Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-10-06
THE MATRIMONIAL MANIA.
Letters Received by a Wicked Old Bach
eIOr Who Advertised for a Wife.
Baltimore Bulletin.l

Baltimore Bulletin.l
By George, you fellows are always
bobbing around when not expected" :"
What's the matter? What's up p"
Look at these letters, will you !!
But never mind. Come, light a pipe
and draw up a chair; I've something
to tell you. There, that's it; now read
this.
1t was a narrow strip from a news
paper, which read as follows
Personal. "A young gentleman
from the South would ike to make
the acquaintance of lady of refine
ment, with a view to matrimony. Ad-
dress -, Sun office.
The advertisement is yours, sup
pose?"
Yes. / have frequently seen such
notices in the papers, but never until
within the past few days knew that
women were so green. But what min
nies some women are. One insertion
produced over fifty letters. Some of
them are from ladies meying in the
bestsociety Of the city, but the major
ity are from sentimental school girls,
widows, old maids, those bordering on
old maidenhOod and anxious mothers
Now, here is one" (stooping over and
picking a letter from the pile on the
fiOor) from a young lady bubbling
over with sentiment. Listen:
Dear Sir-In answer to your ad.
vertisement in this mornings Sun.
would state that | should be greatly
pleased to make your acquaintance
l presume you are a gentleman, or
should not have written to you; a lady
always must be particular in regard tc
her suitOrs, so will please excuse my
cautious letter. Our family is one Of
the +. +. V.'s, who have resided in
Baltimore but short time. Regard
ing myself | would say that | am a
blonde, and am young and have good
manners and education. / am not. by
any means, homely. If you conclude
to think favorable of this letter, you
will please follow instructions. | re-
side on the east side of - street,
between - and - streets.
AT four o'clock tomorrow after
noon you will please walk on our side of
the street, and stand on the corner by
the drug store until | come to the
front door, then walk to our door.
You will know me, as will be dressed
in a black silk, and will have a hand
kerchief in my hand. In order that
l may fully recognize you, it will be
necessary for you to carry cane, or if
raining an umbrella, round the handle
of the same have wrapped a white
handkerchief, but to a certain extent
keep it covered with your hand, as
you might attract public attention.
You will also wear a button hole
bouquet Of red flowers in the lapel of
your coat. My reason for asking you
to follow instruction is that Ma and
Pa only allow me to become acquaint-
ed by introduction. If they knew
that became acquainted with a gen
tleman in this manner they would be
greatly incensed at my seemingly
strange conduct. When you see me
at the door address me as Alice, then
the recognition will be mutual. We
can then exchange full names, and |
will invite you in, and am sure you
will receive pleasant welcome. Re-
spectfully.'
" Well, what do you think of that 4?
Did you ever hear of girl more anx-
ious to be married2 Her ma and pa
ought to be informed of it"
" Here's one of quite a different
kind. Shall | read it2 Well, here
goes
Dear Sir. l noticed your adver-
visement in the Sun Paper wishing to
form the acquaintance off a Lady. /
am a widow without any incum-
brances, and as l have but few Gen
tleman acquaintances would be happy
to form your acquaintance with the
view you propose. am about twenty
eight years off age, am off good Family
and well educated, and considered
prepossessing in appearance. Please
answer and give some information
about yourself. Address
Mrs EMILY -
~ Baltimore Poste office.
psf you should answer this.
please give some name, as they do not
receive initials at the Post Office
May her membranes never in
crease Here's another of the same
kind:
g. Respected Sir: | would be pleased
to form your Acquaintance. | am
a widow, and very lonely, and would
like some one to help me vile away
a lonely hour. Ifyou think you would
like to meet me, you can do so by ad
dressing Mrs. B..
There, Mr.. Reporter | think is
your opportunity. The widow would
just suit you. You may answer and
vile away an hour or two with your
self If you wish.
This one is from a dashing young
lady with evidently but one purpose
in view. See how she strikes the key
note:
Wtn O.. @