Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

BECOMING AMERICA
REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE
duties which have a happy tendency to calm the jarring elements which compose
our mortal frame. Adieu.
J. BOYER.
Letter VIII
TO MR. CHARLES DEIGHTON.
NEW HAVEN.
We had an elegant ball, last night, Charles; and what is still more to the taste
of your old friend, I had an elegant partner; one exactly calculated to please my
fancy—gay, volatile, apparently thoughtless of every thing but present enjoyment.
It was Miss Eliza Wharton—a young lady whose agreeable person, polished
manners, and rened talents have rendered her the toast of the country around
for these two years; though for half that time she has had a clerical lover imposed
on her by her friends; for I am told it was not agreeable to her inclination. By this
same clerical lover of hers she was for several months conned as a nurse. But his
death has happily relieved her; and she now returns to the world with redoubled
lustre. At present she is a visitor to Mrs. Richman, who is a relation. I rst saw her
on a party of pleasure at Mr. Frazier’s, where we walked, talked, sang, and danced
together. I thought her cousin watched her with a jealous eye; for she is, you must
know, a prude; and immaculate—more so than you or I—must be the man who
claims admission to her society. But I fancy this young lady is a coquette; and if
so, I shall avenge my sex by retaliating the mischiefs she meditates against us. Not
that I have any ill designs, but only to play o her own artillery by using a little
unmeaning gallantry. And let her beware of the consequences. A young clergyman
came in at General Richman’s yesterday, while I was waiting for Eliza, who was
much more cordially received by the general and his lady than was your humble
servant; but I lay that up.
When she entered the room, an air of mutual embarrassment was evident.
The lady recovered her assurance much more easily than the gentleman. I am just
going to ride, and shall make it in my way to call and inquire after the health of my
dulcinea. Therefore, adieu for the present.
PETER SANFORD.
Letter XI
TO MR. CHARLES DEIGHTON.
NEW HAVEN.
Well, Charles, I have been manoeuvring to-day a little revengefully. That, you
will say, is out of character. So baleful a passion does not easily nd admission
among those softer ones which you well know I cherish. However, I am a mere
Proteus, and can assume any shape that will best answer my purpose.
I called this afternoon, as I told you I intended, at General Richman’s. I waited
some time in the parlor alone before Eliza appeared; and when she did appear, the
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