This word is sometimes appended to the name of an addressee, implying that the latter is in town. About thirty years ago, an American musician, being in London, sent some concert tickets to an address, expecting payment, for which, upon refusal, he sued. He added the word “Present”; and the judge decided that the tickets must be considered as a gift.
1816. St. Louis, Nov. 15, 1816. Charles Lucas addressed Mr. Benton as “T. H. Benton Present.”—W. M. Meigs, ‘Life of Benton,’ p. 106 (1904).
1835. Letter addressed to “Hon. D. Crockett, Present.”—‘Col. Crockett’s Tour,’ p. 179 (Phila.).
1857. [Address,] ‘To Midshipman John Jenkins, U.S.N.: Present.’—Knick. Mag., l. 455 (Nov.).
