Dallas Herald
Texas
May 15, 1861
The Young Ladies of Washington, Ark., says the Courier, met at a private residence a few days since, and unanimously adopted the following preamble and resolutions. We wish them every one, a soldier husband, and one, too, covered with honor:
Whereas, in view of the present revolutionary state of our country, and the readiness with which the young men are determined to meet the issue, and the uncertainty of their early return, rendering the hope of matrimonial alliance futile and vain for years to come, therefore,
Resolved, That we the young ladies of Washington in council assembled, recommend a repeal of the old custom, making the age of twenty-five the period for “old maids,” and suggest that the age of forty and forty-five respectively, be adopted as the periods in life when a lady shall be regarded as an old maid and a gentleman as an “old Bachelor.”