1. The writer’s full name should always be given, especially in business letters and in letters containing money, so that the letter can be returned, if, for any reason, it is sent to the Dead Letter Office. This, of course, can not be done unless the writer’s name is given in full. Thousands of dollars are lost every year by writers thoughtlessly signing themselves Nellie, Fred., &c. 25,000 letters, containing $1,301,780, were sent to the Dead Letter Office in the year 1877.
2. A lady, in writing to a stranger, should always sign her name so that the person receiving the letter will know, in answering, whether to address a single or a married lady; as, Miss Maria S. Colvin, Mrs. David Finley.
3. It is frequently the custom for married ladies to use their husband’s name; as, Mrs. E. B. Pond. Widow ladies use their Christian name.
4. If the person writing a letter to a stranger, occupies a responsible or official position, he should give this in connection with his signature, so that the person to whom the letter is written, may have some means of knowing how much attention to give to the letter.
SUMMARY.
I. To a Relative.
Ann Arbor, Mich., Nov. 15, 1877.
Dear Father,—
Your letter * * * * * * * * * * * * * *