Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

Elizabeth White of New York City wrote 3 letters to Jane Curtis, a friend in Stratford, Connecticut, in 1845 and 1847. She discussed courtship and relationships between men and women, social news, upcoming marriages, and other topics.

Elizabeth White of New York City wrote 3 three-page letters to Jane Curtis, a friend in Stratford, Connecticut, on March 17, 1845; November 1, 1845; and November 14, 1847. She often discussed her social activities, including calls made and received, a trip to Long Island with a group of other young adults, and engagements such as balls and parties. In each of her letters, White commented on relationships between men and women, differences between the length and intent of men's and women's social calls, and gender roles before and during the marriage. After hearing that Curtis had found a potential suitor, White encouraged her friend to be cautious, sharing the story of a friend who had married only to discover that her new husband already had a wife who lived nearby. Her final letter, which largely pertains to the women's upcoming weddings, includes a description of her wedding dress.