2. The general precepts apply to all kinds of letters; the particular precepts apply to each kind separately, viz: to letters of information, persuasion, petition, consolation, recreation, correction, and business.

We shall, therefore, detail in two articles the general and particular precepts of the letter.

3.

ARTICLE I.

GENERAL PRECEPTS CONCERNING THE BODY OF THE LETTER.

1. Since a letter, according to its definition, is, "a written composition, whereby we address a person absent, as though he were present; it follows, that every letter must be written to one absent in the same style, as we would address him if he were present. This universal precept may be called the golden rule of all letter writing. Hence, it follows:

2. The idea of the writer upon the subject of the letter, must be true, clear, and proper; because truth is necessary, in order to be believed;

(2.) To what kinds of letters do the general and particular precepts apply?

(1.) Have you any general precept for all letter-writing?

(2.) To what must the style of a letter be adapted?

What must be the writer's ideas on the subject of a letter?

clearness, in order to be understood; and propriety, or decency, in order to be respected. A deviation from decency is always reprehensible, even if the letter be addressed to a frie

relative.

friend,

3. The style of a letter must be adapted to the subject, and object of the writer; and also to the rank of the person addressed.

4. Although the simple style is more common, yet the flowery and sublime are not unusual, nor contrary to the nature of letters; for, if such styles may sometimes be used in speaking, with certain persons of high rank, or merit, why may not the same be allowed, when we write to them? Again; if style must conform to the object of the writer, as stated in another place, it follows, that when the writer's object requires either the simple, or the middle, or the sublime style, the letter must have it. Lastly, if letters, as before stated, comprise all subjects of composition, why not all styles also?

5. Beside the appropriate style desired in a

(3.) What must be the style of a letter in general?

(4.) What kinds of style may a letter admit? Prove your assertion.

(5.) What other qualities are required in letters, beside a suit

able style?

What will be disgraceful to a letter-writer?

letter, the grammatical syntax, orthography, good penmanship, neatness, and freedom from cancellations, and corrections, are other qualities strictly demanded. Nothing will tarnish more the reputation of a person, as a good scholar, than errors in grammar, or orthography, in a letter; which are so much the more to be avoided, as they remain like mementoes of the writer's ignorance, in the hands of others.

ARTICLE II.

PARTICULAR PRECEPTS CONCERNING THE BODY OF THE LETTER.

As these precepts vary in the different kinds of letters; which relate, according to the writer's object, to Information, Persuasion, Petition, Consolation, Recreation, Reprimand, Correction, and Advice; therefore, we shall expound the respective precepts, of each kind, in six distinct paragraphs.

T I.

OF LETTERS OF INFORMATION.

THEIR DEFINITION, SUBJECT, AND QUALTIES.

1. Letters of information "are those which inform a correspondent concerning a fact, person, or object."

(1.) What are letters of information ?

2. The subjects of information are numberless. The principal, however, to which letters ordinarily relate, are two, familiar or domestic, and civil or political subjects. Hence all facts and daily events of any kind, form the proper subject of letters of information.

3. A letter of information about a fact, person, or object, must be based on truth, and must not represent as certain, what is uncertain, or vice versa.

4. In these letters, the order of a narrative, may either follow the time, or the place, or the principal adjuncts of the fact; observing the rules of historical narrations.

5. All adjuncts, which may greatly interest the correspondent, should be mentioned; yet all superfluous descriptions should be omitted.

6. In letters of information, the style is generally simple, though, like historical narrations, they may sometimes admit of the adorned style;

(2.) What are the principal subjects to which letters of information ordinarily relate?

(3.) What qualities must a letter of information concerning a fact have?

(4.) What order must a narration follow in these letters?

(5.) What should be mentioned, and what should be omitted,

in letters of information?

(6.) What is the style required by letters of information?

especially when the object of the writer is to afford pleasure, as well as information to the reader.

7. These letters are common to all classes and individuals of society, and form the most general subject, as well as the most common object, of letter-writing.

8. As a model of imitation, concerning letters of information, we will produce the following letter from

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Cicero to Titus Pomponius Atticus.

(A. U. 697.) Every thing is as we could wish at your house. Your mother and sister are held in the greatest esteem by me and my brother Quintus. I have had some conversation with Actilius. He denies that anything had been written to him by his agent, and is surprised that any dispute should have arisen. The security which he demanded is no longer required from you. I have understood that Tadius is very thankful, and highly pleased with what you mention; of having compromised the affair of his family. That friend of mine, who is indeed a good man, and very friendly to me, is seriously angry with you. When I know how much you regard this, I may be able to judge what

(7.) Among what class of persons are letters of this kind in use?

(8.) Give an example of a letter of information.