The Southern Literary Messenger, Volume I., 1834-35Various
General
The Southern Literary Messenger, Volume I., 1834-35
Various
American literature -- 19th century -- Periodicals
This remark is applicable, as before stated, to a large proportion--to
so large a proportion, that the general rule of deference towards the
sex, which prevails to the south--can scarcely be said to prevail, in
the northern states; but those by whom, and to whom that deference is
there shown, are rather to be regarded as exceptions. A gentleman to
the north, will treat one whom he _knows_ to be a lady, with courtesy
and respect. To the south, this previous information, is not so
indispensable. We act upon a general presumption in favor of the sex.
A female with us, is treated with courtesy and respect, unless
something be known as to her character, or be apparent in her conduct,
which justifies the conclusion that she is not entitled to be so
treated.
C.
From the Fredericksburg Arena.
LETTERS FROM NEW ENGLAND.--NO. 1.
BY A VIRGINIAN.
_Northampton, Mass. July 24, 1834._
And you will positively "excommunicate" me if I do not send you "some
_first impressions_" of Yankee-land? Have at you then; though, really,
my time has been so filled with seeing and hearing, that hardly a
scrap remains to write down a hundredth part of the curious or
striking things that meet my eyes and ears.
Unusual opportunity has been afforded me for seeing various lights and
shades of Yankee character. In stage and steamboat, in jersey wagon
and on foot, on highways and by-ways, in farm houses and city palaces,
I have seen and chatted with all sorts of people, from the ---- of the
---- down to the tavern porter and the country laborer. Five days I
have spent in a pedestrian stroll, calling often at the country houses
to get a draught of water, rest myself, and talk with the farmer or
his wife. These gossipings, you may well suppose commonly produced
amusement and frequently solid information, at least solid materials
for reflection; and, considering that it is only a little more than
three weeks since my entry into New England, methinks I have a pretty
exact measure of Jonathan's foot. Yet for all this preface, do not
expect any very astounding revelations. From the thousand incidents
that, unitedly, make my tour extremely interesting to myself, it is
not certain that any one, or any dozen can be selected, which will
materially interest another person.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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