Letter from William Edward Frost 1863

Here is a letter, penned by William Edward Frost on November 16th, 1863. Within the letter, Frost tells the recipient “I herewith enclose some rough maps…representing the fashions of the years 1780-90.” Consider the timing of this letter. It was written during the height of the Civil War, a conflict that fundamentally challenged the nation’s identity and moral compass. Frost’s reference to fashion from the late 18th century—a period marked by revolution and the birth of a new nation—invites us to consider how historical aesthetics and identities are intertwined. Were these images of the fashions referencing the founding ideals of liberty and equality? Frost mentions these maps were made for "Ladies Pocket Books." In this context, consider the limited roles afforded to women at this time. Were these books presenting alternative narratives or upholding traditional ideals? This letter gives us a glimpse into the cultural and personal negotiations of identity during a tumultuous period.