Unidentified photographer / artist
1865, April
The American Marriage Market - carte-de-visite at the time of the Civil War

Magazine page
Google Books
Published in "The American Marriage Market" in "London Society", April 1865, Volume 7, p.310-311
 
The military profession brings us to two advertisements which appear next each other in the columns of an American paper, by that fatality which so much impressed the mind of a well-known character of modern fiction:
 
' Three young gentlemen, now serving in the army of the Potomac, whose term of service will shortly expire, are desirous of opening a correspondence with a few young ladies, with a view to matrimony. Address in sincerity, with carte de visite, if agreeable, C.E.Z.'
 
' Three young ladies, with hearts beating responsive to the music of the Union, and deeply interested in the success of our gallant soldiers in their efforts to crush this unholy rebellion, wish to open correspondence with any who lack lady friends at home. We have albums in which to store such photographs as we may receive.'
 
'With carte de visite, if agreeable, ' is ambiguous. Is it but to eay, in other words, 'if yon are ugly, don't send your picture?' But that little difficulty sinks into insignificance in presence of the awful idea what would the ladies have done if they had themselves been four, or the young gentlemen two? How could they ever have decided which of the sisterhood should retire from the competition ?
 
LL/34456