These forms do away with the personal pronoun “Yours,” which, although custom has in reality rendered it a pure formality, still retains a certain meaning in the minds of some, as the man, who, in a long correspondence, with his wife-that-was-to-be, never signed a letter otherwise than “Truly yours.” “What more could I be,” he queried, “than hers truly, body and soul?” and with this feeling could their married life have been other than it was, beautiful to look upon?
Never abbreviate the conclusion to “Yours, etc.;” it has too much the careless, thankless sound of “Thanks,” and neither can be sufficiently condemned.
Letters beginning, My dear Margaret: or, My dear Daughter: might end, respectively: Ever yours, or, Your friend, Jane Brown. And, Your affectionate mother, Gertrude Mason.
A gentleman, writing to a lady, could say: Very sincerely (or respectfully) yours, P. H. Gould. Or, Yours, with sincere regard, Henry Grayson.
The address need not be added unless the acquaintance is very slight. At times a more elaborate closing is desirable and graceful, as when the correspondent is very much higher in station, or older in years, or you have been the recipient of some great favor at his or her hands:
I am, dear madam, with the most profound esteem,
Yours sincerely, James Talbot.
Or, to a gentleman, under like circumstances:
I have the honor to be, sir, Yours most respectfully, James Talbot.
Such closings as “Obedient, humble servant,” are quite too much for Republican simplicity, and even in writing to no less a dignitary than the President:
To the President,
Sir:Very respectfully,
James Talbot,