The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-08-04
ETIQUETTE OF LETTER WRITING.

From HIa's Manual of Social and Business Forms.l
As rule every letter, unless insulting
IN its character, requires an answer.
To neglect to answer letter when writ
ten to is as uncivil as to neglect to reply
when spoken to.
In the reply, acknowledge first the re-
ceipt of the letter, mentioning its date,
and afterward consider all the points re-
quiring attention.
If the letter is to be very brief COM
mence sufficiently far from the top of the
page to give a nearly equal amount Of
blank paper at the bottom of the sheet
when the letter is ended.
Should the matter in the letter con-
tlnue beyond the first page, it is well to
commence little above the middle of
the sheet, extending as far as necessary
on the other page.
1t is thought impolite to use half
sheet of paper in formal letters. AS
matter of economy and convenience for
business purposes, however, it is Gus
tomary to have the card of the business
man printed at the top of the sheet, and
single leaf is used.
In writings letter the answer towhich
Is of more benefit to yourself than to the
person to whom you write, inciose
postage stamp for the reply.
Letters should be as free from era
sures, determinations, blots and post
scripts as possible. 1t is decidedly bet
ter to copy the letter than to have these
appear.
A letterof introduction or recommend
alton should never be sealed, as the
bearer to whom it is given ought to
know the contents.
BUSINESS LETTERS.
/. In letters of business use as few
words as possible.
2. Business letters should be prompt
ly answered.
8. Use clear, distinct writing, avoid
ing all flourish of penmanship or Ian
guage.
4. Come at once to your subject, and
| state it so clearly that it will not be ne
cessary to guess your meaning.
5. Give town, county, State and date
explicitly. 1t is frequently of great inn
portance to know aOhe'1 a letter was
written.
6. Read your letter carefully when
| finished, to see that you have made no
omissions and no mistakes. Also care
fully examine your envelope, to see that
it is rightly directed. with postage stamp
affixed.
7. Copy all business letters, of your
own. by hand, or with the copying press
made for the purpose.
s. Send money by draft, postoflice or
! der or express, always stating in the let
ter the amount, and by what means
sent. Thus you have something to show
for the money, guaranteeing you against
loss.
9. Write date and from whom received
across the end of each letter, and file for
future reference, fastening the letters
together with rubber hands, or binding
in letter file adapted to the purpose.
! The possession of a letter sometimes
prevents litigation and serious mis- IN
| derstanding.
In ordering goods state very explicitly
the amount, kind, quality, color. shape,
size, ETC., and on what terms wanted.
Whether you wish the same sent by
freight or express, and what express.
Much inconvenience is experienced by
business men because of a neglect to
designate explicitly what is wanted.
Should the writer wish to make sug-
gestions, ask questions or add other
matter to the letter, which is foreign to
the subject, such words should be placed
entirely separate from the order. OF
the fifty or 100 letters received to-
day, by the merchant, that one which
is mixed up with complaints, inquiries,
ETC., will probably be laid over till to-
morrow, or until such time can be gained
as will enable the merchant to read it
through. Had the order been explicitly
stated, and the suggestions placed else
where, the goods would have been for
warded Immediately.
Send your order, also, early enough
to give yourself plenty OF time to wait
for the goods to arrive.