NP: Query from a Reference Librarian

[David Payne]

Sorry for the non-P question, but perhaps it is distantly related to M&D? Anyhow, a reference librarian on a different list serve has asked:
 
Uncle Tom's Cabin is set in the town of "P. in the State of Kentucky." Is there a name for this device, identifying a place by its initial letter, which is very common in 19th century literature? Dates are similarly abbreviated: "In the year 18--" 
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