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.