The image and text below are from a letter by General George Washington written in 1782 at the end of the American Revolution. The valediction "Most Humble and Obedient Servant" was commonly used at the end of a letter just before the signature.

Original Transcribed Most Hbl & Obedient Servant  G: Washington    Head Qs Verplanck's Point 4th Septr 1782.

While this is now considered very archaic and formal, we still use it today in an abbreviated form. The typical valedictions are: "Yours Truly" or "Sincerely Yours". While one may think that the word "Yours" is a type of possessive form, it doesn't mean that at all. It actually is an abbreviation of "Your Servant" -- typically written: your^s and abbreviated today as "yours". So both "Sincerely Yours" and "Yours Truly" actually mean "Sincerely your servant" and "Your servant truly", respectively.

This type of abbreviating often happened when people wrote letters. To shorten the length of words, the typography involved omitting some letters and placing the last letter as a superscript. Notice how Gen. Washington wrote September above: Sept^r. Head Q^s is also an abbreviation for Headquarters. These abbreviations have made there way in to modern letter writing -- though their origins are often not understood by writers.

There are numerous examples of valedictions in English and other languages. See the wikipedia page on valediction here and salutation here.

The salutation at the beginning of the letter has equally interesting origins in the written letters. While we most often begin letters with "Dear recipients name", we tend to forget it is not a greeting but a term of affection. Notice in the letters below the use of "My Dear sister" or My Dear Uncle". And if the term of affection (i.e., Dear) is not appropriate (i.e., the recipient of your letter is NOT: your husband, wife, relative, lover or close friend), the "dear" is replaced by a respectful title like "Sir" or "Madam".

The salutation and valediction can be extended and become long prefaces and epilogues. Here are some salutations and valedictions that appeared in letters written by my great great grandfather Bennett Rainey Jeffares and his older brother John Edwin Jeffares during the American Civil War:

• Sergeant John E. Jeffares to his wife from Vicksburg April 5 1863
  Affectionate wife & children
  Through kind providence, I am once more permitted to send you a few lines which leaves me well enough.
  ...
  Give my regards to all the connections. Kiss all the little children for me, & let this be in answer to you all. No more at present, but I remain your affectionate Husband and father till death.

• Private Bennett Rainey Jeffares from Virginia May 22, 1864
  Dear Zade I seat myself to write you a few lines which leave me well & so hope those lines may find you all in good health, also the connection & friends as well
  ...
  your loving husband till death

• Private Bennett Rainey Jeffares from Virginia undated 1864
  my Dear wife, it is with pleasure I seat myself this morning to answer your most kind and welcome letter bearing the date of the 13th...to the last night which was thankfully received
  ...
  I will close those lines leave me well hoping the same may reach your kind hands in due time & find you & Wiley & the connection in good health give my love & respects to the connection & friends if any & keep a double portion for you Kiss Wiley for me I remain your most affectionate husband until Death

• Private Bennett Rainey Jeffares from Virginia December 3, 1864
  My Dear & loving wife with the greatest of pleasure I seat myself this morning to pencil you a few lines those lines leave me in torble health hoping those lines may find you & Wiley and the connection in the best of health
  ...
  Zade you must do the best you can We must live in the hope of seeing each other again I will close I remain your loving husband until death

• Private Bennett Rainey Jeffares from Virginia Feb 11, 1865
  My Dear & loving wife I this morning seat myself to write you a few lines in answer to your most kind and welcome letter bearing the Date of the 15th & 17th of January which came to my hands last night & was read with much satisfaction
  ...
  those lines leave me in common health hoping they may soon reach your loving hands & find you & Wiley & the connection in the best of health my love to all the connection & a wifes portion is due yourself I remain your loving husband until Death
  For a couple of Georgia farm boys who had little education, they managed to write some very eloquent words that are so very expressive of the deep feelings that they possess for their family and friends. The Civil War had placed them in desparate and dangerous circumstances and their words of caring, longing and concern are as powerful as they are beautiful. Both died from the ravages of the war: John Edwin Jeffares was killed in Battle of Atlanta in 1864 and Bennett Rainey Jeffares died of tuberculosis contracted at an army field hospital. My great great grandmother Parazade Jeffares carried her dead husband Bennett's letters in a pouch around her waist for the rest of her life. His words were all that she had left after the war. She kept them close -- always.

  (see the full texts here)

• and from the oldest family letter I can find written by Peter Gunnarson Rambo who came to America with the New Sweden Company in 1640 (Yes this is where the "Rambo" name comes from that was used in the movie of that same name. The movie set was set in Philadelphia on land once owned by the Swedes who sold their land to William Penn to build the city of Philadelphia. This letter was written in 1693 to his sister in Gothenburg Sweden who Peter had not seen in 53 years.
  Highly honored Dear Sister: Greetings! by the power of God, your letter, dear sister came into my hands here the 23rd of May, dated Gothenburg, the 16th of November 1692; from which letter I understand your temporal condition; that you are still alive God be praised, which makes me, my wife and children glad at heart, that I might once again be permitted to hear of your condition and the Fatherland, before it pleases God to call me from this world.
  ...
  my dear wife and children send greetings to you and all good friends who may or can be found living, hoping for and awaiting your reply by the first ship that can come. Commending you to the protection and care of God Almighty, Always remaining your most obedient brother until death Peter Gunnarson Rambo

Below are some links to examples of salutations and valedictions on that appear on this page written by or about:

1. Andrew Parks (1773-1836)
2. Galileo (1564-1642)
3. Winston Churchill (1874-1955)
4. Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

• Andrew Parks (1773-1836) who married in 1796:
• Harriet Washington (1776-1822) who was the daughter of Samuel Washington (1734-1781) brother of President Washington. Samuel Washington was married five times times and died of tuberculosis at an early age. Harriet lived for a time at Mount Vernon as did many of Samuel's seven surviving children. George and Martha Washington had no children of their own and took the responsibility for the orphaned children of Samuel. Harriet also lived in Fredericksburg Virginia with her aunt:
• Elizabeth (Betty) Washington Lewis (1833-1797) who was the younger and only surviving sister of George Washington. Betty married Fielding Lewis -- her second cousin in 1750. Fielding Lewis took over the operation of a store in Fredericksburg from his father and ultimately became wealthy. Andrew Parks met Harriet Washington in Fredericksburg and began a courtship in 1795. When he proposed to Harriet, Betty Lewis suggested that he first must get the permission of her brother:
• George Washington (1732-1799) who was the commanding general of the American forces during the American Revolution (1775-1783), president of the Continental Congress in 1787 and unanimously elected first President of the United States (1789-1797). When President Washington needed to investigate Andrew Parks before the consented to the marriage of his niece Harriet, Washington wrote to asking for a letter of reference from his nephew:
• George Washington Lewis (1757-1821) who lived in Fredericksburg, was the son of Fielding Lewis and Betty Washington and was named for his uncle President George Washington. During the American Revolution, George Lewis was a Lieutenant in the Commander-in-Chief Guard -- a cavalry unit charged with protecting the Army Commander George Washington. He was promoted several times during the war. Washington also contacted another Fredericksburg resident:
• James McHenry (1753-1816) who was an Scotch-Irish immigrant who came to America in 1771. His family were merchants in Fredericksburg. McHenry was a medical doctor and was a surgeon during the revolutionary war. He was appointed Secretary to General Washington. After the revolution ended he was the Secretary of War during both George Washington's and John Adam's presidencies. Because of McHenry's familiarity with business people in Fredicksburg, President Washington asked McHenry to investigate Andrew Parks. McHenry contacted his long time friend:
• Thomas McElderry (1758-1810) was a Scotch-Irish merchant who lived in Baltimore and married Andrew Parks' aunt Elizabeth Parks. When Andrew's father John (the tea merchant) Parks went bankrupt in 1792, McElderry set up Andrew in business in Fredericksburg and became his mentor.
• Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was a the author of the Declaration of Independence, second govenor of the state of Virginia, first Secretary of State for the United States, second Vice president and third President of the United States (1801-1809). Jefferson was a customer of Andrew Parks' mercantile business in Fredericksburg.
• James Madison (1751-1836) was the fifth Secretary of State (1801-1809) and the fourth President (1809-1817). Like Thomas Jefferson he was a customer of Andrew Parks' mercantile business in Fredericksburg.

1. To George Washington from Andrew Parks, 30 April 1796

   Baltimore 30th April 1796

   Sir

   I have had the honour to receive your Letter of the 7th Instt, and pursuant thereto, I have communicated within a few days, that I have been here; the Subject, to my friend Mr Mc Elderry, on which I am so materially interested, for your approbation; he has written to the Secretary at War, and given him an oppinion of me, of which, I presume you have, or will, be advertisd.

   Mr Mc Elderry, has relinquished his part of the concern, in the business, I have been pursuing, which I shall conduct hereafter on my own Acct, and with industry; and his friendship, I suspect will be attended with considerable advantages; this is the only amendment in my prospects, I have it in my power to acquaint You with.

   I hope I possess most of the requisites, necessary to make your Niece, happy I have been for several Years, accustom'ed to Business, which has, I am persuaded, kept me clear of a temper, for vicious dispositions; my connexions, are respectable generally, inasmuch as they are people of Business, and mostly in good circumstances. I have described to your Niece, as nearly as I could, what my Situation would afford, in the style of living; which wd not be more than genteel, and comfortable, this she sais, will perfectly satisfy her, and render her happy, provided you can think it sufficient. I am Sir with infinite respect Yr very Hbe Sert

   Andrew Parks

2. From George Washington to Andrew Parks, 7 April 1796
   Philadelphia 7th April 1796

   Sir

   your letter of the first instt has been duly received. The subject on which it is written is a serious one, and it shall meet, as it deserves, a serious consideration.

   My niece Harriot Washington having very little fortune of her own, neither she, nor her friends, have a right to make that (however desirable it might be) a primary consideration in a matrimonial connexion. But there are other requisites which are equally desirable, and which ought to be attended to in a union of so much importance; without therefore expressing at this moment, either assent, or dissent, to the proposal you have made, it is necessary for me to pause.

   My wish is to see my niece happy; one step towards which is, for her to be united with a gentleman of respectable connexions, and of good dispositions; with one who is more in the habit (by fair and honorable pursuits) of making, than in spending money-and who can support her in the way she has always lived.

   As you propose being in Baltimore in the course of a few weeks-I shall not object to the receipt of any further details on this subject, which you may be disposed to give from that place: which, when received, may enable me to write more decisively frome hence, or from virginia when I get there-which will happen, I expect, as soon as Congress shall have closed its session.

   I am sir your very Hble servt

   Added at proof: This letter is the best justification for the use of an eloquent saluation and valediction. If the president of the United States (and in particular George Washington) find it appropriate to address a greeting to young man (Andrew Parks) who he doesn't know as: "Sir" and end the letter with "your very Hble servt", then one might consider it an appropriate way to open and close your letters.

3. George Washington to George Lewis, April 7, 1796
   Philadelphia, April 7, 1796.

   Dear Sir:

   Tuesday's Post brought me a letter from a Mr. Andrew Parks of Fredericksburgh, covering one from your Mother; both on the subject of overtures of marriage made by the former to your cousin Harriot Washington: which, it seems, depend upon my consent for consummatn.

   My sister speaks of Mr. Parks as a sober, discreet man; and one who is attentive to business. Mr. Parks says of himself, that his "fortune at present, does not much exceed £3000, but with industry and economy, he has every expectation of rapidly improving his condition" being concerned with his brother in law, Mr. McElderry of Baltimore, in Mercantile business.

   As I am an entire stranger to Mr. Parks; to his family connexions, or his connexions in trade; to his mode of living; his habits, and to his prospects in trade; I should be glad if you wd. ascertain them with as much precision as you can, and write me with as little delay as you can well avoid.

   Harriot having little or no fortune of her own, has no right to expect a great one in the man she marrys: but it is desirable she should marry a gentleman; one who is well connected, and can support her decently, in the line she has always moved, otherwise she would not find matrimony with a large family and little means, so eligable as she may have conceived it to be. I am etc.

   This letter will be accompanied by one to my Sister which I pray you to receive from the Post Office and send to her.

4. From George Washington to Betty Washington Lewis, 7 April 1796

   My dear Sister, Philadelphia 7th April 1796.

   Your letter of the 27th Ulto was enclosed to me by Mr Parks, in one from himself, dated the 1st insttt on the same subject.

   Harriot having very little fortune herself, has no right to expect a great one in the man she marry's; but if he has not a competency to support her in the way she has lived, in the circle of her friends, she will not find the matrimonial state so comfortable as she may have expected when a family is looking up to her & but scanty means to support it.

   Altho' she has no right to expect a man of fortune, she certainly has just pretensions to expect one whose connexions are respectable, & whose relations she could have no objection to associate with. How far this is, or is not the case with Mr Parks, I know not for neither his own letter, or yours give any acct of his family nor whether he is a native or a foreigner-& we have his own word only for his possessing any property at all altho' he estimates his fortune at £3000. A precarious dependance this when applied to a man in Trade.

   I do not wish to thwart Harriots inclination if her affectns are placed on Mr Park and if upon the enquiries I shall mak[e] or cause to be made into his family & connexions, there shall be found nothing exceptionable in them; that he is, as you say "very much respected by all his acquaintance, sober, sedate, & attentive to business;" and is moreover in good business; I shall throw no impedimts in the way of their Marriage, altho' I should have preferred, if a good match had not offer'd in the meanwhile that she sh'd have remained single until I was once more settled at Mt Vernon & she a resident there which, if life is spared to us, will certainly happen to me in ten or eleven months-because then she would have been in the way of seeing much company, and would have had a much fairer prospect of matching respectably than with one who is little known-and of whose circumstances few or none can know much about.

   Having had no business to write to you upon-and being very much occupied by my public duties, are the only reasons why I have been silent. I am persuaded you will enjoy more ease & quiet, & meet with fewer vexations where you now are, than where you did live-It is my sincere wish that you should do so and that your days may be happy-in these Mrs Washington joins with Your most Affecte Brother

   G. Washington

5. Thomas McElderry to James McHenry April 11 1796

   Baltimore April 11th 1796

   Dear Doctor

   I received your favors of the 6th Andrew Parks' request to the President, it is the first I have heard of his having such intentions. As to his characteren and Incumbrances I will briefly state them to you. On the failure of his father in the year 92 being lender unable to do anything for his son, I took him into Partnership and collaboration here in business at Fredericksburg and from what I have heard as well as from my own observation he had conducted himself in a very proper manner and gained the esteem of the people generally, his engaging in business for himself before he was nineteen years of age and conducting at with so much propriety and reputation, induced me to believe he will make a good husband, much more promising than many of the Virginia gentlemen with their large landed estates and negroes. He commenced business in June 92 and on the 6th of September 93 I went to Fredericksburg and took on out of his goods when it appeared he had cleared 1106 pounds 10 shillings after paying all expenses and very little outstanding debts for his labor in to sale for ready money, hence which he has been doing a good business that I have been so engaged here that I could not spare time to take an audit of his stock nor has it been done to my knowledge since so that I cannot ascertain exactly what he may be worth at this time.

   I am well persuaded by what I have already done for Mr. Parks to my desire of serving him Whether the match contemplated may be a prudent one for him I can not pretend to judge or advise you ???

   I am not much a friend to great Parade or extravagant Manner of Life if his connection would have that tendency (which I hope not) I might not be so happy -- He is to be here in five days to lay in his Spring supply of Goods I know of no other arrangement he has in contemplation at present It will however give me great pleasure if I can assist him further on his changing his state, it is noteable the young Lady may have something else which could be beneficially employed by him as I would not wish him to divide the profit with me when his capital is equal to the business by himself which I trust will soon be the case.

   Mrs McHenry is ..rle I saw Mr and Mrs McCurdy last evening he is astonishly mended I will wait on Mrs McHenry with a tender of my services.

   You got out of the scrape with Taylor in good time the Brig M..rlmann that so much defendance was laid on is carried in by the Bre ...th and his Post Command because he is an Irishman and Dr. Ross cannot be brought to a settlement so that his affairs is still gloomy.

   Wishing you a little more Leisure that you may be able to drop a line now and then to your assured Friend

   Thomas McElderry

6. To George Washington from Andrew Parks, 30 April 1796

   Baltimore 30th April 1796

   Sir

   I have had the honour to receive your Letter of the 7th Instt, and pursuant thereto, I have communicated within a few days, that I have been here; the Subject, to my friend Mr Mc Elderry, on which I am so materially interested, for your approbation; he has written to the Secretary at War, and given him an oppinion of me, of which, I presume you have, or will, be advertisd.

   Mr Mc Elderry, has relinquished his part of the concern, in the business, I have been pursuing, which I shall conduct hereafter on my own Acct, and with industry; and his friendship, I suspect will be attended with considerable advantages; this is the only amendment in my prospects, I have it in my power to acquaint You with.

   I hope I possess most of the requisites, necessary to make your Niece, happy I have been for several Years, accustom'ed to Business, which has,, I am persuaded, kept me clear of a temper, for vicious dispositions; my connexions, are respectable generally, inasmuch as they are people of Business, and mostly in good circumstances. I have described to your Niece, as nearly as I could, what my Situation would afford, in the style of living; which wd not be more than genteel, and comfortable, this she sais, will perfectly satisfy her, and render her happy, provided you can think it sufficient. I am Sir with infinite respect Yr very Hbe Sert

   Andrew Parks

7. To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 26 June 1796

   June 26th 1796

   My Dear Brother

   Your letter of the 27th of April I receiv'd and should have answerd it sooner but expecting you in dayly postpon'd writing untill you arriv'd at Mount Vernon, not hearing from you again on Harriots subject, I have been makeing all the enquirey I Could concerning Mr Parks that was in my power I have heard nothing to his disadvantage on the contrary he is respected by all his acquaintance he is A Constant Visitor here and I believe Harriots Affections are plac'd intirely on him, and engag'd so far as this if your consent can be obtaind.

   Harriot begs you will pardon her not writing her self but hopes your being fully acquainted with her Sentiments Concerning Mr Parks will be some apology she is not well I believe her anxiety for fear of offending and not gaining your consent has Produc'd this, your long Silence has given her much uneasiness.

   My Dear Brother if you have any Mules for Sale and Can let me have One I will with pleasure pay you the Price of it I am under the necessity of purchaiseing A Work Nag and prefer A Mule.

   Harriot Joines me in love and good Wishes for You and my Sister Washington and beleive me to be Your Affectte Sister

   Betty Lewis

8. To George Washington from Betty Washington Lewis, 5 July 1796

   My Dear Brother July 5th, 1796.

   I receiv'd your Letters of 26th and 29th of June, the day after I wrote to you I was attack with the ague and fever which has lasted ever since I had never been clear of a fever since, I Expected your comeing threw Baltemore that you would ascertain Mr. Parkes fortune thoe I believe he would not tell anything fals on the Occation, Harriot's Brother Wrote her a letter from Baltemore and likewise one to Mr. Parks congratulateing them on there Intended Union which he sayes he makes no dout will be a very happy one, Lawrence was here at the time that Mr. Parks firs spoke to Harriot on the subject and I beg'd of him to make all the inquire he could but never hard from him untill the letter I have mention'd here and concluded from that he had Inquired and was well Pleas'd, when Mr. Parks ask'd my consent I told him I had nothing to say to it that you ware the Person to be appli'd to, I have never concern'd myself with it I think Harriot is Old Enougf now to make choice for her self, and if they are not happy I believe it will be her one falt, he bars the Best caracter of any young Person that I know.

   I now my Dear Brother have to thank you for your good intention of sending me a mule if you had any to spear, but had no write to Expect you to Disfirnish your self.

   I am mutch obliged to you for your invitasion to Mount Vernon but it is utterly out of my Power to get up, I believe I wrote to you last fall that I had but two old Horses and in Tenn word left out from that my stable was broken open and the best of them carri'd of and from that day to this I have not har'd a word of him that was the forth charriot Hors that I lost in Fredericks you may Believe I had no great Parsiallity for the Place, Harriot is Better and is gone to the forth of July in Town but I think she looks badly.

   My Love to you and my Sister Washington concludes me your Affectionate sister

   Betty Lewis.

   P.S.-I fear you will hardly make out this as I have a violent Headake and a horrid caugh-I believe Harriot is distressed to know how she is to be Provided with things for a Weding Dress.

9. To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 17 July 1796

   Mill Brook July 17-96

   Aunt Lewis received a letter from my dear & Honored Uncle a few days ago wherein he was pleased to send me thirty pound also a great deal of good advice which I am extremely obliged to you for and intend adhering most strictly to it.

   Believe me, my dear Uncle, my heart will ever with the liveliest gratitude most gratefully acknowledge and remember yours and Aunt Washington's great goodness and attention to me and if my Uncle will only answer my letter and say he is not offended at my Union (which took place yesterday, Aunt Lewis's going immediately to Berkley to stay untill the fall &: finding it not convenient to carry me with her wished us married before she went), I shall be happy for after my dear Uncle's protection & kindness towards me I should be a most miserable being to reflect that I had displeas'd my greatest friend.

   I shall take the liberty of troubleing my Uncle to return my thanks to Aunt Washington for the earings she sent me from Philadelphia which I received but a week ago from Berkley. Aunt Lewis is much mended 8c intends answering your letter by the next post. Aunt Lewis joins me in love to you and Aunt Washington.

   I am my dear and Honor'd Uncle
   Your affectionate neice
   Harriot Parks

10. George Washington to Harriot (Washington) Parks

    Mount Vernon 22d July 1796

    Dear Harriot,

    The last Post brought me your letter of the 17 [inserted: th instant] informing me of your Marriage the preceding day [inserted: with Mr. Parks].

    Far from being displeased at the event, I offer you my congratulations thereon; and sincerely wish it may prove [struck: a] [inserted: the] source of continual happiness to you. Much [inserted: of this] depends on your [strikeout] [inserted: own disposition] [inserted: on] a prudent deportment towards your husband; and [inserted: on] the accomodation of your views to his circumstances. If the first are more extensive than the latter, it will involve both of you in difficulties; perhaps [inserted: in] ruin. Always keep the old adage in remembrance - ''Take your measure according to your cloth" and do not, because you may see others do so, (some because their fortunes enable them, and others because they are excited to it by vanity) endulge yourself either in dress, or a mode [2] of living that will [inserted: be] produc [struck: e] [inserted: tive of] embarrassmt.

    Having much company in the house, [struck: I shall only] [inserted: at prest. I have time only to] add, that your Aunt, & Nelly Custis unite with me in best wishes for the happiness [inserted: & prosperity] of your self & Mr. Parks; and that if it shd. suit his business at any time, to make a visit here, while we are at home we should be glad to see you both at Mount Vernon. With great regard I remain - Your Affecte. Uncle

    Go: Washington

11. To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Parks, 10 October 1806

    Sir,

    Altho' I have not the honor to be personally known to you, the circumstance of Mr. Purviance's death the late Collector of this Port, has induced me to venture upon the liberty of addressing you, and to solicit You for the appointment.-I have the pleasure to be acquainted with Mr. Madison and I beg leave to refer You to him for his opinion of me.-It has so happened that I have never had the happiness to be known to you, though I presume you are acquainted with Mrs. Parks's connexions generally. -I flatter myself that if it should be necessary, I can produce from this place, satisfactory testimonials of my character and qualifications for the Office.-And if I am so fortunate as to obtain from Your goodness, this very especial mark of your favour, I will endeavour, by the correctness of my deportment, and integrity in the discharge of the duties appertaining to the Office; to merit your approbation, and to give general satisfaction to the public.-

    Mrs. Parks desires to be respectfully remembered to you. &

    I am Sir, with infinite respect Yr. very Obt. Hbl. Servt.

    Andw. Parks

12. To James Madison from Andrew Parks, 14 March 1807

    Baltimore 14th. March 1807

    Dr. Sir.

    The Schooner Three Sisters from Madeira has arrived. She has two pipes of Wine for you, addressed by Murdoch Yuille Wardrop & Co. to me by the direction of Judge Washington.

    I sent you their Letter the other day which came via Norfolk. Be pleased to direct me in what manner you would wish I should forward you the Wine. With respectful Compls. to Mrs. Madison I am yr. very Obt. Hle Sert.

    Andrw. Parks

13. To James Madison from Andrew Parks, 26 March 1807

    Baltimore 26th. March 1807

    Dear Sir,

    I shall send one of your Pipes of Wine to Fredericksburg by the first safe Vessel going there, directed according to your instruction to the care of Mr. Stone. The other you will receive by the Alexa. Packet Capt. Wilkison.

    Before I received your Letter, I had Entered your Wine, with some others that came in the same Vessel and Bonded for the duties, which are Payable in twelve months. I have inclosed you a copy of the Entry for yours, which you will please qualify for at the Collectors Office in your district, at any convenient time [wi]thin the year, and return it to me. It's requisite I should [deliv]er it to the Collector here, to cancel an Agents Bond it [was] necessary for me to give. With respectfu l Compts. to Mrs. Madison, I am yr very Obt. Hbl. Servt.

    Andw. Parks

    [NOTE: a pipe of wine is about 145 gallons]

14. To James Madison from Andrew Parks, 25 February 1808

    Baltimore 25th: February 1808

    Dear Sir,

    I have herewith inclosed you an acct. of the duties, Insurance, freight, and other expences attending your two Pipes of Wine.

    Let me request the favor of you to qualify to the Entry I sent you, before the Collector at Geo: Town, or Alexa., and return it me as soon as your convenience will permit, it being necessary very shortly, I should produce it to the collector here, to cancel my Agents Bond. With respectful compliments to Mrs. Madison, I am Dr. Sir Yr. very Obt. Hbl. Servt.

    Andw. Parks

15. To Thomas Jefferson from Andrew Parks, 6 April 1808

    Baltimore 6th. April 1808

    Sir,

    Having on a former occasion had the honor to address you, as an applicant for the appointment of Collector of this Port; When the Office became vacant at the death of Mr. Purviance.- The death of Mr. Christie has induced me again, to take the liberty of renewing my solicitation.- And if you should think me worthy of this mark of your favor, and approbation; I shall endeavour to deserve it, in estimating properly the importance, & responsibility of the Office, and by the stricktest integrity in the discharge of its duties; to give general satisfaction to the Public.-

    I am Sir with very great respect Yr. Obt. Hbe. Servt.

    Andw. Parks

16. Andrew Parks to James Madison, 22 January 1824

    Kanawha County Virga. 22nd. Jany. 1824

    Dear Sir,

    While John Payne Todd Esqr. was at the French Seminary at Baltimore, he contracted an account with me in the Store I Kept there at the time. Soon after the articles were had, I left Balte., and moved to the Western Country-Since which time, I have not had the pleasure to hear from Mr. Todd. I have herewith taken the liberty to inclose you the account, with a request, if it should not materially interfere with your convenience, to have it adjusted for me with Mr. Todd; who I am persuaded will recognize the items of the account, and pay me though it has been of so long standing. Permit me to ask the favour of you to write me on the subject of the a/c, and direct to me at the Kanawha Saline Post office. With sincere regards to Mrs. Madison I am Dear Sir very respectfully Yr. Obt. Servt.

    Andw Parks

17. Andrew Parks to James Madison, 1 November 1826

    Burning Spring 1st. Novr. 1826

    Dear Sir,

    I have been for some time expecting to get a letter from Mr. J. P. Todd, on the subject of my little a/c against him, a copy of which I sent you. Since your letter to me; I met with Mr. Jno. Payne in Clarksburg, he stated that until you recd. my letter, you supposed Mr. Todd had been furnished with what clothes he wanted from the French Seminary. As it respects Mr. Todd, I think this was not the case; Mrs. Madison wrote to my wife, and requested her to pay attentions to her son, and see that he was supplied with such things as he stood in need of. For some time Mr. Todd was in the habit of buying such articles as he wanted out of my Store, and when he recd. money from Washington, he always Paid me. I am therefore under the persuasion, that he got scarcely any clothes from the Priests, except the Uniform of the Seminary. I left Balte. very soon after Mr. Todd got the articles in the a/c I sent you, which leads me to conclude is the reason the a/c was not paid by him as it was usual with him to do, upon his getting money from Washington. If Mr. Todd would do me the favor to send me the amt. of the a/c, it would be a very great accomodation to me, in my present circumstances. I regret to be, the occasion of giving you so much trouble about this matter-Be pleased to excuse it, for I assure you, were it not that I am in a straight for money, I should not think of plagueing you with the subject of an old a/c. With respects to Mrs. Madison I am Dr Sir very respectfully yr obt. Servt.

    Andw Parks

The drift of all these letters is the civility and courtesy shown in the writings. Whether closely related or virtually strangers, each salutation and valediction are expressions of respect and sincerity. While we tend not to send hand written letters, this is unfortunate choice we make. I asked a recent speaker to my student organization meeting how many hand-written thank you notes he had received in his 30 year career. He responded:

"Three. And I hired two of the three people who wrote them."

So, the lesson is that if you really wish to leave an impression on a potential employer, hand write the "thank you" note. It will stand out.

As most of us now only use e-mails peppered with leet (or l33t) such as: omg, lol, 2d4, d00d, ttfn, etc., l33t DOES NOT rise to the same level of elegance and respect demonstrated in the passages above. If you must be modern, you might show a little class and try signing off with this:

YMHOS

Your reader will have to look it up. It will make them think. Or just spell it out:

I remain Dear reader,
    Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant

        parks