INTRODUCTION.

THE art of Letter Writing consists in a proper expression of those ideas, on paper, which we should convey by conversation to a person were he present; hence it follows that the more natural a letter is written the better it is. This remark applies particularly to those which are written to friends and relations upon ordinary topics, where no great degree of accuracy is requisite. But let. ters on business, or other subjects of importance should never be penned in a hurry, and ought to be carefully revised, in order to prevent those disagreeable consequences which frequently arise from writing carelessly or in a passion.

In the following selection of letters, the publisher has endeavored to combine those adapted to every capacity; it is a mistaken notion to suppose that a child shows great talents by being able to write a stiff, formal letter to his parents, however

good it may be in itself; it is altogether unnatural, and whatever is unnatural is disgusting. We ex-pect a child to write like one, and it makes him appear just as ridiculous to attempt any other style as it would to put on one of his father's coats.

Agreeably to this opinion we have commenced with Letters which children might be supposed, and which would be consistent for them to write, and have followed them by others in that degree in which we may suppose the mind arrives at maturity; among the latter are some finished epistles by a number of eminent men.

It must appear evident that the style of letters should always be in accordance with the condition of the person written to, and with the subject written upon. For instance, to write to a parent in the same manner that we would to a common acquaintance, or to address a person in distress in a strain of levity, is not only highly improper, but in the latter case, is an insult.

In letters on business, people should endeavor to express their sentiments in as clear and concise a manner as possible, because persons in business have not time to read long letters, and besides, too many words are apt to bewilder instead of informing. Many mistakes of importance occur from their ambiguity of expression; and yet, perhaps, he that uses it is endeavoring to render his mean-ing doubly plain by explanations.

No precise rules for epistolary writing can be given to any advantage. The most prominent are these:

Think what you wish to say, and put it on paper in the words that most readily occur to your mind, always endeavoring" to use proper words in proper places."

In answering a letter, always attend to any questions or inquiries for information, which may. have been addressed to you by your correspondent, before you proceed with your own thoughts and information.

In all letters strive to make your meaning apparent in as small a compass, as possible; people frequently occupy a page with that which might be comprised in six lines.

Avoid the introduction of too many quotations from other authors, particularly those in a foreign language; it is a ridiculous affectation to write a Latin or French phrase when an English one would do just as well; it is as bad as talking in the technical language in one's business to a person who knows nothing about it.

Never use hard words unnecessarily; nor particular words or phrases too often: use as few parentheses as possible, it is a clumsy way of disposing of a sentence, and often embarrasses the reader.

Correct spelling and good grammar are so essential to fine writing, that the absence of them de stroys the force of the best sentiments.

Nothing is more generally admired than handsome penmanship; and although some physicians, lawyers and others may endeavor to excuse their bad writing by calling it unfashionable to write well and legible, depend upon it that it is an absurd and unreasonable practice.

If

you write to a stranger, sign your name fairly and in full; and direct your letter, if it goes by mail, with precision as to state, county and town.

THE

UNIVERSAL LETTER WRITER.

PART I.

ON RELATIONSHIP.

LETTER 1.

From a young lad at a boarding-school in the country to his brother, an apprentice in New-York.

DEAR CHARLES,

Little master Billy Thompson is going to NewYork tomorrow in the stage, and I have sent this by him to you. We are all well at school, and I have got as far as Ovid; I have likewise got through the rules of practice, of which I shall give you a better account when I come to town on the fourth of July. Dear brother, give my duty to my papa and mamma, and tell them I long to see them; I pray for them and you every day; and I have read over the Complete Duty of Man, which my mamma gave me. I spend an hour every day in reading Dr. Goldsmith's Roman History. Pray Charles, send me some books, for I am very fond of reading; and a