You may depend upon it Polly this said Matrimony alters us mightily. I am afraid it alienates us from every one else. It is I fear the ban of Female Friendship. Let it not be with ours Polly if we should ever Marry. Farewell my love, may Heaven shower blessings on your head prays your Lucinda. (I always forget to make use of our other name.) Even so sensible and intelligent a woman as Abigail Adams corresponded under the names Diana or Portia, while her friends masqueraded as Calliope, Myra, Aspasia, and Aurelia. Wives wrote to their husbands, giving them fanciful or classical names. This of course was no new fashion. Did not Shakespeare write:-- Adoptedly--as school-maids change their name By vain though apt affection. It is evident that in spite of all the outward dignity shown in these pompous forms of address, and in a most ceremonial and reserved bearing in public, there existed in private life much rudeness of demeanor and much freedom in manner. Let me quote again from the vivacious pages of the young lady of Virginia:-- The Gentlemen dined today at Mr Massinbirds. We have supped, and the gentlemen are not returned yet. Lucy and myself are in a peck of troubles for fear they should return drunk. Sister has had our bed moved in her room. Just as we were undress’d and going to bed the Gentlemen arrived, and we had to scamper. Both tipsy! Today is Sunday. Brother was so worsted by the frolick yesterday, we did not set off today. Mr C. Washington returned today from Fredericksburg. You cant think how rejoiced Hannah was, nor how dejected in his absence she always is. You may depend upon it Polly this said Matrimony alters us mightely. Hannah and myself were going to take a long walk this evening but were prevented by the two Horred Mortals Mr Pinkard and Mr Washington, who siezed and kissed me a dozen times in spite of all the resistance I could make. They really think, now they are married, they are prevaliged to do anything....