St. Louis, Mo., June 15, 189-.
Dear Old Friend:
The happy announcement that a son and heir has been born to you, gives me extreme satisfaction. I always thought you would distinguish yourself in some way, and would do something whereby your name might descend to posterity. And now, my worthy chum, it seems you have done it. Blessings on you!
Very sincerely yours,
Love Letters.
My Dearest Harriet:
I cannot express the happiness I feel in finding that my letter to your respected parents has been crowned with success, and I flatter myself, notwithstanding your temporizing with my feelings, in thus reserving your avowal of a reciprocal attachment, that you, my dear girl, will not be unsusceptible to its value, but condescend to acknowledge an equal happiness with myself at its contents. In token of the confidence with which your dear letter has inspired me, I beg leave to present you with a trifle, the acceptance of which will be highly flattering to him whose image it portrays; and permit me the fond pleasure of indulging a belief that you will esteem the trifle, in affectionate remembrance of the original.
In obedience to your father’s command, I shall wait upon him at the appointed time; till then, my beloved Harriet, adieu.
Ever your devoted admirer,
Dear Sir:
I make no doubt of the truth of your assertions, relative to yourself, character, and connections; but as I think I am too young to enter into such a serious engagement, I request I may hear no more of your passion for the present; in every other respect,
I am, Sir,
Yours very sincerely,
Outlines to be Expanded into Letters.
Inviting a Friend to Tea.
1. Can you come to tea—day—hour.
2. My birthday—several friends coming.
3. Tea in orchard—then cricket in field.
4. Hope mother will let you come—be home by nine.
Accepting Invitation.
1. Thanks for invitation—happy to accept.
2. Glad to meet —.
3. Look forward to pleasant evening.
Declining Invitation.
1. Thanks for invitation—should have been glad to come.
2. Sorry to lose chance of meeting —.
3. Father some time ago arranged to take me and my brother to —.
4. Hope you will have pleasant evening and many happy returns.
From a Town Child to a Country Child.
1. Town crowded—noisy—dirty—glad to get into country.
2. Shall never forget visit to the country last summer.
3. No streets—few houses—beautiful views—quiet—sweet air.
4. Fine weather—many enjoyable walks.
5. Returned to town almost envying a country life.
Answer from Country Child to Town Child.
1. You almost envying country life—I almost envying town life.
2. Country has the advantages you describe, but you saw it in summer.
3. Difficult to get about in bad weather—especially in winter when much bad weather.
4. Dull—no libraries, exhibitions, meetings, concerts, etc.
5. Town may have all the disadvantages named, but always plenty to see, opportunities for study, friendly intercourse, entertainments.
6. Traveling easy.