I received your latest on the 7th inst. If you truly mean what you have said, then you should meet me at the sign of the Red Lion on the 29th inst.
My dearest son, I have at hand your letter of the 26th inst., telling of the termination of your employment. 1979, William Styron, chapter 2, in Sophie’s Choice, London: Vintage, published 2004, →ISBN, page 32:
(abbreviation, alt-of) Abbreviation of instrumental.