A wealthy man, who owned a small estate, sent out a notice to any unmarried women containing the description of what would make this man’s perfect wife.
” Notice to UNMARRIED Women.
A man in Edinburghshire, who never was married, being near thirty years of age, has above 900l. with a small estate. In sincerity he wants a women to be his spouse that is truly pious, and has a taste for cleanliness. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a women that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.-Prov.xxxi.50. Any young women whom this may suit, will please address to A.B. to be left at the Printing-office, and the Advertiser will wait on her. O virtuous female, think no shame, To take the pen and write your name; I shall the subject secret handle, And keep you free from any scandal.”
Stamford Mercury, 13th January, 1809.