| Citation |
CJ-B.778.024
30 Jul 1778:11 (114)
From a late Philadelphia paper. [Letter describing the
physical changes in Philadelphia since the British
occupation, and then:] . . . The enemy introduced new
fashions, and made old vices more common; the former are the
most absurd, ridiculous, preposterous you can conceive; I
can give no description which will convey an adequate idea
of them; so far as they concern the gentlemen, that appear
to be principally confined to the hatt, which is now
amazingly broad-brimmed, and cocked very sharp. [24 lines,
discussing new fashions worn by men and women.] . . . Indeed
many people do not hesitate in supposing that most of the
young ladies who were in the city with the enemy, and wear
the present fashionable dresses, have purchased them at the
expense of their virtue. It is agreed on all hands, that
the British officers played the devil with the girls; the
privates, I suppose, were satisfied with common prostitutes.
Last Saturday an imitation of the mis chianza, with which
General Howe was honor'd, was humbly attempted; --a noted
strumpet was paraded through the streets with her head
dressed in the modern British taste, to the no small
amusement of a vast crowd of spectators; --She acted her
part well; --to compleat the farce, there ought to have been
another lady of the same character, (as Gen. Howe had two)
and somebody to represent a British officer.
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