Thursday
17Sep2009
Origins of the phrase "Gentlemen: Yours to hand, and, In reply......."
Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 5:45PM In this context Yours means your letter, i.e., the letter you sent.
to hand means: within reach, accessible, at hand.
at hand means: within easy reach; near; close by
So the meaning would be:
- "I have received your letter and in reply to it..." ; or
- "I have your letter right here beside me (to hand, at hand), and in reply. . ."; or
- "I have your letter in hand, and I'm replying."
Credits:
Thanks to Peter Duncanson, Pat Durkin, and Wayne Schiess for providing the explanation of this formal phrase.
Note:
If you have information about the origins of the phrase, please share them as comments. Thanks.

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