5 MAY 1928, Page 19

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—I was brought up

by my grandfather, who was born 1802, to regard " I am, &e.," as a vulgarism only less gross than " yours, &c." He allowed that " &c." might properly be used after "I have, Sir," as a permissible contraction of the ceremonious " I hive, Sir, the honour to be your obedient servant," but would have had it restricted to this particular use.—Wherefore, have, Sir, &c., W. K. S.