Instead of writing ’ the following letters were received by us recently’, I wrote ‘The following letters were received to us recently.’
Is that wrong grammatically?
Yes.
sent to
recieved by
This is passive voice, the correct preposition is BY.
Hi David
I’d also recommend placing the word “recently” in front of “received”:
-
The following letters were recently received by us.
.
But why?
.
Do you prefer it separated from the verb, and following the agent, Molly?
.
I’m not sure where I prefer it, but I think you should at least explain when you recommend something.
Don’t you know about the “gut feeling” that native speakers hinge on in their suggestions?
Language doesn’t always demand logic. Some things cannot be explained. Moreover, when you speak you don’t concentrate on grammar, you concentrate on what you say/ask.
P.S.: I understand Amy’s choice because in my native language I would use the same word order in this case.
Sounds as if you want a rule.
That detailed explanation seems to rule out any and all use of “sent by”.
I hope you know that “sent by” is also grammatically possible. 
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No just an extended opinion. Have you got one?
In the above context?
<<Instead of writing ’ the following letters were received by us recently’, I wrote *‘The following letters were sent by us recently.’>>
I think not, A.
These are:
‘The following letters were received by us recently.’
‘The following letters were sent to us recently.’