Oh, Behave! Part V

I will now commence copying a letter each week from the "Lady's Guide to Perfect Gentility (1856)" by Emily Thornwell. This is my favorite part of the little book and I hope you find it equally humorous and enjoyable.

MODELS AND PLANS FOR VARIOUS LETTERS AND NOTES PERTAINING TO DOMESTIC MATTERS, FRIENDSHIP, LOVE, MARRIAGE, ENTERTAINMENTS, ETC.

Invitation to a pic-nic party.

My Dear Miss Welby;
I am endeavoring to form a small party to visit Lenox on Tuesday next. We propose to make a the trip by water, and have engaged a boat of good capacity with an excellent awning. Some of the gentlemen who are already engaged to join our party, have promised to row, and our boat will be amply furnished with a cold collation.

On reaching Lenox, we purpose to repair to the wood or park, and then on "Nature's verdant carpet," to spread out our chickens, and hams, and pastries, and fancy we are leading a sylvan life. Should you have no prior engagement, will you do us the favor of forming one of the party? Your company will indeed be most welcome. Mrs. M. and your friend Jennie, with a few others, will be of the party. Should the weather permit, we shall start as early as nine o'clock, by which hour we expect our party will be assembled at Mrs. Sibley's, that place having been decided upon as being most convenient.

Your affectionate friend,
Frank Wallis.