This section is from the book "Hill's Manual Of Social And Business Forms: A Guide To Correct Writing", by Thos. E. Hill. Also available from Amazon: Hill's Manual Of Social And Business Forms: The How-To-Do-Everything Book Of Victorian America.
IT is to be hoped that you will not often be compelled to write a letter asking a favor.
Do not urge your claims too strongly. Should you be refused, you will feel the more deeply humiliated.
In conferring a favor, avoid conveying the impression that the recipient is greatly under obligation to you. Rather imply that the granting and accepting of the favor is mutually a pleasure.
Letters refusing a favor should be very kindly worded, and, while expressing regret at your inability to comply with the request, state the reason why.
Wednesday Morning, Jan. 1,18 - . Dear Bertha:
Will you he so kind as to loan me, for a few days, " How I Found Livingstone ?" By so doing, you will greatly oblige,
Your Friend,
NANNIE WHITE.
Wednesday Morning, Jan. 1, 18 - . Dear Nannie:
I send you the hook with pleasure, and hope you will enjoy its perusal as much as I did. I shall be over to see you next Thursday afternoon.
Affectionately Yours,
BERTHA.
Lisbon, ILL., Feb. 2,18 - . Friend Baker:
Will you do me the kindness to loan me one hundred dollars until Wednesday of next week. Having several large collections to make during the next three days, I may return the loan before then. Yours Truly,
GEORGE HASKINS.
Lisbon, ILL., Feb. 2,18 - . Friend Haskins:
I regret that all the money I have at liberty I am compelled to use this afternoon; else I would comply with your request with pleasure. Respectfully,
JOHN BAKER.
Springfield, Mass., March 4, 18 - . Friend Rich:
I start for Boston to-morrow, to make arrangements for our excursion. I shall arrange to have the journey extend as far as the Holy Land. Be so kind, if you please, as to give me a letter of introduction to Prof. Wm. Kidder, whom I hope, also, to enlist in the scheme.
With warmest regards to your family, I remain,
Very Truly Yours,
HENRY FRENCH.
Sparta, R. I., March 6, 18 - . Dear French:
I enclose, with pleasure, the letter to Prof. Kidder, who, I think, will be pleased to join us. Wishing you much success,
I am, Yours Truly,
BARTON RICH.
Thursday Afternoon, April 7,18 - . Dear Mabel:
Accompanied by cousin Fred and Jennie Masters, I am going to the theater to-night, and in behalf of Fred I wish you would loan me your opera-glass for the evening.
BECKIE HOWELL.
Thursday, April 7,18 - . Dear Beckie:
Charlie Hackney called and borrowed my glass about an hour since; otherwise, I would take the greatest pleasure in granting your request. Wishing you a delightful evening, I am,
Your Devoted Friend,
MABEL GALE.
Friday Morn., May 8,18 - . Friend Godard:
Please loan me your pistol this forenoon, and oblige
JOHN OGDON.
Friday, May 8,18 - . Friend John:
Accept the pistol. Beware that you do not get hurt. I shall want it to-morrow. Truly Yours,
BEN GODARD.
 
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