Letters of excuse should be frank and graceful. They must be written promptly, as soon as the occasion
that calls for them admits. If delayed, they become insulting.
If such a letter is called forth by an act of
negligence on your own part, apologize for it frankly,
and show by your tone that you sincerely desire to regain
the confidence your carelessness has periled. If
you have been obliged by positive inability to neglect
the fulfillment of any promise you have given, or any
commission you have undertaken, then state the reason
for your delay, and solicit the indulgence of your friend.
Do not write in such stiff, formal language that the
apology will seem forced from you, but offer your excuse
frankly, as if with a sincere desire to atone for an act
of negligence, or remove a ground of offense.
"The Juliet Letters" by Elvis Costello and
the Brodsky Quartet, a very polite missive.
More Polite Excuses:
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