Essay, [ca. 1850-1860?].

  1. Resources
  2. View Resource

ArchivalResource

Essay, [ca. 1850-1860?].

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/122598952

This unbound manuscript by an unidentified, presumably male author documents many aspects of middle class and upper class life in mid-19th century America. The presumably well-educated writer closely scrutinizes philosophies, manners, and customs of Americans, particularly noting characteristics of mannerisms as designated by geography, religion, and social status. The author compares the New England style of living to the Southern style of living, commenting that the Carolinians and Virginians carry on a "Baronial style of living...only slightly modified from the Europeans" whereas the New Englander is a "representative of a new nation...[possessing] the spirit of enterprise and improvement...[with a] sense of personal relations to fellow men and an individual responsibility to God." He also describes upper middle class philosophies on education, particularly boarding schools and their curricula. Numerous comments on the social aspects of fashions are present. Particularly noted are women's clothing fashions and the "vast distinction" between religion and "public worship;" the former being the "best interests of the soul" and the latter being the fashion conscious worshippers with "gilt-edged Bibles, Brussels carpet" in the chapel, and an array of fine carriages parked in front of the church. The author comments on various professions, including law and medicine, the latter of which he chides for lack of interest in scientific investigation. He also attacks literary figures for their lack of good writing and describes them as "lions of the metropolis with a profusion of matted and tangled hair, and of questionable morals; this will ensure their works a place upon the parlor tables of the elite." The essay closes with a lengthy description of the continuous debates between Senators Daniel Webster and John C. Calhoun.

1 vol. (30 p.) ; 32 cm.

Winterthur Library

Information

SNAC Resource ID: 6783200

Winterthur Library

Related Entities

There are 2 Entities related to this resource.

Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6s865sc (person)

Daniel Webster (January 18, 1782 – October 24, 1852) was an American lawyer and statesman who represented New Hampshire and Massachusetts in the U.S. Congress and served as the U.S. Secretary of State under Presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore. As one of the most prominent American lawyers of the 19th century, he argued over 200 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court between 1814 and his death in 1852. During his life, he was a member of the Federalist Party, the Nati...

Calhoun, John C. (John Caldwell), 1782-1850

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6rp3z99 (person)

John Caldwell Calhoun (March 18, 1782 – March 31, 1850) was an American statesman and political theorist from South Carolina who served as the seventh vice president of the United States from 1825 to 1832. He is remembered for strongly defending slavery and for advancing the concept of minority states' rights in politics. He did this in the context of protecting the interests of the white South when its residents were outnumbered by Northerners. He began his political career as a nationalist, mo...