When you have a friend who is going to a city where you have other friends, and you believe that it will be a mutual pleasure for them to meet, a letter of introduction is proper and very easy to write, but sent to a casual acquaintance—­no matter how attractive or distinguished the person to be introduced—­it is a gross presumption.

=THE MORE FORMAL NOTE OF INTRODUCTION=

    Dear Mrs. Marks: 

Julian Gibbs is going to Buffalo on January tenth to deliver a lecture on his Polar expedition, and I am sending him a card of introduction to you.  He is very agreeable personally, and I think that perhaps you and Mr. Marks will enjoy meeting him as much as I know he would enjoy knowing you.

With kindest regards, in which Arthur joins,

Very sincerely,
Ethel Norman.

If Mr. Norman were introducing one man to another he would give his card to the former, inscribed as follows: 

[HW:  Introducing Julian Gibbs]

=MR. ARTHUR LEES NORMAN=

BROADLAWNS

Also Mr. Norman would send a private letter by mail, telling his friend that Mr. Gibbs is coming, as follows: 

Dear Marks: 

I am giving Julian Gibbs a card of introduction to you when he goes to Buffalo on the tenth to lecture.  He is an entertaining and very decent fellow, and I think possibly Mrs. Marks would enjoy meeting him.  If you can conveniently ask him to your house, I know he would appreciate it; if not, perhaps you will put him up for a day or two at a club.

     Faithfully,
    Arthur Norman.

=INFORMAL LETTER OF INTRODUCTION=

    Dear Claire: 

    A very great friend of ours, James Dawson, is to be in Chicago
    for several weeks.  Any kindness that you can show him will be
    greatly appreciated by

    Yours as always,
    Ethel Norman.

At the same time a second and private letter of information is written and sent by mail: 

    Dear Claire: 

I wrote you a letter to-day introducing Jim Dawson.  He used to be on the Yalvard football team, perhaps you remember.  He is one of the best sort in the world and I know you will like him.  I don’t want to put you to any trouble, but do ask him to your house if you can.  He plays a wonderful game of golf and a good game of bridge, but he is more a man’s than a woman’s type of man.  Maybe if Tom likes him, he will put him up at a club as he is to be in Chicago for some weeks.

    Affectionately always,
    Ethel.

Another example: 

    Dear Caroline: 

A very dear friend of mine, Mrs. Fred West, is going to be in New York this winter, while her daughter is at Barnard.  I am asking her to take this letter to you as I want very much to have her meet you and have her daughter meet Pauline.  Anything that you can do for them will be the same as for me!

    Yours affectionately,
        Sylvia Greatlake.