RichardsonLeonard18540104_002

and its suburbs pretty thoroughly yesterday
+ day before (New Years) I am
glad that I did not return before
New Years for I should have left with
a wrong impression of the people.
Monday I had a very good opportunity
of seeing the customs of the people
their character + attainments. And
yesterday I received a very different
idea of the N. York ladies than what
I had previously formed, which you
know is a matter of some importance.
But after all I think the N York
ladies are not to be compared with
our New England lasses, by no means
they have neither the beauty nor
grace. As for dress I must acknowledge
I never saw anything equal
the New Yorkers. Both male + female
are far more extravigant than
our people, and dress + not much
else makes the ladies here attractive.
I have however met with some