FORM OF A LETTER.
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Position of the Various Parts.
The following position of the several parts of a letter should be observed:
1. Write the date near the upper right hand corner of the sheet.
2. Commence the complimentary address on the line next beneath one inch from the left side of the sheet.
3. The body of the letter should be commenced nearly under the last letter of the complimentary address.
4. Begin the complimentary closing on the line next beneath the body of the letter, one half of the distance from the left to the right side of the pave.
5. The center of the signature may be under the last letter of the complimentary closing.
6. The name and address of the person written to should come on the line beneath the signature, at the left of the sheet.
The Complimentary Address.
Of late years it has become common, in business letters, instead of giving name and address at the close, to write the same at the commencement; thus,
To the Business Man.
{{smaller block|
{{block left|align=right| Mr. William B. Ashton,
Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir:
Your note of the 1st inst. received, etc.
To the Married Woman.
Baltimore, Md.
Dear Madam:
Enclosed find check for, etc.
To the Unmarried Woman.
Lowell, Mass.
In reply to your favor of the 4th etc., etc.
Note.—It is customary to address the married woman by the name which she uses on her cards. It is optional with the lady whether she uses her own name, "Mrs. Helen E King." or that of her husband, "Mrs. Chas. H. King."
Kinds of Paper to Use.
Be particular to use a sheet appropriate in shape to the purpose for which it is employed. Paper is now manufactured of every size adapted to the wants of any article written. The names of the various kinds of paper in general use are Legal-cap, Bill-paper, Foolscap, Letter-paper, Commercial-note, Note-paper and Billet.
In the writing of all Legal Documents, such as wills, taking of testimony, articles of agreement, etc., legal cap is generally used, characterized by a red line running from top to bottom of the sheet.
For Bills, paper is commonly ruled expressly for the purpose, and generally bears the name and business advertisement of the person using the same, at the top.
When writing Notes, Orders, Receipts, Compositions, Petitions, Subscription Headings, etc., foolscap paper is used.
For the ordinary friendship letter or other
