more than they appear to mean. They point onward or upward or downward, as the case may be, and we cannot help following them with the eyes of imagination, sometimes smiling, some- times weeping, sometimes shuddering, as if we were victims of the mesmeric influence he is so fond of bringing to bear upon his characters. Three of the most perfect Englishmen of our day are Americans, Irving, Prescott, and this great new writer Mr. Hawthorne." So far my friend Mr. Hockey. I forget, dear Mr. Hawthorne, whether I told you that the writer of whose works you remind me, not by imitation, but by resemblance, is the great French novelist, Balzac. Do you know his books? He is untranslated and untranslatable, and it requires the greatest familiarity with French literature to relish him thoroughly. I doubt if he be much known amongst you; at least, I have never seen him alluded to in American literature. He has, of course, the low morality of a Frenchman, but, being what he is, Mrs. Browning and 1 used to discuss his personages like living people, and regarded his death as a great personal calamity to both. I am expecting Mrs. Browning here in a few days, not being well enough to meet her in London. How I wish, dear Mr. Hawthorne, that you were here to meet them! The day will come, I hope. It would be good foi your books to look at Europe, and all of Europe that knows our tongue would rejoice to look at you. Ever your obliged and affectionate friend, M. R. Mitford. CHARLES SUMNER TO HAWTHORNE. Senate Chamber, Mar. 26, 1853. My dear Hawthorne: Good! good! I exclaimed aloud on the floor of the Senate as your nomination was announced. Good! good! I now write to you on its confirmation. Nothing could be more grateful to me. Before you go, I hope to see you. Ever yours, Charles Sumner. J. R. LOWELL TO HAWTHORNE. Cambridge, May, 1863. My dear Hawthorne: I hope you have not forgotten that during "anniversary week" you were to make me a little anniversary by a visit. I have been looking forward to it ever so long. My plan is that you come on Friday, so as to attend the election meeting of our club, and then stay over Sunday, and Monday, and Tuesday, which is the last day of my holidays. How will that do? I am glad to hear your book is going through the press, and you will be nearer your proof sheets here. I have pencils of all colors for correcting in all moods of mind, red for sanguine moments when one thinks there is some use in writing at all, blue for a modest depression, and black for times when one is satisfied there is no longer an intelligent public, nor one reader of taste left in the world. You shall have a room to yourself, nearly as high and quite as easy of access as your tower, and I pledge myself that my crows, cat-birds, orioles, chimney- swallows, and squirrels shall present you with the freedom of their city in a hollow walnut, so soon as you arrive. Now will you write and say when you are to be expected? I assure you I have looked forward to your coming as one of my chiefest spring pleasures, ranking it with the advent of the birds. Always cordially yours, J. K. Lowell. LETTERS AND EXTRACTS. 139 ON THE EVE OF THE BATTLE OF DUNBAR OLIVER CROMWELL TO SIR ARTHUR HESELRIO. Dunbar, 2d Sept., 1650. * * * do you get together what forces you can against them. Send to friends in the South to help with more. Let II. Vane know what I write. 1 would not make it public lest danger should accrue thereby. You know what use to make hereof. Let me hear from you. I rest, your servant, Oliver Cromwell. HORACE WALPOLE TO H. S. CONWAY. Arlington Street, July 12, 1770. Reposing under my laurels! No, no, I am reposing in a much better tent, under the tester of my own bed. I am not obliged to rise by break of day, and be dressed for the drawing-room. I may saunter in my slippers till dinner-time, and not make bows till my back is as much out of joint as my Lord Temple's. In short, I should die of the gout or fatigue, if I was to be Polonius to a Princess for another week. Twice a day we made a pilgrimage to almost every heathen temple in that province they call a garden; and there is no sallying out of the house without descend- ing a flight of steps as high as St. Paul's. My Lord Besborough would have dragged me up to the top of the column to see all the kingdoms of the earth; but I would not, if he could have given them to me. To crown all, because we live under the line, and that we were all of us giddy young creatures of near threescore, we supped in a grotto in the elysian fields, and were refreshed with rivers of dew and gentle showers that dripped from all the trees, and put us in mind of the heroic ages, when kings and queens were shepherds and shepherdesses, and lived in caves, and were wet to the skin two or three times a day. Well! thank heaven, I am emerged from that elysium, and once more in a Christian country! Not but, to say the truth, our pagan landlord and landlady were very obliging, and the party went off much better than I expected. The six days rolled away, and the seventh is my sabbath; and I promise you I will do no manner of work, I, nor my cat, nor my dog, nor anything that is mine. For this reason, I entreat that the journey to Goodwood may not take place before the I2th of August, when I will attend you. There are not twenty people in all London. Are not you in despair about the summer? It is horrid to be ruined in coals in June and July. Adieu. Yours ever, Horace Walpole. DANIEL WEBSTER TO MRS. J. W. PAGE. Richmond, April 29, 1841. Five o'clock A. M. Whether it be a favor or an annoyance, you owe this letter to my habit of early rising. From the hour marked at the top of the page you will naturally conclude that my companions are not now engaging my attention, as we have not calculated on being early travelers to-day. It is morning, and a morning sweet and fresh and delightful. Everybody knows the morning in its metaphorical sense, applied to so many objects and on so many occasions. The health, strength and beauty of early years lead us to call that period ^xiXg^g^" \^s '&'%*<%< * ---*-- c ^x-^g- 7 / /r" (^e^t^^-^f^-e--^ j ^-*JL**-- -^fe^e^- -os^ C--^V^^ FORMS OF ADDRESS. 179 X INDEX. Pa S e. Address 76, 124 forms of. 1 29 Brevity ..71, 100 Brief Letter 106 Business Correspondence 71 Capital Letters 105 Cards 119 Clearness 96 Closing, Complimentary 82, 125 Esquire 77, 127 Folding 85 Heading 74 Hon 128 Inexperienced Writers 97 Insertion 94 Letter, body of 80 folding of 85 of credit 1 16 of business 112 social. 123 and extracts 131 Page. Margin 76 Master 128 Miss 128 Mr. and Esq 127 Mrs 128 Neatness 71 Notes 121 Paragraphs 81, 126 Penmanship 1 26 Perspicuity 7 1 ,96 Postal Cards 95 President 1 28 Punctuation 106 Rules for business letters 119 Signature 82 Stamp 94 Superscription 86 Telegrams 95 Titles 127 Underline 127 U. S. A. andU. S. N... ...128 INDEX TO AUTHORS. Page. Adams, John 163 Adams, Mrs. John 133 Aiken, Lucy 143 Baillie, Joanna 174 Barrett, Elizabeth B 155 Beethoven, Ludwig 143 Blessington, Lady. 161 Boleyn, Anne 169 Brentano, Bettine 135 Page. Brontg, Charlotte 140 Browning, Robt 155 Bulwer, E, Lytton 167 Burke, Edmund 170 .Ourney, Frances 146 Bums, Robert 160 Burroughs, Chas. 137 Byron 132 Byron, Lady 153 182 INDEX TO AUTHORS. Campbell, Thos 162 Carlyle, Thos 156 Carlyle, Mrs 156 Charming, Dr 14$ Chesterfield, Lord 160 Coleridge, S. T 154 Columbus, Christopher 164 Cowper, William 134 Crabbe, George 168 Cromwell, Oliver 139 Cushman, Charlotte 171 Dickens, Chas 147, 148, 149 Edgeworth, Maria, 173 Emerson, R. W. 146 Franklin, Benj. 134 Goethe 135 Goethe, Elizabeth 135 Godwin, WilKam 162 Gray, Thomas 164 Hawthorne, Nathaniel 136, 1 37 Holmes, O. W 134 Hood, Thos 175 Hume, David 17 Hunt, Leigh 175 Ingersoll, Colonel R. G 173 Irving, Washington 161 Jefferson, Thos 164 Johnson, Sam 160 Lamb, Chas 143 Landor, W. S 152 Longfellow, H. W 137 Lowell, J. R 138 Macaulay, T. B 141, H2 Martineau, Harriet 175 Mitford,M. R. 137 Montagu, Lady M. W. 157 Moore, Thos 165 More, Hannah 153 Mozart 131 Nelson, Horatio 151 Newton, Sir Isaac 170 Payne, John Howard 167 Poe, Edgar A. 164 Pope, Alexander 159 Prescott, W. H. 158 Quincey, Thos. de 172 Rachel 149 R&amier, Madame 173 Robinson, H. C 153 Schiller 132 Schubert, Franz 141 Scott, Sir Walter 163 Sedgwick, Miss 150 Sedgwick, Robert 1 50 Sedgwick, Theodore 150 S6vign<5, Madame de 158 Shelley, P. B 166 Smith, Sydney 159, 160 Southey, Robert 161 Southey, Mrs. Robert 133 Sumner, Chas 138 Thackeray, W. M. 155 Torajiro, Yoshida 174 Walpole, Horace 139 Washington, Geo. 154 Webster, Daniel 139 Whittier, J. G 1 74 Wordsworth, Wm. 151 Wordsworth, Mis* 152 A 000 020 542 7