"In letter writing as in conversation it will be found that those who substitue the design of distinguishing themselves for that of giving pleasure to those whom they address must ever fail. Having decided upon what is proper to be said accustom yourself to express it in the best possible manner. Always use the words that most exactly correspond with the ideas you mean to express. There are fewer synonymous words in our language than is generally supposed, as you will find in looking over your Dictionary. It was been remembered upon as a great excellence of General Washington's writings that no one could substitute a single word which could so well express his meaning. I have heard that at for seven years of his life he never wrote without having his Dictionary before him." - Major Dulany of Maryland
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