MR. RICHARD DOE,
Georgetown, D.C.
It should be mentioned here that while one congratulates a gentleman
upon his engagement, or marriage, and may congratulate his parents
upon the same occasion, it is inadmissible to congratulate a lady on a
similar event, or to extend the congratulations to her parents.
Well-bred mothers have been known to resent this solecism keenly. You
may, and indeed are expected to, offer to her, and her parents, all
manner of good wishes for future happiness, but be sure not to
congratulate.
Almost any success, or pleasant happiness in life, may be made the
subject of a congratulatory letter, but a multiplicity of forms is
unnecessary here.