| Citation |
NYGWPB.765.156
7 Nov 1765:13,21 (1192)
[long letter from a young lady in town to her friend in the
country, includes near the end:]I dreamt the most frightful
dream last night that ever you heard, I can scarce think of
it without fainting; methought I went to a ball dressed in
the prettiest and richest brocade that ever your eyes
beheld, sure, (as you my dear was absent) of
carrying******all before me, and having at least half the
beaux to my share. When I found Miss---, and Miss ---, (whom
you know the gentlemen are pleased to dignify with the title
of belles) and many others dressed in homespun, surrounded
by all the prettiest fellows . . . [4 more lines] I saw
those that were in homespun placed nearer the top of the
dance, in proportion as they were frightfully clothed, and
myself addressed by the manager in these terms: You cannot
be surprised madam, that in an American assembly, we should
give the highest place to such ladies, as have the greatness
of soul, to prefer their country's interest to the vain
desire of dazzling the eyes of fools . . . [11 more lines,
signed:] Belinda.
|