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.