Part 5

The social relations of the great mass of the citizens of New Orleans are peculiar, and doubtless unlike any other place within the wide range of civilization. And the principles by which the intercourse in society is regulated, are strange indeed; especially to those who have been educated and taught to believe there is some meaning and worth in virtue and chastity, and that licentiousness, fornication, and adultery are crimes, if not in the sight of heaven, at least should be so considered in a moral point of view, as well as against the sacredness of the domestic circle and peace of society. But here these evils, together with the outrages of prostitution, appear to be regarded as matters that come as much within the routine of the social relations, and the open and unrestricted indulgence of the citizens, as a general thing, as any of the common civilities of life. Hence, to be openly known in the practice of these vices--as a libertine, or living in adultery, or as an excessively licentious man, does not degrade him, or make him the less favored or less respectable. In fact, there appears to be no such condition known here as adultery, fornication, or prostitution; and I doubt very much whether they have any such words in their Dictionary. To the man who is notoriously of this description it appears to give a force of character, and a degree of consequence, that commands respect and deference, that makes him the beau ideal of a fine fellow and a gentleman. The light in which these things are regarded here, and the present practice in respect to them, at an earlier day than this, would have surprised any one, but considering the character of the early settlers, it would perhaps be remarkable indeed if this had not been exhibited; for those who first came into New Orleans were mere adventurers, without attachments to home or place, and many of them without social relations or even kindred. Consequently they were creatures of circumstance, and while mingling in the varied scenes of the Mississippi valley, it would be strange indeed if they should not have met with females of the same class, and to whom they would become attached as companions. To presume otherwise would be to conclude against the experience of every age, as well as against the natural impulses of the human heart.

ILLEGITIMATE FAMILIES.

There are hundreds of men and women now living together, who have around them large families, and yet were never married. Connections of this kind exist in New Orleans to a much greater extent than is generally known. As evidence on this point, a very worthy and intelligent lady living in the Third Municipality informed me that a Methodist minister accidentally left at her house his book of record for marriages, which the law now requires every clergyman to keep. In looking it through, she found that he had married within the last two years thirty-three of her neighbors, heads of families, and many of them having children that were married, who had been living together as man and wife, and as such every one regarded them. They had been privately married to enable the children to inherit their property, as a law in Louisiana has been enacted with a view to meet these very cases.

CONCUBINAGE.

There is also another condition in the social relations, that but very few individuals could reconcile themselves to sustain. It is in supporting and having two families. There are a large number of business men from the North--captains and officers of Steam Boats, and captains of French, English, and American vessels--who spend more than half the time in this city, and many of them have families at home; yet here they have their mistresses and children, and are as much at home with them as with their lawful wives. The condition and connection of these persons together are perfectly understood, as is also the fact, with most of them, that they have another family. Yet these things are not often made a matter of others’ business, and consequently they are all “very respectable.” This class of females, to some extent, live as confidingly honest, and as strictly preserve the character of a wife, as if the man had no other attachments. And any act on her part of infidelity would be regarded as a sufficient cause of separation, and she would be discarded as readily as if they were lawfully married. Such separations often occur from jealousy, or from suspicion of attachment to another. And when a separation has actually been made, the parties appear more hostile, and manifest a more deadly hatred towards each other, than is ever witnessed in separations of those lawfully connected. And these quarrels are seldom if ever reconciled, but continue to increase with a savage hatred, that not unfrequently ends sadly to the one or the other, or to the individual who has seduced the woman from her alliance. These men who thus live in these connections are generally persons of ample means, and usually appear to be proud of the distinction of being able to support two families.

KEPT MISTRESSES.

There is another class of individuals here who have not the means to support two families. They are usually men engaged in the same business with the others, and required to be absent from the city nearly half of the time. These men have their mistresses, either white or colored, with whom they live as companions. And the regulations of these connections are that while the man is in the city, the house which the woman occupies is their home, jointly and as distinctly as if they were married; and when he is absent, the women seeks other companions, for the time being, and in doing this does not hazard the displeasure of “her husband,” as she calls him. By this liberty that she has of seeking promiscuous company, and the assistance she gets from “_her man_,” she is able to support herself in great style, and with as much ease and comfort around her as can be desired. They usually occupy a room, or suite of rooms, a parlor and bed room, that are furnished with as much elegance and splendor as money can purchase. Most of the females living in these connections have been flattered and seduced away from their homes, by glowing descriptions and representations of the pleasures and gaities and unceasing enjoyments which constitute a life in New Orleans. Connections of this character are as much a matter of contract, and the terms and conditions by which each shall be governed are as definite, as any other business transaction can be, and thus they live for years, and in many instances an attachment for each other is the result, and they finally settle down as man and wife, and often sooner or later are married, and become comparatively respectable.

EXTENT OF LICENTIOUSNESS.

The extent of licentiousness and prostitution in New Orleans is doubtless without a parallel, and probably is double that of any other place in the whole range of the civilized world. The indulgence and practice is so general and common that men do not seek to cover up their acts, or go in disguise; but in all these things, keeping their mistresses, or frequenting bed houses, and having women come to their rooms at night, they do it as openly, and as much before the eyes of the world, as any other act among the common civilities of the social circle. Some idea of the extent of prostitution and licentiousness which is exhibited on every side, can be formed from the fact that at least three-fifths of the dwellings and rooms in a large portion of the city are occupied by prostitutes, or by one or the other class of kept mistresses. Those women who are the companions of one man, and hold that position under a pledge of confidence not to seek intercourse with others, hold themselves very much above the character of prostitutes, and regard themselves as respectable; and as such many of them move in society with some degree of favor and consequence. But however true and devoted the men who keep them may think they are, not one-twentieth part of them but what have other favorites, with whom they meet, not only in their own rooms, but also at the houses of assignation. And in this same condition are living many men with their wives, in whom they have most implicit confidence; yet they have their chosen and confidential companions and friends with whom they meet, not only in their own houses, but at the rooms of assignation. Yet in doing this they are only indulging in the same course that their husbands are following, in meeting other companions in the same way and under the same circumstances. And with all these individuals, of every class, is carried out the wild rage of human passion, that is nursed and fostered by every association and connection in the social relations of New Orleans.

REGULAR PROSTITUTES.

The regular prostitutes come in at the opening of business in the fall, and return to the North in the spring as business closes, as regular as the merchant; many of them come out from New York and other northern cities under the protection of young men, a certain class of gamblers and black-legs who have long made this city their field of operation during the winter months. The prostitutes of this migratory class form the great mass of the inmates of the regular kept brothels, of which there is an immense number in the city. These houses are easily recognized, as the girls who occupy them are constantly to be seen at the doors or windows, inviting men as they pass by to come in. And in some of the principal streets in the city, just at evening, it is not unusual to see the windows and doors of almost every house as far as the eye can recognize them, filled with these girls. The municipal regulations are such that these creatures are prohibited from promenading the streets; hence they are obliged to resort to other measures to make themselves known. In view of all these abominations, doubtless the main cause of so much licentiousness, and the immense number of prostitutes, of every class and grade, is the large number of irresponsible men who frequent this place. Under such circumstances as men meet here, they almost lose their identity as responsible beings, and having no checks around them, and under no obligations to society, consequently no pride of character, they become as bold and reckless in licentiousness, as if the pall of night covered their deeds. And yet men, and _some women_ too, will come in here, and mingle in the rounds of dissipation and pollution, who before and while at home and in other associations, would shudder at the sight, and even at the very thought of deeds which they have been engaged in. Another cause that aids in promoting these evils, is the small portion of men who have families there. Probably not one in twenty is married, and if so, leaves a family at the North, and while here, entirely forgets that he has left at home a wife, who is little dreaming of the rounds of licentiousness and dissipation, that is the almost daily track of her husband. To say that there is a righteous Lot among them--these husbands of confiding wives, would be hazarding too much more than I am willing to do, in view of what I have witnessed in the conduct of men of whom better things should be expected. And thus it is, from such men, together with the thousands of transient and floating population in this city, that makes it more than a Sodom, and causes the sins of licentiousness, adultery and prostitution, to be regarded as the proper elements of society, and perfectly consistent with a respectable and moral standing in community and with the character of a gentleman. And more than this is met with here, and withal, the most astonishing exhibition of degration “in high life” that was ever witnessed.

PROSTITUTION OF WIVES.

It is in the practice of a large number of men with their wives, who visit New Orleans and spend the winter, and who to support themselves, take the round of the gay and fashionable throng, and while moving here, the wife, with a perfect understanding of the matter with her husband, suffers herself to become _seduced_, and thus falls into the arms of some dashing wild young man, who is proud of his conquest. He lavishes upon her costly presents and money, and in fact will bestow upon her any thing that she may demand, within the compass of his purse. And when he ceases to give, not unfrequently will her husband make the accidental discovery of their intimacy, and in the fearless rage of an injured and outraged husband, threaten to come down upon him with all the vengeance of Southern chivalry. And to save himself he will pay almost any sum the husband may demand. Thus she will go on, for months, making conquest after conquest, and being seduced at least by half a dozen, and with all of them, practising the most cunning and deceptive arts, charging each one to be exceedingly circumspect and cautious, so as to avoid the least suspicion in the eyes of the world and her husband. And yet, during all this time, her hands are being filled with costly and magnificent presents and money, and in fact, any thing that she may desire, while each one regards himself as the sole possessor of the _stolen fruit_! She is enabled to pursue this course, and avoid suspicion among her _favorites_ of being intimate with more than one, by meeting them at the houses of assignation. The regulations by which these houses are kept, throw around a female the most perfect security against detection that can be imagined. They usually go in disguise and often in mask, and very frequently are unknown to the men who see them there, and their name is never enquired for, as it is generally understood that none but _respectable ladies_, both married and unmarried, frequent these houses. And yet during all these love scenes, captivations and seductions, the lady and her husband are in the foremost rank of the fashionable circle, supporting a style and splendor of equipage that few can surpass or even imitate. Of those who possess this extraordinary faculty of adapting their sense of propriety to circumstances, there are many who come here as regular as the returning season, and have become so familiar and intimate with the routine of fashionable life, that they may be regarded as the principal “stars,” around which all others must circle to enable their lights to become visible to the world. These ladies are usually well educated, highly accomplished and intelligent, all of which give them a ready command of every thing that can be available in the scenes of dissipation which make up the holidays and sporting season of New Orleans. And in this round of enjoyment and gaiety, there is no place that can equal it in lowering the moral sense, and prostrating every virtuous impulse, and creating in the feelings of almost every person, male and female, a light estimate of a life of fidelity and chastity between the sexes, not only among the married but the unmarried. Thus it is, the moulding of all these things is done by those who, for their own gratification, arrange all the rules of social intercourse to favor their own seductive schemes and plots. Hence, the manner and style of dress are always of that character to present and expose the charms of the female form, and are in every respect calculated to present them to the consideration of the other sex, as not being very modest or reserved. Under such circumstances, a ready familiarity is produced, which is increased by her more familiar conversation and ready intimacy, and all designed and tending directly to the accomplishment of her purpose. And here it is, into this circle, are thrown the virtuous and unsuspecting visiters who come into this city for pleasure and pastime, and if they can pass through and come out unsullied, and as pure in mind and as chaste in their sense of propriety and as virtuous in feeling as when they entered, they will hereafter be perfectly secure against the vices and contaminations of the world. But those who do so are few indeed; for they must be more than “Cesar’s wife,” that can enter these enchanting scenes, where every thing they come in contact with is an appeal to the passions, and not a thought or an expression do they hear, but what is calculated to betray and seduce, and forever banish the purest impulses of the heart.

FASHIONABLE LADIES.

I come now to another singular demonstration, to be met with only in New Orleans. It is a circle of “_fashionable ladies_,” who occupy a position in society only a step below the leaders among the “upper ten thousand.” They are also girls of excellent education, of superior accomplishments, and of great personal beauty, and present a combination of all the charms that can make a female attractive. There are quite a large number of them here, and they occupy no mean position in point of influence and condition in the circle of society. By their course of life they have amassed large fortunes, and are living in a style that few can imitate. Their dwellings and every thing around them, are of the greatest comfort and ease; and every thing they can desire, in servants, horses and carriages, is at their command. They have brought themselves into this position by their superior charms and attractions, in being able to select their companions from among the rich and reckless young men, who annually come down here to learn the ways of the world. In their intercourse in society they claim to be entirely above the common herd of prostitutes, and regard themselves quite respectable. The reigning belle, at the present time, among them, is a girl from Louisville, Kentucky. And in all that can render a female beautiful, attractive and charming, she doubtless presents more in form and features that captivates the beholder, than was ever before met with in a human being. In addition to all these combinations, the splendor of her costume, when in full dress--the display of costly diamonds and jewels, together with her artful and winning smiles and transcendent beauty, strike the beholder with an awe that banishes from the mind every idea that he is in the presence of and looking upon a corrupt and vicious being, whose whole current of life has been one continued stream of pollution and death. It is so unnatural that a being of such mould, angelic in form and expression, and with a mind of superior caste flashing out from every glance, should stand before you with every impulse and every attribute of the soul prostrated to the most venal and debasing practices that sicken and disgust the moral sensibilities. And yet at her shrine, and in her wake, are found the rich and exalted in society, who are proud and even boast that they have been her companions, and being thus favored is a climax in “_fashionable life_,” which they regard as a distinguished honor. And here she moves, a being that attracts more attention, and is followed by more eyes, and with a longer gaze, when she walks or rides out, than any prince or princess that moves in royal sphere. It is said that her jewelry and diamonds, in finger-rings, ear-jewels, and breast pins, and wristlets, and gold chains, and watch, are worth upwards of thirty-five thousand dollars. And these have all been lavished upon her by those who have fallen within the circle of those seductive charms, that, serpent-like, never miss their victim.

AMALGAMATION.

I come now to another, and I believe the most extraordinary exhibition of degradation to which human nature can be reduced; and here I would gladly pass it by, and if it were possible, I would forever conceal from my countrymen, not only this complete annihilation from the human breast of every particle of self-respect that keeps man above the brute, but the most blighting and damning national disgrace that was ever exhibited. It is the connections that are formed between white men and colored women who are slaves. Individuals there are, of the first _respectability_, who take for their bed companions not only the Quadroon, but those of darker hue, and frequently those of the blackest shade, and live with them as with a wife, and by whom they have large families. As an instance of this kind, the late collector of the port of New Orleans, a man who was the recipient of government favor, and receiving a salary of six thousand dollars a year, has lived for years with a mulatto woman, by whom he has had six children; and finally becoming displeased with her in the fall of 1847, he discarded her, and since has taken for his companion one of his own slaves, who is as black as charcoal. Another instance: One of the first lawyers in the city, a man of transcendent powers of eloquence and ability, has had for his bed companion for the last four years a black woman, a slave that he hires, and pays her master fifteen dollars a month. Another lawyer, a native of New York, and brother of one of the most distinguished judges in the State, had for his bed companion a mulatto girl for seven years. During this time he was paying his addresses to a highly accomplished young lady in the city, and last winter was married to her. His new _white companion_ of course required him to discard his black one. After he was married, the poor discarded slave who had been his devoted companion for years, and had watched and nursed him through long and dreary nights of sickness, and whose very soul was the living embodiment of woman’s pure affection, became a raving maniac. She rushed in all the horrors of her madness to the River, and attempted to drown herself, yet was saved by a flash of returning reason that came over her, and she was thus left another living monument of the deep and damning shame that should forever follow him, who has thus outraged every moral impulse of the human soul. And it will follow him, although not in pointing the finger of scorn at him as he walks the streets, for he has not violated any of the conventional rules of the moral sense of the community in which he lives. But in his own conscience and heart will he find an image, that when he calls it up before him, will change the warm current of his blood into a blush of remorse and shame upon his cheek. There are hundreds of instances of this kind, men of the first respectability, having for their bed companions slave women of every degree of color, from the darkest hue to the soft and mellow tinge of the beautiful Quadroon. Another exhibition in these alliances is, a man by the name of B----, a celebrated sportsman, and owner of the race course opposite the city, and known to all the gentlemen of the turf in this country. He is a man of great wealth, and is regarded as second on the list of horse racers and sportsmen in this country, Col. Johnson being at the head. He has had a mulatto woman for his bed companion for years, and has now living four children--one son and three daughters. A young man from the North, by the name of P----, who was engaged in training horses, and had charge of his stable, married one of his daughters, a beautiful Quadroon girl, well educated and highly accomplished. Her father hired him to marry her by giving him a large sum of money.

A MAN SELLING HIS OWN CHILDREN.