The entertaining correspondent; or, newest and most compleat polite letter writer. In three parts ... To which is prefixed, a large introduction, containing directions and proper forms to be observed in writing familiar letters on all occasions, and addressing persons of eminent rank and station. For the use of young gentlemen, ladies, tradesmen, &c / [John Tavernier].

  • Tavernier, John
Date:
1759
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The entertaining correspondent; or, newest and most compleat polite letter writer. In three parts ... To which is prefixed, a large introduction, containing directions and proper forms to be observed in writing familiar letters on all occasions, and addressing persons of eminent rank and station. For the use of young gentlemen, ladies, tradesmen, &c / [John Tavernier]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    FN TRO DE-OT1 ON. e young ftudent, therefore, fhould in this, ‘imitate the rules laid down by the moft eminent painters, and both _ read and write fomething every day, till he has acquir- ed a proficiency in the art. Nof need he ever be afraid of writing too well, if what he writes is natural, and to the purpofe; For writing, if a man is not over diffident, and has the requifite talents, may be acquired by pratiice, founded upon a few good rules, to a greater degree of _ perfection, and with more eafe than is generally imagin- ed. W1tx.regardto the manner, form and fuperfeription of letters, the following rules may be obferved. WHEN you write to a perfon of confequence, let it be on gilt paper, and inclofe itina cover, and not write the fuperfcription on the letter itfelf ; unlefs it be to go by the poft, in which cafe, it will be neceflary to fave ex- pence, IT is ufual’ with polite people, to fign. phate names at a confiderable diftance from the bottom of their let- ter, which is a needlefs and ufelefs compliment ; and, as it may expofe the writer to fome difficulties, I would have him avoid it, and fign his name immediately under, and nearly clofe to the latter part of the letter; for when it is fet at too great a diltance, if the paper fhould fall into bad hands, that part may be taken off, and a promiffory note. wrote over the name, and the. perfon obliged to pay it: For the hand-writing can be proved, which fuppofes the value received ; and who, in this cafe, can prove a negative } ? This caution may like- wife ferve for members of parliament, who frank letters for their friends. Tue firlt letter in any title, as alfo the perfonal’ pro- noun, if you are writing to any one of eminence and : diftinction, fhould begin with a capital. A 3