The Art of Letter Writing; A Practical Manual Covering the Whole Field of Correspondence (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913. Excerpt: ... ACKNOWLEDGING THE RECEIPT OF MONEY Common custom does not require that a letter accompany a receipted bill, but the majority of first-class business houses, return the receipted bill with a letter acknowledging its payment, or use a neatly printed or engraved card, reading somewhat as follows: We acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your esteemed remittance. LETTEES TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES Letters directed to residents abroad, who are not Americans, need not materially differ in form from those written to those living, or doing business, in this country, --except that rather more care should be taken with them, and the writer should avoid using any English idiom, or current phrase, which, although well understood by Americans, might not be comprehended abroad. Then, letters to foreign countries should be even more explicit and of the greatest simplicity. They may be written in English, or translated; but in translating, the changing of English into another language should be done by one not only familiar with English, but equally so with the language into which he is to translate the letter. As a rule, one speaking the English language, no matter how well educated in foreign languages, is not likely to be able to translate English so that it will be understood by the foreigner, unless he has lived long enough abroad to think, as well as to write, in a tongue other than his native one. Many a writer is conceited enough to believe that his knowledge of a foreign language is sufficient to justify him in translating English into another tongue. It is better, and safer, to employ a professional translator, and particularly one versed in technical and business phraseology. Thousands of letters have been sent abroad to the injury of their writers, simply because..