ETTERS of
Congratula-

tion are very properly written upon receiving intelligence of the sudden prosperity of a near and intimate friend.

They should be written as soon as possible after the occasion that calls them forth.

These letters will admit of an abundance of good-natured merri

ment.

Do not indulge in over-praise, or too much. flowery exaggeration, lest your friend may doubt your sincerity.

No envy or discontent should show itself in such a letter. Nor should the same be marred by advice, bad news, the expression of any doubt, or any unfavorable prediction calculated to throw a cloud over the happiness of your friend.

Form of Letter Congratulating a Friend upon Election to Office.

Congratulating a Friend upon the Birth of a Son.
GRACELAND, FLA., Jan. 3, 18-.

DEAR CLARK: Accept my warmest congratulations upon the birth of your son. May his years be long in the land which the Lord giveth him. May he honor his father and his mother, and be the blessing and support of their declining years. I anticipate holding the young gentleman on my knee, and will be over to see you in a few days. My kindest regards to Mrs. Henry. I remain,

I acknowledge the receipt of a kind invitation to be present at the celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of your marriage. I have since learned that large numbers of your friends were present on the occasion, presenting you with an abundant and varied collection of silver, and other elegant and appropriate gifts.

I congratulate you and your good wife upon passing the signal station indicating a quarter of a century of blissful wedded life. That you may both live to allow your friends to celebrate your golden and diamond wedding, is the hope of

Your Sincere Friend,

Congratulating a Friend on Passing a Successful School

DEAR HELEN:

Examination.

UTICA, N. Y., April 6, 18-.

I was greatly pleased to hear, through our friend Mary, that you had, through diligent application, passed through the prescribed course of study in the Aurora public schools, and had graduated with honors. Knowing how deeply interested your parents and relatives have been in your success, it is particularly gratifying to have you reward them by the achievement of such rapid progress. Accept my best wishes for your future success. Your Friend,

DELLA MAYNARD.

I have just finished an attentive examination of your most valuable book, and cannot wonder, after a careful reading, that it is meeting so large a sale. The world is greatly indebted to you for presenting in such an attractive form the amount of useful information you have collected within its pages.

Thanking you for the benefit I have obtained from its perusal, I remain, Yours Truly, SILAS ACKLEY.

Congratulating a Friend upon Obtaining a Business Situation.

FRIEND JOIN:

ASHBURY, PA., June 8, 18-.

I am greatly pleased to learn that, notwithstanding the general dullness of business, you have succeeded in obtaining a clerkship. I doubt not your firm will regard themselves fortunate in securing your services. In the meantime, accept my congratulations upon your success.

Hoping that your stay may be permanent and prosperous, I am,
Yours Truly,

CHARLES BELSHAW.

ETTERS of Introduction should be written very plainly, and should be brief, as the person introduced is compelled to wait while the letter is being read.

In introducing a person in a business capacity, state distinctly what is his business; if a professional man, his profession, and your knowledge or information of his ability.

The letter of introduction should be left unsealed. It would be great discourtesy to prevent the bearer from seeing what you have written.

As in letters of recommendation, the person giving a letter of introduction is, in a measure, responsible for the character and ability of the person introduced. Hence such letters should be guardedly written, or given with full knowedge of the person they introduce.

That the person receiving such a letter may know at a glance its character, the letter should, on the envelope, be addressed thus:

NORWAY, MAINE, July 9, 18-.

FRIEND WILLIAM: The bearer of this, Mr. Sterling Hepworth, is a dry-goods merchant in our town, who visits your city for the purpose of making purchases for his fall trade. Mr. H. is a heavy dealer in his line, pays cash for all he buys, and expects the discount accompanying cash payment. Any favor you can render him by introduction to your leading wholesale houses, or otherwise, will be appreciated by Mr. Hepworth, and acknowledged by

WILLIAM DARLING.

Your Friend,

WALTER KIMBALL.

Introducing one Lady to Another.

ROME, GA., Aug. 10, 18-. DEAR ANNABEL: I take this occasion to introduce to you the bearer of this letter, Mrs. Pemberton, who is on a visit to her relatives in your city. Mrs. P. is my very dear friend, of whom you have often heard me speak. Believing that your acquaintance with each other would be mutually agreeable, I have urged her to call upon you during her stay. Any attention you may bestow on her, during her visit, will be highly appreciated by Your Friend, DELIA MAYBORNE.

This letter will introduce to you my young friend, Morgan Hatfield, who has been in my employ as a clerk for the past eighteen months, and whom I would still retain, had not the disposing of a portion of my business rendered his services, with those of others of my clerks, unnecessary.

Believing that your wide influence would very materially aid him in securing a good position in the dry-goods trade in your city, I presume upon the acquaintance of an old friend in thus writing you. For reference you can use my name.

Believing that any assistance you render the young man you will not afterwards regret, I am,

A. B. PATTERSON, ESQ.

Your Friend,
HERBERT HOPKINS.

Respected Sir: The bearer, Mr. D. H. Harmon, is the son of Mrs. Lieut. W. II. Harmon, of this town, whose husband was killed at the battle of Iuka, bravely defending the flag. This young man has just graduated from one of our best schools, and at my suggestion visits Washington, thinking to acquaint himself with the condition of things at the Capital, and, if the same could be obtained, would gladly occupy a clerkship for a time. Should it be in your power to grant him such a favor, it will be warmly appreciated by his mother and myself. I remain, Yours Respectfully,

V. H. MARTIN.

Introducing a Literary Lady to a Publisher.

your success?" "To an admonition given me by my father, when a boy, which was this:

"First, to attend strictly to my own business. Second, to let other people's business alone. Observing this, I incurred no ill will by intermeddling with others, and I saved my time for the development and improvement of my own business."

Be very sparing of letters of advice. As a rule, you will have enough to do to attend to your own affairs, and as a general thing, advice even when solicited is liable to give offence.

If however, you are asked to give an opinion, you may plainly state it. Do not give it however as a law, nor feel offended if your advice is disregarded.

Beware of giving advice from selfishness. Sooner or later your motive will be discovered. Let your admonition be alone for the

Advising a Young Lady to Refuse Cifts from Gentlemen.

Monroeville, Q., Feb 2, 15—

May Year Caroline :

ult. is before

me.

Your letter of the 25th I regret to learn that you accepted of a bracelet at the hands of Wm. Spencer. By all means relmn it. acceplance you place yourself under obliga=

lions to him, whom

an

In its

you accept presents, unless

equivalent

men.

Nothing will more surely injure a young lady's reputation than the acceptance of many presents from different young When manied, the gifts of your husband will come hallowed with his affection. Until then, refuse gifts from all gentlemen. I am,

Your Sincere Friend,