In the Regency era, ending a letter involved selecting a formal closing phrase followed by a signature, and then securing the folded letter for mailing using either sealing wax or wafers.
Letter closings in the Regency period, which roughly spanned from 1811 to 1820, were highly formal and depended on the relationship between the correspondents and the writer's social standing. Unlike modern letters, there was a strict hierarchy of phrases used to convey respect and affection.
Common Closing Phrases
The choice of closing phrase indicated the degree of familiarity and respect. Here are some typical examples:
- Most Formal/Respectful: "I have the honour to be, Sir/Madam, your most obedient humble servant,"
- Formal: "I remain, Sir/Madam, your obedient servant,"
- Less Formal (but still polite): "I am, Sir/Madam, your humble servant," or "Yours faithfully,"
- To superiors or those of higher rank: "I am, Sir/Madam, with the greatest respect, your most obedient, humble servant,"
- To family or close friends (still somewhat formal by modern standards): "Yours affectionately," or "Yours ever,"
After the closing phrase, the writer would sign their name.
Sealing the Letter
Once the letter was written and folded into its own envelope (as separate envelopes were not commonly used), it needed to be sealed shut. The method of sealing varied based on cost and importance, as highlighted by historical practices.
According to historical accounts:
- Letters were folded to form an envelope.
- They were sealed shut using either sealing wax or wafers.
- Wafers made of flour and gum were the least expensive option. A person would lick the wafer to stick the paper shut.
- Sealing wax was a more elegant and costly alternative. It provided a tamper-evident seal for documents.
| Sealing Method | Cost | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Wafers (Flour and Gum) | Less expensive | Common for everyday correspondence |
| Sealing Wax | More expensive | Used by those who could afford it; provided a tamper-evident seal |
Sealing wax often bore an imprint from a signet ring or stamp, adding a personal touch and further indicating whether the letter had been opened. Wafers, while practical, lacked this level of security and elegance.
In summary, ending a Regency letter involved a carefully chosen formal closing phrase, a signature, and securing the folded letter with either an affordable wafer or more expensive sealing wax.
