The evidence available in sources 1 and 2 suggests that the sexual manners among rural folk and genteel urbanites in america in the 1830s and 1840s were characterized by

Studies of post-victorian sexuality in the 19th century in United States, indicates repressiveness, and its close relative virtual obsession with masturbation ... a well defined genre in this period. The dangers of sexual intercourse within marriage became a subject of widespread censure. A general wary attitude toward the dangers of sexual activity, could be seen in the advice of suggesting proper frequency of intercourse.