Letter of introduction

The letter of introduction, along with the visiting card, was an important part of polite social interaction in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It remains important in formal situations, such as an ambassador presenting his or her credentials (a letter of credence), and in certain business circles.

It was important to observe the niceties of etiquette in requesting, writing and presenting such letters, in such matters as the quality of the paper used, and whether it would be delivered unsealed to allow the requesting party to read it.

As to this gentleman, I must refer you to himself for his character and merits, with which he is certainly better acquainted than I can possibly be.

I recommend him, however, to those civilities which every stranger of whom one knows no harm has a right to; and I request you will do him all good offices.