CHAPTER V.

THE WOMEN.

THE Condition of women is in all countries a matter of great interest, since it is indicative of the state of civilization and happiness of the men. It is only in countries highly civilized that women are placed in their proper station, and treated as they deserve. In the savage state, they are regarded as beasts of burden; in a semicivilized state, they are often valued only as ministers of sensual gratification. During the chivalrous ages, they were idolized, but assuredly not made so happy as in a more advanced state of society. It is only when women are treated as rational beings, when neither brutal neglect nor idolatrous submission are shown in the behaviour of men, that their virtues expand and produce all that harmony and decorum, without which life is like a garden overrun with weeds and wild-flowers, having few charms and no fragrance. The women in America are less influential than they should be, the reason for which is, that they are brought up with too much re

serve.

Modesty and retiredness are however such great charms in the female character, that I shall give my objections with caution and I hope with suitable diffidence. In the United States it necessarily happens, that by far the greater part of the community have but little leisure. It is therefore very desirable that those hours which a young man can call his own, should be employed in cultivating his mind, and moulding his disposition to what is amiable. Now both these objects are promoted by an acquaintance with educated young women. The desire of pleasing operates so powerfully, that a youth possessing the advantage of their acquaintance, soon learns to apply to mental improvement lest they should despise him for his ignorance. The development of his faculties is attended by an improvement of manners, and the improvement of manners produces a correspondent improvement of temper and disposition. Of course, I do not mean that these are the invariable results, but that the causes are adequate to their production. But owing to the restraint imposed on females in America, it is seldom that a young man is fortunate enough to enjoy their society without being suspected of more than common friendship. Of this, I was myself an instance. When at New York I became acquainted with the

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family of a merchant in whose society I took great delight, and knowing that my intimacy with them must soon cease, I was their frequent visiter. But what was my surprise when I was one day informed by a gentleman, that it was reported on 'change that I was likely to marry one of them before I embarked for England! A similar report was raised of an English gentleman resident at Washington, though a mutual friend of the parties told me that he believed neither of them had any idea of such a thing. Now it is evident that if a greater degree of freedom were allowed, reports of this nature would not so often occur to check familiar intercourse. It may be said, that the intimacy and love subsisting between brothers and sisters, are quite sufficient to produce all the good, without any of the disadvantages, of the greater freedom I am advocating. To this I reply, that invaluable as is the company of sisters to a young man, it seldom produces that spirit of improvement which I have mentioned as the consequence of a more extended acquaintance with the female Sisters may correct faults and foibles in their brothers, but they cannot so easily produce in them a captivating grace. A young man is satisfied with the esteem and affection of his sisters, but likes to be admired by other young la

sex.

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dies; and without the desire to please be excited in early life, the attempt in a subsequent period, generally proves a partial failure.

In all places of public resort, except those of amusement where the company is select, the American ladies are chary both in their deportment and language. The practice of conversing freely and instantaneously as the French do, with persons who are entire strangers, is what shocks their ideas of female delicacy and reserve. But in their own private circles, they are as communicative and free as can be desired. Though they have not the enthusiasm of the Irish, nor the sprightliness of the French, they are exceedingly to be admired, as they possess in a supereminent degree, that softness which throws so much grace over feminine actions, and when united with good sense makes the strongest impression on the heart. Another trait, and a most interesting one it is, is the confidence they repose on those with whom they are familiar. They manifest no desire to conceal under the garb of affectation, that warmth of heart which women in every country but France are said to possess. What is much to their credit, they will without hesitation, when a topic is introduced of which they chance to be ignorant, request in-`

formation in the most artless manner. This renders them very fascinating. A French girl thinks herself qualified to say something on every point: an English girl does not like to talk on subjects she does not understand, but will not ask for information, lest she should betray her ignorance: an American girl will confess her ignorance, and desire to be put in possession of such materials as may enable her to talk. There is no difficulty in deciding which of the three act most conformably to reason, and become in consequence the most agreeable. Certain it is, that Europeans from different countries concur in admitting that no ladies are more captivating than the American. A German in Philadelphia with whom I was conversing respecting them, spoke quite in raptures of their amiability, and told me he believed I should not leave the country without taking a wife home with me, a point however in which he happened to be mistaken. And yet, I believe few women make better wives; all of them being, as far as I could ascertain, instructed in domestic management, a very commendable regulation; for a woman who knows not how to superintend the concerns of her houshold, is like a watch without its hands, deficient in that which is indispensable to usefulness. If in any part of the country, this is neglected, it is in the Slave States. The rich