Or, if on friendly footing, simply: DEAR MISS HALSTEAD:
If two young ladies are to be addressed, the term "Misses" should be
used, as:
HAVANA, ILL., February 20, 189-.
MISSES TAYLOR & WATSON, Stenographers,
159 Church Street, Rockford, Ill. MESDAMES:
The "Mesdames" may be omitted and the address used alone, but its
addition indicates more polish. The translation is "My Ladies." Some
substitute for it, simply "Ladies," which is quite proper.
The prefix "Dear" may be omitted wherever desirable, but never write
"_My_ dear Miss Halstead," "_My_ dear Madam," or "_My_ dear Sir,"
unless intimately acquainted.
In writing a social letter the address is omitted or added at close of
the letter. A gentleman in private or professional life would be
addressed as: