April 27, 1921 from Theodore Gegoux (1850 - 1931) to grandson Victor C. Gegoux (1910-1993)
Aurora, Oregon
Dear Victor,
I take it for granted that you are desirous to improve your handwriting. So I have been fixing up a pen for you. The kind that I think is best for finewriting, this letter is written with the pen I here with enclosed. When I want to write real fine I use the same type of pen i.e. Joseph Gillott's Double Elastic No. 604 E.F. (if you look sharp you may see that inscription on the pen) and I sharpen the point a little on each side but not on the top or under the point, for that would spoil the little channel which lets the ink flow to the point and on to the paper when it forms a contact.
Of course, with a pen so sharpened, one cannot write except very fine lines and no shadeing must be attempted for the reason that the pen is so sharp that it sticks to the paper. Now in regard to the ink, you have your father buy a bottle of Higgens Eternal Black ink, the 10 cents is for that.
I presume that you know about the position of the hand &&&. But there is one thing that the pensman has to look to that is inclination of the letters thus ..... and see that each letter is of as near the same even length as it is possible to make them.
You study the way engraved cards and wedding invitations are written and you will understand. In order to acquire proficiency much practise is required, not only the letters themselves but the movement of the right forearm thus...... and practise and practise, nothing but practise willmake perfect.
* Footnote .. this letter contained many examples of hand written letters - Gegoux.com.
This letter was not signed.
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