Sam[ue]l L. Mitchill ALS to [Catharine Mitchill], March 3, 1802

among the politer and more genteel classes of society. But
their private attractions, are not sufficient to draw much
company. Neither Sir nor madam have many qualities to
induce many visitors to enter their doors. Still they are sighing
for distinction and they long to be in vogue & make a figure.
What is to be done? Why they must invite company, if com-
-pany will not resort to them without inviting. And in giving
their invitations, they endeavor to procure the acquaintance
and society of such as will promote their views of advancement
and raise them in public estimation, hence tea-parties
must be contrived for the ladies, dinners for the gentlemen,
and Card-parties and Balls for them both. Thus Mr. and Mrs-
who could become people of consequence in no other way, be-
-come people of bon-ton, they are talked of among all the gay
folks, they grow to be distinguished Members of the fashio-
-nable Circles, and are much talked of while their treats
and accommodations continue. Now these good entertainers are
called liberal & hospitable people; whereas the Truth is, that they
make the Ball or give the Treat for the sake of gaining Reputation
and acquiring the appellation of People of Fashion for themselves,
and their guests are gathered together to act their parts respect-
-ively in their best manner & in their most splendid garments for the
time being, and to spread the fame and eclat of the transacti-
-on afterwards. __ Such is the Idea of and Ostentatious Treat-
but it must be owned that various considerations of other kinds
mingle in these cases, occasionally.