(Any special remark of added recommendation or showing interest)

                                 ——­
    (Mrs. ——­)

Date.

=LETTERS OF CONGRATULATION=

=LETTER OF CONGRATULATION ON ENGAGEMENT=

    Dear Mary: 

While we are not altogether surprized, we are both delighted to hear the good news.  Jim’s family and ours are very close, as you know, and we have always been especially devoted to Jim.  He is one of the finest—­and now luckiest, of young men, and we send you both every good wish for all possible happiness.

    Affectionately,
    Ethel Norman.

Just a line, dear Jim, to tell you how glad we all are to hear of your happiness.  Mary is everything that is lovely and, of course, from our point of view, we don’t think her exactly unfortunate either!  Every good wish that imagination can think of goes to you from your old friends.

Ethel and Arthur Norman.

I can’t tell you, dearest Mary, of all the wishes I send for your
happiness.  Give Jim my love and tell him how lucky I think he is,
and how much I hope all good fortune will come to you both.

Lovingly,
Aunt Kate.

=CONGRATULATION ON SOME ESPECIAL SUCCESS=

My dear Mrs. Brown: 

We have just heard of the honors that your son has won.  How proud
you must be of him!  We are both so glad for him and for you. 
Please congratulate him for us, and believe me,

    Very sincerely,
        Ethel Norman.

Or: 

    Dear Mrs. Brown: 

We are so glad to hear the good news of David’s success; it was a very splendid accomplishment and we are all so proud of him and of you.  Please give him our love and congratulations, and with full measure of both to you,

    Affectionately,
          Martha Kindhart.

=CONGRATULATING A FRIEND APPOINTED TO HIGH OFFICE=

    Dear John: 

We are overjoyed at the good news!  For once the reward has fallen where it is deserved.  Certainly no one is better fitted than yourself for a diplomat’s life, and we know you will fill the position to the honor of your country.  Please give my love to Alice, and with renewed congratulations to you from us both.

    Yours always,
    Ethel Norman.

Another example: 

    Dear Michael: 

We all rejoice with you in the confirmation of your appointment.  The State needs just such men as you—­if we had more of your sort the ordinary citizen would have less to worry about.  Our best congratulations!

    John Kindhart.

=THE LETTER OF CONDOLENCE=

Intimate letters of condolence are like love letters, in that they are too sacred to follow a set form.  One rule, and one only, should guide you in writing such letters.  Say what you truly feel.  Say that and nothing else.  Sit down at your desk, let your thoughts dwell on the person you are writing to.