The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-06-25
Letter.Writing.


raj talent, but moral tendencies, be-
sides education and culture. 1t is Il
wonderful thing to be able to express
ourselves in an easy, graceful manner.
This Is largely the gift of nature, but
it may be acquired by study of the
best models.
1t goes without saying that correct
spelling and the observance OF gram
matical rules show the education OF the
writer. So also does the use OF capl-
tails.
The subject-matter of letter (aside
from a mere business note) will, IN
nine cases out of ten, reveal the innate
tendency of the person writing it. l
rarely receive one from a stranger
without having some decided impress
sion, favorable or unfavorable, regard
ing the writer.
When George III. became king OF
England he was desirous of being mar
ried before his coronation. He could
be allowed none but a Protestant wife ;
so list was made out from the limited
number of princesses who could legal
ly share his kingdom. In this list
stood the name of Princess Charlotte
of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
Now, it seems that some time prevl-
Gus to this, when only sixteen, the
young lady in question had written a
spirited letter to Frederick of Prussia,
protesting against the ravages his
troops were committing in the terrific
ry of her cousin, the duke of Meklen-
berg Schwerin. This letter so vividly
dipicted the horrors of war, and the
blessings of peace, that Frederick was
greatly struck by Il, and sent 1t to
George II.
1t happened to fall into the hands of
his grandson, afterward George IL,
and when he found the name Of the
writer i'm the list of eligible princesses,
he declared that he would marry her,
and no other; and she became queen
of England.
Such wonderful rewards do not often
follow our best efforts; but, indeed,
when We pen letter, we can not tell
how far its influence may extend. A
spoken word may soon be forgotten,
but written word may testify for or
against us years after it is traced.
We all love to receive letters from
certain friends. They are chatty and
bright, and bring with them a sugges-
ton of fresh breezes from the hill>ides.
If you are blessed with such cores
pondent, study the letters, and try and
see where the charm lies.
DO you know the reason why the
letters of famous people are so eagerly
sought after? 1t is because they pT
veal so much of their inner sel'' cs.
And now a few sug~e-'.Hns as 10 the
details of letter writing. Never send
letter to a frjc~.u written in pencil, any
more th> II you would pay that friend .
v:,sit in soiled and slovenly dress. II
Shows u lack Of respect to both youl
friend and yourself. The. only excuse
is where sickness has robbed you OF
the strength to use pen and ink.
Do not begin your letters with the
personal pronoun a." 1t is not only
inelegant, but savors of selfishness
Put thoughts of Others first, particu
larly in letters of friendship.
Here is an idea, especially for the
girls. Learn to write business letters
in business like style. 1t is for you tc
take away the reproach that woman
is not capable of expressing herself IN
this manner. Make yourself familiar
with the necessary forms, SO that youl
business notes shall be clear and con-
else, and compare with those Of father
and brother.