d
neatness, that the writer may both show his penmanship and his
business-like qualities, which are often judged of by the form of his
letter. It may be after this fashion:

NEW YORK, March 1, 1880.

MESSRS. LORD & NOBLE,

DEAR SIRS:

Having heard that you are in need of more
assistance in your establishment (or store, office)
I venture to ask you for employment. I can refer
you to Messrs. Jones & Smith, my late employers, as
to my qualifications, should you decide to consider
my application.

Yours truly,
JAMES ROBERTS.

LETTERS REGARDING THE CHARACTER OF A SERVANT.

DEAR MADAM: Sarah Riley, having applied to me for
the position of cook, refers me to you for a
character. I feel particularly anxious to obtain a
good servant for the coming winter, and shall
therefore feel obliged by your making me
acquainted with any particulars referring to her
character, and remain, madam,

Your very obedient servant,
MRS. GEORGE STONE.

TO MRS. ALFRED STARK.

MRS. GEORGE STONE,

DEAR MADAM: It gives me pleasure to say that Sarah
Riley lived with me for two years, and during that
time I found her active, diligent and efficient.
She is a superior cook, and I have full confidence
in her honesty. I feel that I can recommend her
with full confidence of her being likely to give
you satisfaction. I am, madam,

Your very obedient servant,
MRS. ALFRED STARK.

MRS. GEORGE STONE,

DEAR MADAM: In replying to your note of inquiry, I
beg to inform you that Sarah Riley, who lived with
me in the capacity of cook, left my services
because I did not find her temper and habits in
all respects satisfactory. She was thoroughly
competent as a cook, but in other respects I
cannot conscientiously recommend her. I remain,

Yours, very truly,
MRS.