To express in the very fewest words, clearly and unmistakably, our exact meaning, is what is most desirable in messages of this sort. Telegraphic correspondence is somewhat expensive, enough so, at least, to make the reduction of the cost to a minimum, something of an object to all.

In writing telegrams it is well to observe the following:

1. Write out in full what you wish to communicate. Don’t hurry. Write plainly.

2. Read your message carefully, and erase all unnecessary words. Copy it as corrected, and sign your full name, if a business telegram. Keep the first corrected draft. [The street and number of the sender may be given under the signature without extra cost.]

A young man leaves his home in San Francisco to attend a medical college in New York City. He promises his mother to telegraph he immediately on his arrival there, giving her an idea of the institution and place, the attendance at that season, and the patronage coming from their own section. He writes his message thus:

NEW YORK, June 24, 1880.

MRS. LAURA WOODWARD,

281 California Street, San Francisco, Cal.

DEAR MOTHER:—I arrived here safe this morning, and like the place. The school is full, many from our coast. I will write you a letter to-day.

HARRY.

27 / Pd.

He reads over the telegram and hands it to the operator; the latter counts the words and says, “Three dollars and ninety-five cents.” [Note: the dollar in 1880 was worth approximately nineteen times its year-2002 value: $3.95 was the equivalent of $75.50!. No wonder Gaskell emphasizes extreme brevity.]

He concludes that telegrams are expensive, and writes another:

NEW YORK, June 24, 1880.

MRS. LAURA WOODWARD,

281 California Street, San Francisco, Cal.

Arrived safe. Like place. School full; many from coast. Letter to-day.

HARRY.

11 / Pd.

This, he is informed, will cost him just two dollars and thirteen cents [$40.47].

An Agent Telegraphs for Books.

CHICAGO, JUNE 24, 1880.

E. B. T.REAT,

757 Broadway, New York.

Please send me by very first express one hundred (100) more copies of the Gaskell’s Compendium of Forms. Am out and customers are waiting. Hurry them forward. Will pay when they arrive.

GEORGE H. WOOD, Agent,

241 State street.

The above telegram contains thirty-four words, for which he pays one dollar and twenty-two cents [$23.18]. It could have been compressed info fewer words, expressing the same things, as below:

CHICAGO, JUNE 24, 1880.

E. B. T.REAT,

757 Broadway, New York.

Send first express C.O.D. one hundred Laws and Forms.

GEORGE H. WOOOD, Agent,

241 State street.

This costs fifty-three cents [$10.07].

To a Lady Friend.

MILWAUKEE, WIS., JUNE 24, 1880.

MISS EMILY HENDERSON,

246 West Twenty-sixth street, New York.

Your mother is very sick, and not expected to live. She wants you to come immediately.

HARRIET J. CLINTON.

The charge for the above would be one dollar and twenty-eight cents [$24.32]; and for the following but sixty cents [$11.40].

MILWAUKEE, WIS., JUNE 24, 1880.

MISS EMILY HENDERSON,

246 West Twenty-sixth street, New York.

Your mother very ill.  Come on immediately.  Is very low.

HARRIET J. CLINTON.

As ten words cost the same as a less [sic] number, the last three are added.

Exercises.

1. Write a telegram, not exceeding ten words, ordering of J. C. Bryant, 208 Main street, Buffalo, N.Y., 6 rosewood parlor suits [sic] and to draw at 30 days for same.

2. One containing ten words or less to secure a stateroom on steamer “New York,” leaving New York Tuesday evening from Pier 40, North River.