The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1882-11-10
Etiquette of Letter Writing.

AS ~ Tulc every IetteT, unless luSult.
ing in its character, requires an an
swer. To neglect to answer a letter
when written to, is rs uncivil rs to neg
lect to reply when spoken to.
In the reply, acknowledge first the
receipt of the letter, mcntioningits date,
and afterward consider all the points
requiring attention.
If the latter is to be very brief, COM
mence sufficiently far from the top of
the page to give q nearly equal amount
of blank paper at the bottom of the
sheet when the letter is ended.
Should the matter in the letter con-
tinue beyond the first page, it is we'll to
commence little above the middle of
the sheet, extending rs far as neces-
sary on the other page.
1t is thought fmpolite to use half
sheet of paper in formal letters. AS a
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 writing letter the answer to
which is of more benefit to yourself
than the person to whom you write, en-
close q postage stamp for the reply.
Letters should be as free from era
sures, interlineations, blots and post
scripts as possible. 1t is decidedly bet
ter to copy the letter than to have these
appear.
A letter of introduction or recommen-
dalton should never be sealed, rs the
bearer to whom it is given ought to
know the contents.
BUSINESS LETTERS.
1. In letters of business use as few
words as possible.
2. Business letters should be prompt
ly answered.
3. 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 nec-
essary to guess your meaning.
B.. Give town, county, State and date
explicitly. 1t is frequently of great i'm
portance to know s0hen 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.
z. Copy all business letters, of your
own, by hand, or with the copying press
made for the purpose.
8. Send money by draft, post-office
order, or express, always stating in the
letter 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 receiv-
ed across the end of each letter, and file
for future reference, fastening the let
tiers together with rubber bands, or
binding in letter-file adapted to the
purpose. The possession of letter
sometimes prevents litigation and seri-
GUS misunderstanding.
In ordering goods state very explicit
ly the amount, kind, quality, color,
shape, size, etc., and on what terms
wanted. Whether you wish the same
sent by freight or express, and whdt ex-
press. Much inconvenience is expert
enced 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 another
matter to the letter, which is foreign to
the subject, such words should be placed
entirely separate from the order. Oh
fifty or hundred 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 gain
ed as will enable the merchant to read
it through. Had the order been explic-
lily stated, and the suggestions placed
elsewhere, the goods. would have been
forwarded Immediately.