Honorable. This title is applicable to judges, mayors, senators, representatives in Congress, the heads of government departments and others of similar rank below that of governor or President. It is improper to thus designate the chiefs of bureaus, and other subordinates. In official communications the official designation only should be employed.
Judges in General. Honorable John Brown. Sir: Dear Sir:
Justice of the Peace. John Brown, Esq. Dear Sir:
Mayor. Honorable John Brown, Mayor of ——. Sir: or Your Honor:
Navy Officers. Admiral Bowman McCalla, Commanding U. S. N. Sir: Commodores and others are addressed similarly, changing title to suit the office.
Mr. and Esq. These terms are somewhat interchangeable in America, but an ignorant man should not be addressed as Esq. It is proper to confine the title to persons of refinement.
My Dear Sir. This implies closer friendship than Dear Sir.
Miss. Miss Clara Barton. Dear Madam: or Dear Miss: or Miss Barton:
Mrs. May be used, contrary to views expressed elsewhere in this volume, before such titles as Mrs. General Sheridan, Mrs. Admiral Porter. This custom has the sanction of good usage at the National Capital, though critics condemn it.
Mrs. Do not address a married woman as Mrs. Jane Smith. Address her as Mrs. Erastus Smith if Erastus is her husband’s name.