Hi everyone!

I am currently embarking on a research project for my Senior Writing Assignment at University. I have chosen to evaluate rape in 19th century America, but I am having an extremely difficult time finding sources, specifically primary, on the matter.

I have looked into newspapers and find snips here and there, mostly about court laws, etc.

What other "terms" were used in the 19th century to signify rape? I have searched "rape, ravage, seduce, ravish" etc, but can't really find much.

Also, do any of you have a direction I could possibly go towards in order to find more primary sources? I was hoping to find 3 cases, like Mary Rogers if you've researched her, and compare the three. Or to evaluate how the public understood and treated rape cases of a white upper class, a black woman, prostitutes (if there is any information on rapes within brothels, I'm sure it happened but I would need a source to back it up), and even children (as I have read a couple articles in newspapers of men suspected of raping a child)

ANY help would be greatly appreciated!