Respectfully yours, JOHN GRACELAND.
The use of titles will be explained farther on, but here it may be
said that two titles are very seldom given to the same individual at
once. For instance, never write Mr. Fred. Guy, Esq., nor Hon. Mr.
Fred. Guy. There are some exceptions to this rule, as where the Rev.
Mr. Churchill and the Hon. Mr. Brice are addressed under circumstances
where their Christian name is unknown, and where a married lady makes
use of her husband’s title, as: Mrs. Capt. Jones; Mrs. Judge Snyder,
and where the Rev. Prof. Dr. Kemp shows by his titles the weight of his
learning. Never deny an individual the titles that are rightfully his.
They show that he has fought and conquered men, or books, to win them,
and they are the well-earned meed of his endeavor. But never, if you
have titles, be guilty of bestowing them on yourself; leave that for
others.
A gentleman writing to a married lady would address her in friendly
correspondence as, “Dear Mrs. French,” or, “My dear Mrs. French.” To an
unmarried lady, “Dear Miss French,” or “My dear Miss French.” A lady
addresses a gentleman in the same fashion, as “Dear Mr. Courtney,” or
“My dear Mr. Courtney,” or “Dear Dr. Courtney.”
The Proper Salutation.
Nearer degrees of intimacy, of course, formulate their own laws in this
regard, but even here, be it said, that discretion may be exercised to
advantage. It will also be observed that if the word “dear,” or any
like term, begins the salutation it is capitalized; otherwise, not.
Thus: “My dear Friend;” not “My Dear Friend.” Authorities on etiquette
differ somewhat on this score, different works in the author’s
possession taking exactly opposite sides, the weight of evidence,
however, falling on the form given here.
The complimentary conclusion, “Yours truly,” “Very truly yours,” “Very
respectfully,” etc., should begin about the middle of the page on the
next line below the body of the letter. The first word only should be
capitalized, and the expression followed by a comma. The signature
should come on the line below and end at the right-hand margin of the
page. The address also is sometimes, especially in social notes given
at the conclusion, where it should begin, one or two lines below the
signature, at the left-hand margin of the page, occupying two or more
lines, according to its length, as: