Chapter III: Introductory Words

_Definition._—The introductory words consist of the greeting or salutation; as,—

Dear Sir,—

REMARKS.

1. Sometimes only one word is used in the greeting; as, Sir, Gentlemen.

2. When Sir, Gentlemen, Friend, Father, &c., are used as introductory words, they should always commence with a capital, as a mark of respect. In greeting friends or relatives, do not belittle them with small letters.

3. When dear, respected, honored, and words of a like character, are not the first words of the salutation, they should commence with a small letter; as, My dear Sir, My respected Friend. If they commence the salutation, capitals should be used; as, Dear Father, Respected Friend.

_Punctuation._—A comma should be placed after the salutation, and a dash may also be used. The use of the dash, however, is simply a matter of taste.

REMARKS.

1. A colon should not be placed after the greeting, except in official or very formal salutations. See p. 100.

2. A semicolon should never be used.

_Position._—The introductory words may be written in three different positions:—

1. When the address occupies two lines, the salutation should be written on the line immediately following, commencing a little to the right of the second line of the address; as,

Mr. Harry B. Hutchins,
Mt. Clemens, Mich.
Dear Sir,—

2. If the address consists of three lines, the first word of the salutation commences on a line with the number of the street; as,—

A. S. Barnes & Co.,
34 and 36 Madison St.,
Chicago.

Gentlemen,—

3. If the address is written at the close of the letter, the introductory words should commence on a line with the body of the letter, that is, with the marginal line; as,—

Dear Manning,—

Rest you merry in your own opinion.
Opinion is a species of property; and though
I am always desirous to share with my friend to
a certain extent, I shall ever like to keep some
tenets, and some property, properly my own. *
* * * *

Your well-wisher and friend,
C. Lamb.

_Forms of Salutation._—Custom authorizes the use of several forms of salutation. These may be arranged under four heads:—

1. _To Strangers._

Sir, Madame, Miss ⸺.

2. _To Acquaintances._

Dear Sir, Dear Madame, Dear Miss ⸺.

My dear Sir, My dear Madame, My dear Miss ⸺, imply a better acquaintance than Dear Sir, &c.

3. _To Friends or Relatives._

Dear Friend, My dear Father, Dear Henry, &c.

4. _To Business Firms or Corporate Bodies._

Sirs, Gentlemen, Ladies.

_Salutations to Young Ladies._—Owing to the fact that we have no word corresponding to Sir that can be used in addressing young ladies, there is sometimes an uncertainty as to the proper salutation to be used. Although Madame may refer to a married or an unmarried lady, it is not an appropriate word with which to address a young lady. There are three forms that may be used:—

1. _To a Stranger._

Decatur, Ill., May 6, 1877.

Miss Delia L. Corbus,—

* * * * *

Respectfully,
William C. Johns.

Miss Delia L. Corbus,
Adrian, Mich.

The name is given as the salutation, and the full address is given at the close of the letter.

2. _To an Acquaintance._

Adrian, Mich., Sept. 3, 1877.

Dear Miss Dewey,—

* * * * * *

Very truly,
Thomas M. Hunter.

Miss Ella Dewey,
Hotel Madison, Toledo, Ohio.

3. _To an Intimate Friend._—In writing to intimate friends, the character of the letter, and the intimacy of the writers, will suggest the proper forms.

_Salutations to Married Ladies._

1. _To a Stranger._

Mrs. J. C. Hill,
Adrian, Mich.

Madame,—

2. _To an Acquaintance._

Mrs. W. S. Sears,
Adrian, Mich.

Dear Madame,—

3. _To a Friend._

66 Summit St., Toledo, Ohio,
Dec. 1, 1877.

Dear Mrs. Millard,—

* * * * * *

Very truly,
Franklin Hubbard.

Mrs. A. L. Millard,
Adrian, Mich.