Havana, Ill., February 20, 189—.
Misses Taylor & Watson, Stenographers,
159 Church Street, Rockford, Ill. Mesdames:
The “Mesdames” may be omitted and the address used alone, but its addition indicates more polish. The translation is “My Ladies.” Some substitute for it, simply “Ladies,” which is quite proper.
The prefix “Dear” may be omitted wherever desirable, but never write “My dear Miss Halstead,” “My dear Madam,“ or ”My dear Sir,” unless intimately acquainted.
In writing a social letter the address is omitted or added at close of the letter. A gentleman in private or professional life would be addressed as:
Frederic Guy, Esq. Dear Sir: (or, Sir:)
Or,
Hon. Frederic Guy. Dear Sir: (or, Sir:)
Respectfully yours, John Graceland.
The use of titles will be explained farther on, but here it may be said that two titles are very seldom given to the same individual at once. For instance, never write Mr. Fred. Guy, Esq., nor Hon. Mr. Fred. Guy. There are some exceptions to this rule, as where the Rev. Mr. Churchill and the Hon. Mr. Brice are addressed under circumstances where their Christian name is unknown, and where a married lady makes use of her husband’s title, as: Mrs. Capt. Jones; Mrs. Judge Snyder, and where the Rev. Prof. Dr. Kemp shows by his titles the weight of his learning. Never deny an individual the titles that are rightfully his. They show that he has fought and conquered men, or books, to win them, and they are the well-earned meed of his endeavor. But never, if you have titles, be guilty of bestowing them on yourself; leave that for others.
A gentleman writing to a married lady would address her in friendly correspondence as, “Dear Mrs. French,” or, “My dear Mrs. French.” To an unmarried lady, “Dear Miss French,” or “My dear Miss French.” A lady addresses a gentleman in the same fashion, as “Dear Mr. Courtney,” or “My dear Mr. Courtney,” or “Dear Dr. Courtney.”