Journal 
 
 OF A 
 
 Young Lady of Virginia 
 
 ' 1782. 
 
 Printed and Published 
 
 For the Benefit of the Lee Memorial Association of Richmond , 
 
 By John Murphy and Company, 
 
 No. 182 Baltimore Street, 
 
 BALTIMORE. 
 
 1 8 7 1. 
 
,075 
 
 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by 
 
 EMILY V. MASON, 
 
 in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
 M£» 
 
THE following pages contain a fragment of the Journal of a 
 young lady of Virginia of the last century. 
 
 It seems to have been written by her while on a visit to her 
 relatives, the Lees, Washingtons, and other families of Lower 
 Virginia, mentioned in her Journal. 
 
 The friend for whom it was intended was Miss Polly Brent, 
 also of Virginia. 
 
 The manuscript was found torn, and discolored by age, in an 
 old desk at the country place in Maryland, to which Polly Brent 
 carried it, upon her marriage into one of the old families of that 
 State. 
 
 The Lees, of whom so much mention is made in the Journal — 
 "Nancy," "Molly," "Hannah," and "Harriet" — were the 
 daughters of Richard Henry Lee, of Chantilly. Molly married 
 W. A. Washington, and Hannah was — at the time of the Journal 
 — the wife of Corbin Washington. Their grandson, John A. 
 Washington, was the last occupant of Mount Vernon. 
 
 Harriet married the son of Mrs. Turberville, the "old lady" 
 spoken of in the manuscript. 
 
 Ludwell Lee, a son of Richard Henry Lee, married the 
 "Flora" of this chronicle. She was a daughter of Philip 
 Ludwell Lee, of Stratford, and sister of Matilda Lee, the first 
 
VI 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 t 
 
 wife of " Cplonel Henry Lee ; " whose little boy is mentioned 
 as so "fine" a "child." Colonel Henry Lee was none other 
 than "Light-horse Harry;" the "little boy," his eldest son 
 Henry, half-brother to General Robert E. Lee. 
 
 It is believed the publication of this Journal will be well re- 
 ceived, at a period when everything relating to the family of 
 General Lee is of peculiar interest. It presents, also, a curious 
 picture of the life and manners of that day. 
 
 There will be found in it many errors, and some antiquities 
 of orthography, which it has not been deemed advisable to cor- 
 rect. It is believed that the Journal will be more entertaining 
 in its original state than it would be with the aid of any amend- 
 ments that we might make. It is certainly the work of a very 
 clever girl, and possesses all that freedom of style and charming 
 simplicity which is so pleasing and so rare. 
 
 Had the writer anticipated any criticism more searching than 
 that of her amiable Polly, her style and orthography would 
 doubtless have been more correct, and her Journal quite as 
 commonplace as most of those that find their way into print. 
 
 The proceeds of the sale of this little volume will be devoted 
 to the "Lee Memorial Association of Richmond," which must 
 further commend it to the favor of the public. 
 January, 1S71. 
 
 £^-£-x~> l'r~*~*-&s^~y/L^ ^^ 
 
 1*s^ts\ 
 
 
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 \ 119 
 
 
 
 
JOURNAL 
 
 OF A 
 
 YOUNG LADY 
 
 OF VIRGINI A. 
 
 FROM LUCINDA TO MARCIA. 
 
 The Wilderness, September 16. 
 
 T HEAR you say, "The Wilder- 
 *- ness ! where in the world is that, 
 Lucy ? " It is the name of this 
 place. I can't say I was much struck 
 with the situation of the House; but 
 they are as kind, good People as I 
 ever saw. 
 
 To-day is Sunday. Old Mrs. Gor- 
 don lives in sight of this [placej. One 
 of her Daughters is just come — Lucy 
 
 Gordon 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 16. 
 " Wilder- 
 ness" 
 Residence 
 of John 
 Grymes, 
 Esq., who 
 married 
 Miss Fitz- 
 hugh, of 
 Eagle's 
 Nest. One 
 
 of this 
 family was 
 Gen. Robert 
 Lee's grand- 
 mother. 
 
JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Sept. 17. 
 
 Gordon — very clever, though not a 
 Beauty. 
 
 A Mr. Spotswood and his Lady are 
 come to dine here. I must dress, of 
 course. 
 
 They are gone. 
 
 Mrs. Spotswood, I think, is very Af- 
 fable and agreeable, though not hand- 
 some. She has invited us to see her, 
 and we shall go day after to-morrow. 
 
 I have spent the day pretty agree- 
 ably. Lucy Gordon is to stay with 
 me to-night. 
 
 I have spent the morning in read- 
 ing; and, much to my satisfaction, old 
 Mrs. Gordon is just come to spend 
 the day here. Lucy Gordon and 
 myself are just returned from walk- 
 ing out. I was delighted : we walked 
 to a river — they call it here ; but it is 
 very narrow. The banks of it are 
 beautiful, covered with moss and wild 
 
 flowers ; 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 flowers ; all that a romantic mind 
 could form. I thought of my Pol- 
 ly, and thought how delighted she 
 would have been had she been a 
 Spectater of the scene ; and how much 
 more pleased would your Lucy have 
 been, how more delighted if she 
 could have had her Polly to point 
 out the Beauties too, and make her 
 observations : but her dear Company 
 was denied. Lucy Gordon is a truly 
 good Girl, but nothing of the romance 
 in her. So much the better, say I; 
 she is much happier without. I wish 
 to Heaven I had as little. Colonel Ball 
 dined here to-day : a very clever man. 
 
 To-day we return Mrs. Spots- 
 wood's visit. I have to crape my 
 hair, which, of all things, is the most 
 disagreeable. Adieu, my Polly, till 
 my return. 
 
 Well, my dear, I am returned ; and 
 
 much 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 17. 
 
 Col. Ball, 
 probably 
 the aide and 
 kinsman 
 of Gen. 
 Washing- 
 ton : his 
 second wife 
 was Frances 
 Washing- 
 ton, niece 
 and legatee 
 of Gen. 
 Washing- 
 ton. 
 
 Sept. 18. 
 
10 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Sept. 18. 
 
 Sept. 19. 
 
 much pleased. Mrs. Spotswood is 
 mighty clever in her house. She has 
 a Daughter, about twelve years old 
 (though very large of her age — she 
 is as tall as I am), very agreeable, 
 though not handsome. 
 
 They are at cards below, and have 
 sent for me to join them, though I had 
 much rather stay and converse with 
 my Polly; yet politeness obliges my 
 obeying the summons. 
 
 To-day we dine at Old Mrs. Gor- 
 don's : I flatter myself I shall spend 
 this day agreeably. This evening 
 Colonel Ball insisted on our drinking 
 tea with him: we did, and I was much 
 pleased with my visit; his Wife was 
 not at home. 
 
 I have returned, and am sitting alone, 
 writing to my dearest Polly. I don't 
 think I ever met with kinder, better 
 People in my life; they do everything 
 
 in 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 II 
 
 in their Power to make you happy. I 
 have almost determined not to go to 
 the races this Fall : every one appears to 
 be astonished at [me,] but I am sure 
 there is no sollid happiness to be found 
 in such amusements. I don't think I 
 could answer for myself if you were 
 to go; and then I should only go to be 
 with you. I have no notion of sacri- 
 ficing my own ease and happiness to 
 the Opinion of the world in these mat- 
 ters. They laugh, and tell me, while I 
 am mopeing at home, other girls will 
 be enjoying themselves at races and 
 balls ; but I never will, I am deter- 
 mined, go to one, unless I have an 
 inclination. I would not have you 
 think from this that I pay no regard to 
 the opinion of the World ; far from it : 
 next to that of a good conscience, the 
 opinion of the world is to be regarded. 
 Always pay due regard to that. 
 
 2 I have 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 19. 
 
12 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Sept. 20. 
 
 I have spent this morning in read- 
 ing Lady Julia Mandeville, and 
 was much affected. Indeed, I think I 
 never cried more in my life reading a 
 Novel : the stile is beautiful, but the 
 tale is horrid. I reckon you have read 
 it. Some one just comes to tell us A 
 Mr. Masenbird and Mr. Spotswood is 
 come. We must go down, but I am 
 affraid both Sister's and my eyes will 
 betray us. Adieu. I will describe 
 the Gentlemen on my return. 
 
 Mr. Spotswood is the Gentleman 
 we visited the other day. I think 
 him handsome. Mr. Masenbird is an 
 Englishman, and single, that has set- 
 tled in this part of the World. I had 
 heard he was a very uncouth creature, 
 but he is quite the reverse — very 
 polite, not handsome. 
 
 Interrupted again. They are come 
 to tell me a Mr. Grimes and his Lady 
 
 are 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA, 
 
 13 
 
 are come to wait on us. I must throw 
 aside my pen, and go down to be in- 
 troduced. Adieu. I will write more 
 when we retire to dress. 
 
 Mrs. Grimes is very handsome, 
 though appears to be a little proud. 
 Sister is almost drest; I shall have 
 but little time to smart . myself. 
 Adieu. My Great-Coat shall be my 
 dress to day. 
 
 To-day we return Mrs. Grimes's 
 visit. I am going to wear my straw 
 dress and my large hat; Sister wears 
 A blue habit, with a white Sattin scirt. 
 Adieu. I have but little time to 
 dress. 
 
 I am returned, and was delighted 
 with my visit. They live in a very 
 genteel stile. She is one of the clev- 
 erest Women I have seen for some 
 time. I saw there Miss Betty Lee, 
 and A Miss Judy Roberson ; the first 
 
 is 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 20. 
 
 Of the 
 
 Nicholas 
 family. 
 
 Sept. 21. 
 
14 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Sept. 21. 
 
 Sept. 22. 
 
 is homely, though right agreeable — 
 the latter is, I think, rather clever. 
 You can't conceive anything more 
 nice or genteel than everything] was. 
 I never was more pleased in my life. 
 I am summon'd to supper. Adieu, 
 my Polly ; may every blessing attend 
 you ! Lucy Gordon is here, and has 
 been ever since I came. I like her 
 more and more every day. 
 
 To-day we dine with old Mrs. Gor- 
 don. Lucy and myself are going to 
 walk over now ; Sister and Mrs. Gor- 
 don will not go this hour. Adieu. I 
 will carry my Journal with me. 
 
 We had a very pleasant walk ; got 
 a number of grapes and nuts in our 
 way. Lucy and myself are going to 
 walk in the Garden, to get some pink- 
 seed I am anxious to have. The 
 Gentlemen dined to-day at Mr. Mas- 
 enbird's. Mrs. Gordon and sister are 
 
 come : 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 15 
 
 come : they have proposed cards, and 
 I am called to join them. Adieu. 
 
 I would have staid to - night with 
 old Mrs. Gordon, but expected to go 
 down to-Morrow. Lucy and myself 
 had a pleasant walk back. The mar- 
 ried folks went on before. 
 
 We have supped, and the gentlemen 
 are not returned yet. Lucy and myself 
 are in a peck of troubles for fear they 
 should return drunk. Sister has had 
 our bed moved in her room. Just as 
 we were undress' d and going to bed, 
 the Gentlemen arrived, and we had to 
 scamper. Both tipsy! 
 
 To-day is Sunday. Brother was 
 so worsted by the frolick yesterday, we 
 did not set off to-day. Old Mrs. 
 Gordon dines here to-day. Lucy 
 and myself are going to walk to the 
 river, and get a nosegay of wild 
 flowers. 
 
 We 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 22. 
 
 Sept. 2j 
 
i6 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Sept. 23. 
 
 Sept. 24. 
 
 Bettcview. 
 
 Residence 
 
 of Thomas 
 
 Ludwell 
 
 Lee. 
 
 We are returned, and was much 
 delighted with our walk. We went 
 to Colonel Ball's, and sat some time 
 in the Porch ; they are from home. 
 Dinner is almost ready, and I have to 
 dress. The children have surrounded 
 me the whole evening, as it is to be 
 the last we stay. 
 
 We are just going to take our leave 
 of these worthy People: I should like 
 to stay some time longer, if it was 
 convenient. Adieu : the Chariot is 
 ready. 
 
 Well, my dearest Lavinia, I am 
 arrived at Belleview, a good deal 
 fatigued, where we found Mr. Bush- 
 rod Washington and his lady, on 
 their way down. She is fonder of me 
 than ever; prest me to go with her 
 to Maryland this Winter. Mr. Phil 
 Fitzhugh is likewise here. He said, 
 at supper, he was engaged to dance 
 
 with 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 17 
 
 with one of the Miss Brents at a Ball 
 in Dumfries, but that it was only con- 
 ditionally. Mammy has just sent me 
 word she has a letter for me — it is 
 from Nancy, I am sure. Adieu. 
 
 It was, and one for you enclosed in 
 it. Nancy writes me her Sister Pink- 
 ard is at Chantilly. It must be a 
 great acquisition to her happiness to 
 have so amiable a companion as I 
 have heard she was. 
 
 The Company is all gone, and I 
 have seated myself to converse with 
 my Polly. Mrs. A. Washington has 
 lent me a new Novel, called Victoria. 
 I can't say I admire the Tale, though 
 I think it prettyly told. There is a 
 verse in it I wish you much to read. 
 I believe, if I a'n 't too Lazy, I will copy 
 it off for you : the verse is not very 
 butifull, but the sense is, I assure you. 
 
 To-day I have spent in putting my 
 
 cloaths 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 24. 
 
 Chantilly. 
 Residence 
 
 of 
 
 Richard II. 
 
 Lee. 
 
 Sept. 25. 
 
 Sept. 26. 
 
JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Sept. 26. 
 
 Sept. 27. 
 
 Mr. Charles 
 Lee — after- 
 ward At- 
 torney-Gen- 
 eral in Gen. 
 Washing- 
 ton's sec- 
 ond Cabi- 
 net — mar- 
 ried the 
 " Nancy " 
 
 of the 
 narrative. 
 
 Sept. 28. 
 
 cloaths to rights — a dreadful task, 
 you will say. I am going to take a 
 little airing this evening. Adieu: the 
 horses are at the door. 
 
 I was sitting busy at work, when 
 some one told me Mr. Charles Lee 
 was here. He was from Chantilly ; 
 and I flew out in expectation of a 
 letter. What do you think I felt, 
 when, instead of a letter, he told me 
 my Nancy was very ill ? My Polly, I 
 am sure, will sympathize with me. 
 What would I not give to see her! 
 but that is denied me. I hope to God 
 she is better ! Mr. Lee says they did 
 not apprehend any great danger. 
 
 This morning Mr. Lee left us. 
 Every time I see him I like him more 
 and more. He has proved himself a 
 truly good Brother. I am very un- 
 easy with regard to Nancy — I wish 
 to Heaven I could hear from her. 
 
 Mrs 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 19 
 
 Mrs. Graem, Letty Ball, and Harry 
 
 G called here to - day. Mrs. 
 
 Graem, poor creature, appears much 
 distressed at the death. of her Children. 
 When we come to consider, I think it 
 much better for them : but how sel- 
 dom can a Mother reason in this 
 manner ! Cousin Nancy is better, she 
 told me : pray Heaven it may be so. 
 
 When Mrs. Graem came to-day, 
 some one came running in and said 
 the Richland chariot was coming. 
 You may be assured I flew to the 
 door. Oh, how disappointed I was ! 
 
 To-day is Sunday, and I am going 
 to church. Brother Aylett is going 
 in the Chariot with me. I am this 
 moment going to crape and dress. I 
 shall wear my Great-Coat and dress 
 Hat. Adieu, till my return. 
 
 I am returned. Mrs. Brook, Mrs. 
 
 Selden, and Nancy were all at church 
 
 3 in 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 29. 
 
 Richland. 
 Residence 
 of Daniel 
 Brent, Esq. 
 
 Sept. 30. 
 
20 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 30. 
 
 Selvington. 
 
 Residence 
 
 of Thomas 
 
 Selden. 
 
 Chatham. 
 
 Residence 
 of William 
 Fitzhugh, 
 grandfather 
 
 of Mrs. 
 Robert E. 
 Lee. He 
 afterward 
 removed to 
 
 Havens- 
 worth, in 
 Fairfax Co., 
 when 
 
 Chatham 
 was occu- 
 pied by his 
 
 brother, 
 Mr. Philip 
 Fitzhu<rh. 
 
 in deep mourning. They were very 
 civil to me, and prest me to dine at Sel- 
 vington. Mr. James Gordon is come to 
 dinner from Chatham. Mrs. Fitzhugh 
 has sent me a very pressing invitation 
 to go there this evening, and to-mor- 
 row to the races ; but I have not the 
 smallest inclination, and shall not go. 
 This Mr. Gordon is a mighty clever 
 man — I wish you could see him. I 
 saw a beauty at church, a Miss Thask- 
 kel. She has hazel eyes, fine com- 
 plexion, and Beautiful Auburn hair, 
 which hung in ringlets upon her neck. 
 We were sitting drinking tea this 
 evening, when what should we see 
 coming but Mr. Washington's Car- 
 riage. I was delighted, you may be 
 assured. They were all mighty well. 
 I inquired for you. Cousin Molly 
 told me you were in perfect health, 
 and that your sister Brent and Nancy 
 
 Ambler 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 21 
 
 Ambler were with you — then I sup- 
 pose my Polly is happy. I have a thou- 
 sand Questions to ask about them, 
 but I hope you will write me an exact 
 detail of every thing that happened 
 while there. You have been at a tea- 
 drinking lately, in Dumfries : Mrs. A. 
 Washington gave me the whole His- 
 tory of it — told me your dresses, and 
 every thing. But where am I running 
 to ? I had forgot there was Company 
 in the House, so happy am I always 
 conversing with my Polly. Adieu. 
 
 You will smile. I am sure, when I 
 tell you what I am about to do. Will 
 you believe when I tell you I am this 
 moment going to pack up my cloaths 
 to go to Chant illy? Adieu. Some 
 one has just come to tell me your 
 Brother Richard is come. I must go 
 and inquire for my Polly. 
 
 You are very well, he sais. I shall 
 
 give 
 
 1782. 
 
 Sept. 30. 
 
 Richard 
 
 Brent, 
 I r.S. Senator 
 
 from 
 Virginia 
 for many 
 
 years. 
 
22 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Sept. 30. 
 
 October I. 
 
 October 2. 
 
 give him your letter from Nancy. 
 The Gentlemen are all in high spirits, 
 thinking, I suppose, of the pleasure 
 of to-morrow. I shall be far from this 
 [place] by that time. I must quit, as 
 the Boys are come for me to get 
 Sweetmeats for supper. 
 
 I must really take my pen to scrib- 
 ble a little before I set off. The Gen- 
 tlemen are just set off to the races, 
 and I am preparing to set off for 
 Chantilly. Adieu, my Polly. 
 
 I have arrived at Chantilly. Nancy 
 was much better than I expected to 
 find her. Weakness is her only com- 
 plaint. She was delighted to see me, 
 and inquired eagerly for her dear 
 Polly, and was much pleased with 
 your letter. 
 
 Mrs. Pinkard is here — and a sweet 
 Woman she is. Adieu. Nancy says I 
 shall not write more. 
 
 I am 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA, 
 
 I am just up, and am going to seat 
 myself for Sibby to crape my hair. 
 
 Cousin Nancy and myself have just 
 returned from taking an airing in 
 the Chariot. We went to Stratford : 
 walked in the Garden, sat about two 
 hours under a butifull shade tree, 
 and eat as many figs as we could. 
 How did we wish for our dear Polly, 
 and think that was the only thing we 
 wanted to compleat our happiness ! 
 
 We brought to Chantilly Col H. 
 Lee's little Boy. He has stayed at 
 Stratford since his Papa and Mama 
 went to New York. I assure you he 
 is a very fine child. Dinner an- 
 nounced. Adieu. 
 
 Nancy is rather unwell this even- 
 ing ; she is a little fatigued with her 
 ride. Adieu. I must go and talk, to 
 raise her spirits. 
 
 To-day I have been busy making a 
 
 cap. 
 
 23 
 1782. 
 
 October 
 
 Stratford. 
 
 Residence 
 
 of Philip 
 
 Ludwell 
 
 Lee. 
 
 October 4. 
 
24 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 4. 
 
 October 5. 
 
 cap. I don't think it clever, though I 
 have spent a good while about it. 
 Nancy and myself have been locked 
 up stairs by ourselves all day. She is 
 better to-day than she was yesterday. 
 
 Oh, my Marcia, how hard is our 
 fate ! that we should be deprived of 
 your dear company, when it would 
 compleat our Felicity — but such is the 
 fate of Mortals ! We are never per- 
 mitted to be perfectly happy. I sup- 
 pose it is right, else the Supreme Dis- 
 poser of all things would not have 
 permitted it: we should perhaps have 
 been more neglectful than we are of 
 our duty. 
 
 Mr. Pinkard and a Mr. Lee came 
 here to-day from the Fredericksburg 
 races. How sorry I was to hear 
 " Republican " was beaten. I was 
 really interested in that race. Adieu. 
 I must crape my hair for dinner. 
 
 It 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA, 
 
 It is a delightful evening. Nancy 
 and myself are going to take a ride 
 out in the Chariot. Oh, my Polly, why 
 are you not here to join us! Away 
 with such thoughts — they almost 
 make me inelloncholy. Nancy calls 
 me. Adieu again. I come ! I come ! 
 We are returned, and had a de- 
 lightful ride, and a much more de- 
 lightful tete-a-tete. This Lee appears 
 to be a hum-drum, disagreeable Crea- 
 ture. Tea is ready, and I must bid 
 you good-by. 
 
 I wish, my Polly, you could see 
 Mrs. Pinkard. You would be de- 
 lighted with her. She is, I think, 
 among the finest Women I have seen ; 
 and is thought very beautifull. 
 
 I have been very agreeably enter- 
 tained this evening, reading a Novel 
 called Malvern Dale. It is something 
 like Evelina, though not so pretty. 
 
 I have 
 
 25 
 1782. 
 
 ( (ctober 5- 
 
 October 6. 
 
26 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 6. 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 October 7. 
 
 I have a piece of advice to give 
 you, which I have before urged — 
 that is, to read something improving. 
 Books of instruction will be a thou- 
 sand times more pleasing [after a lit- 
 tle while] than all the novels in the 
 World. I own myself, I am too fond 
 of Novel-reading; but, by accustom- 
 ing myself to reading other Books, I 
 have become less so, and I wish my 
 Polly to do the same. 
 
 This is Sunday. We have been 
 collected in the Chamber, reading the 
 Lessons of the day. After that, Nancy 
 and myself plann'd a ride out on 
 horseback, which we are just going to 
 put in execution. Adieu. I will re- 
 sume my pen on my return. 
 
 We are returned. I can't say I was 
 much delighted with the ride, as I 
 rode a very hard-going horse. They 
 had dined when we returned. 
 
 Mr. 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 27 
 
 Mr. Newton dined here to-day. I 
 believe you know him, and therefore 
 need not describe him. I have been 
 very busy to-day working a little 
 serene, to hold in my hand to prevent 
 the fire from burning my face. I 
 think it will be beautiful 1. 
 
 I have seated myself in my (wrap- 
 per to scribble a little. Mr. Pinkard 
 has been reading a Play all the even- 
 ing to Nancy and myself. We were 
 much pleased with it. Nancy grows 
 better and better every day — which I 
 am delighted at. Adieu : sleep has 
 closed my eyes. 
 
 I was in danger last night of com- 
 miting a great piece of rudeness ; the 
 Play Mr. Pinkard read us was the 
 Bell Strattagem. Mr. Newton was 
 by when it was read. Some one 
 ask't him sometime afterwards what 
 the Play was. He said the Country 
 
 Cons' n. 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 8. 
 
 October 9. 
 
28 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 9. 
 
 October 10. 
 
 Cousin. I thought I should have 
 burst with laughter ! 
 
 The two Gentlemen went to the 
 Court-house to-day. Molly and my- 
 self took a walk this evening, and 
 should have walk't much farther had we 
 not met the Gentlemen. Mr. Newton 
 dismounted and walkt home with us. 
 
 I have seated myself to give you 
 the adventures of to-day. Mr. C. 
 Washington returned to-day from 
 Fredericksburg. You . can't think 
 how rejoiced Hannah was, and how 
 dejected in his absence she always is. 
 You may depend upon it, Polly, this 
 said Matrimony alters us mightely. 
 I am afraid it alienates us from every 
 one else. It is, I fear, the bane of 
 Female Friendship. Let it not be 
 with ours, my Polly, if we should ever 
 Marry. Adieu. Harriet calls me to 
 supper. Once more good-by. 
 
 Hannah 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 Hannah and myself were going to 
 take a long walk this evening, but 
 were prevented by the two horred 
 Mortals, Mr. Pinkard and Mr. Wash- 
 ington, who seized me and kissed me 
 a dozen times in spite of all the re- 
 sistance I could make. They really 
 think, now they are married, they are 
 prevaliged to do any thing. 
 
 I am going to tell you a little piece 
 of a secret ; but you must never men- 
 tion it. Nancy had an admirer lately 
 — who do you think it is ? No other 
 than Mr. Newton. He got his dis- 
 card yesterday. 
 
 It is in the evening. Nancy and 
 myself have been to visit our little 
 garden [you have frequently heard 
 me speak of it]. We were so unfor- 
 tunate as to make it on the side of the 
 hill, and it is wash't very much. Do 
 you visit our dear pledge, and think 
 
 of 
 
 29 
 1782. 
 
 October 1 1 . 
 
 October 12. 
 
3o 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 12. 
 
 October 1 ' 
 
 Pecatone. 
 Residence 
 
 of Mrs. 
 Turberville. 
 
 October 14. 
 
 of your Lucy ? How often do I think 
 with rapture on the happy hours we 
 spent sitting on the fence, singing 
 and looking at the river with the 
 Moon shining on it. Oh, how beau- 
 tiful it look't ! Adieu. 
 
 I had almost forgot to tell you 
 that to-morrow Mrs. Pinkard, Cousin 
 Molly, and myself go below the ferry 
 to Pecatone, and Mr. Ballendine's. I 
 am very busy getting ready for the 
 trip. Adieu. 
 
 It is in the evening. There are 
 two Beaux just come. Mrs. Pinkard 
 tels me I must go out and let her 
 introduce them to me. The first I 
 am acquainted with : he is homely, 
 but a mighty worthy Man. The 
 second I never saw before — he is 
 tolerably clever. Nancy and myself 
 are going to pore out tea. 
 
 I have but one moment to tell you 
 
 that 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 31 
 
 that Nancy and myself are in a great 
 hurry dressing. We are afraid we 
 shall not be ready for breakfast, and 
 we set off directly afterwards. This 
 is Sunday. Cousin. Washington and 
 Nancy go as far as the Church, and 
 return to Chantilly. Adieu, my dear 
 Polly. 
 
 Well, my dear, we arrived late last 
 night at Pecatone. When I wrote 
 last we weare sitting off. We all 
 dined at Doctor Thomson's* together.- 
 Mrs. Washington and Milly called 
 there in the evening on their way to 
 Bushfield. I never saw Milly before. 
 I think I am a little disappointed in 
 her beauty. She is not so pretty as I 
 expected to find. I was distressed at 
 parting with Nancy, but could not 
 persuade her to come. 
 
 I don't think you ever saw Cousin 
 Turberville or Hannah. The first is 
 
 homely, 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 14. 
 
 October 15. 
 
 * Xomiiii. 
 
 Built by 
 
 " Counsellor 
 
 Carter," son 
 
 of " King 
 
 Carter." 
 
 Bushfield. 
 Residence 
 
 of 
 
 Mr. Wash- 
 
 ington. 
 
32 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 15. 
 
 homely, but very polite and hospitable 
 in her house. The latter has not a 
 handsome face, but is a genteel per- 
 son. They gave us a very polite re- 
 ception. Hannah was dressed in a 
 lead -couriered habbit, open, with a 
 lylack lutestring scirt. She had a 
 butifull crape cushon on, ornamented 
 with gauze and flowers. 
 
 I must bid you Adieu, for the 
 Ladies are just dressed, and I shall 
 not be ready for Breakfast. 
 
 I am just returned from riding out. 
 While we were at Breakfast Cousin 
 Molly proposed a ride to the store. 
 It is kept by a Mr. Thomson — 
 Brother to the Man it is said Miss H. 
 Turberville is to Marry. According- 
 ly, we three went in the Chariot, and 
 left the two Married Ladys by them- 
 selves. 
 
 We have retired to dress for dinner. 
 
 Shall 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 33 
 
 Shall I tell you our dresses ? I hear 
 you say " Yes." Mrs. P. wears a bro- 
 cade; Cousin M. her pink Great-Coat, 
 and I my pink. Adieu. Mrs. P. is 
 going to dress my hair. 
 
 Every moment I can spare from 
 the Company I dedicate to you. Two 
 Beaux dined here. Mr. James Thom- 
 
 son and Mr. Ford. In the evening 
 two more came — Mr. Beal and Mr. 
 Joe Thomson. We are all preparing 
 to dance. Adieu: I hear the Fidle. 
 
 We spent last night very agreeably. 
 Danced till Eleven. My partner was 
 Mr. Beal. This is a beautiful situation 
 — the Garden extends from the House 
 to the river [very much like Retire- 
 ment}. I have been takeing a very 
 agreeable walk there. An airing is 
 proposed this morning. We all go 
 in Mr. Turberville's Coach. Adieu : 
 it is at the door. 
 
 I don't 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 15. 
 
 October 16. 
 
34 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 16. 
 
 I don't know when I 've been hap- 
 pier than I am now. Every thing 
 conspires to make me so. Cousin 
 Turberville is so Affectionate. She 
 does every thing in her power to 
 make her Company happy. I had 
 forgot to tell you Cousin Hannah's 
 dress yesterday. It was a blue lute- 
 string habit, taffety apron and hand- 
 kerchief, with the most butiful little 
 hat on the side of her head I ever 
 
 saw. 
 
 We are dressing for dinner : this is 
 a ceremony always practiced here. I 
 wear my Great-Coat. 
 
 We are just done tea; and are to 
 have the same Gentlemen to dance 
 again to-night. 
 
 I begin to want very much to see 
 my Polly. Ah ! what would I not 
 give to obtain that [happiness]. It 
 appears a year since the morning I 
 
 parted 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA, 
 
 35 
 
 parted from you, and how long, very 
 long will it be before I clasp you to 
 my breast. I am deprived even the 
 consolation of hearing from you. 
 Adieu, my love. I must return to 
 the Company. 
 
 We danced last night, and every 
 one appeared to be happy. I can 
 answer for your Lucy : her partner 
 was Mr. James Thomson — one of the 
 best dancers I most ever saw. Early 
 this morning came one of the Miss 
 Ballendine's — truly Amiable, I be- 
 lieve, but not handsome. But how 
 prefarable is good sense and affability 
 to Beauty : more pleasing a thousand 
 times ! 
 
 Cousin Molly and Hannah T. have 
 rode to Mr. Ballendine's to bring the 
 other Sister. She is to be married 
 soon to a Mr. Murfey. 
 
 The old man being sick that plays 
 
 the 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 16. 
 
 October 17. 
 
36 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 17. 
 
 October 18. 
 
 the Fidle, we have diverted our- 
 selves playing grind the bottle and 
 hide the thimble. Our time passed 
 away agreeably enough. 
 
 Miss Nancy Ballendine would not 
 come yesterday. Miss Eliza is still 
 here ; and a sweet Girl she is. I wish 
 you could see her : I am sure my 
 Polly would be pleased with her. 
 We have been taking a walk together 
 in the Garden, and talk't of my Polly. 
 She told me Mr. Macrae intended 
 paying his addresses to you on his 
 way up. I long to hear if he has. 
 
 We have the addition of two more 
 Gentlemen to-night. A Doctor Har- 
 rington — a handsome man, I think — 
 and an elderly Gentleman, Captain 
 Grigg ; the most laughable creature I 
 ever saw. They tell me I shall be 
 highly diverted at the minuet he 
 dances ; and we intend to make him 
 dance one to-night. I don't 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 37 
 
 I don't think I ever laugh't so 
 much in my life as I did last night at 
 Captain Grigg's minuet. I wish you 
 could see him. It is really the most 
 ludicrous thing I ever saw; and what 
 makes it more so is, he thinks he 
 dances a most delightful one. 
 
 To-day we go to Mr. Ballendine's. 
 Adieu, my Love. 
 
 I am delighted with this Family. 
 They take delight in promoting each 
 other's happiness, and they do it effec- 
 tually ; for I believe they are perfectly 
 happy. Mrs. Ballendine is handsome 
 — more so than either of her Daugh- 
 ters. Mr. Newton came this evening 
 as we were at tea. 
 
 To-day is disagreeable and rainy. 
 The young Ladys have been showing 
 us the wedding -cloaths and some 
 dresses they had from London ; very 
 genteel and pretty. Mr. Newton is 
 
 still 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 19. 
 
 October 20. 
 
33 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 20. 
 
 October 2 1 . 
 
 October 22. 
 
 still here, and is, I think, a very dis- 
 agreeable creature. I wonder how 
 Nancy did to bear with him. The 
 young Ladys have been singing for 
 me : they are mighty obliging, and 
 sing whenever they are ask't. 
 
 We have just returned this morning 
 from visiting Mrs. Esquire Lee. 
 
 I never saw her before. She re- 
 ceived us very graciously, and is, I 
 think, rather clever. We returned 
 just as dinner was on the table. Miss 
 Nancy's sweetheart came to-day. Mr. 
 Murfey is a very good Man, I believe, 
 but he is very homely. Adieu, my 
 dearest. 
 
 We return this morning to Peca- 
 tone. Adieu. 
 
 We are at Pecatoue, and dressing. 
 There are several Gentlemen to dine 
 here. Mr. Thomson has invited this 
 Family and ourselves to drink tea 
 
 with 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 39 
 
 with him this evening. He has had 
 a New Cargo of tea arrived. We in- 
 tend going, and I shall not scribble 
 again to-night. 
 
 We went to Mr. Thomson's; re- 
 turned, and danced at night. Mr. 
 Turberville and Mr. Beal each made 
 us all a present of a pound of Pow- 
 der. I really have a great Affection 
 for Mrs. Pinkard. She always chooses 
 my head-dress, dresses my hair, and 
 is the best Creature in lending you 
 any thing. If you just say you want 
 a thing, if she happens to have it, 
 she will insist on your wearing it. 
 Cousin Hannah has a quantity of 
 Cloaths. She has put on every day 
 since I have been here a different 
 dress of muslin, and all handsome. 
 Adieu, my best beloved. I have but 
 little time to scribble, and that is only 
 when we retire to dress. 
 
 We 
 
 17S2. 
 
 October 22. 
 
 ( )ctober 23. 
 
40 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 24. 
 
 October 25. 
 
 Lee Hall. 
 
 Residence 
 
 of Richard 
 
 Lee. 
 
 October 26. 
 
 We were entertained last night in 
 the usual way — dancing. We have 
 just returned from taking a delightful 
 walk. We went to the peach orchard 
 and eat a great many tine peaches. 
 They are seldom met with this time 
 of the year. 
 
 To-day we dine at Lee Hall — that 
 is, at the Squire's. To-morrow we 
 dine at Bushfield, with the Pecdtone 
 Family. Adieu ; I will write when I 
 get there. 
 
 I am at Lee Hall. Mrs. Lee is 
 very polite. We found a Mrs. Ball 
 here. She has the remains of a very 
 pretty Woman, and appears to have 
 a fixt melancholy on her countenance. 
 I expect to see Nancy to-morrow at 
 Bushfield — pray send I may. Mr. 
 Beal and Mr. Pinkard are come. 
 Adieu : I am called to supper. 
 
 I have but one moment to tell you 
 
 we 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 we are just going to set out for 
 Bushfield. Mr. Turberville's Coach 
 is waiting for us at the road. 
 
 When we got here we found the 
 House pretty full. Nancy was here. 
 I had to dress in a great hurry for 
 dinner. We spent the evening very 
 agreeably in chatting. Milly Wash-, 
 ington is a thousand times prettyer 
 than I thought her at first, and very 
 agreeable. About sunset, Nancy, 
 Milly, and myself took a walk in the 
 Garden [it is a most butifull place]. 
 We were mighty busy cutting this- 
 tles to try our sweethearts, when Mr. 
 Washington caught us; and you can't 
 conceive how he plagued us — chased 
 us all over the Garden, and was quite 
 impertinent. 
 
 I must tell you of our frolic after 
 we went in our room. We took it 
 into our heads to want to eat ; well, 
 
 we 
 
 41 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 26. 
 
 October 27. 
 
42 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 27. 
 
 we had a large dish of bacon and 
 beaf ; after that, a bowl of Sago 
 cream; and after that, an apple pye. 
 While we were eating the apple pye 
 in bed — God bless you! making a 
 great noise — in came Mr. Washing- 
 ton, dressed in Hannah's short gown 
 and peticoat, and seazed me and 
 kissed me twenty times, in spite of all 
 the resistance I could make ; and then 
 Cousin Molly. Hannah soon fol- 
 lowed, dress'd in his Coat. They 
 joined us in eating the apple pye, 
 and then went out. After this we 
 took it in our heads to want to eat 
 oysters. We got up, put on our rap- 
 pers, and went down in the Seller to 
 get them : do you think Mr. Wash- 
 ington did not follow us and scear us 
 just to death. We went up tho, and 
 eat our oysters. We slept in the old 
 Lady's room too, and she sat laughing 
 
 fit 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA, 
 
 43 
 
 fit to kill herself at us. She is a 
 charming old lady — you would be 
 delighted with her. I forgot to tell, 
 Mr. Beal attended us here. I have 
 been makeing Milly play on the forti- 
 pianer for me ; she plays very well. I 
 am more and more delighted with 
 her. She has just returned from the 
 Fredericksburg races, and has given 
 me a full account of them. 
 
 I have been filling out tea, and after 
 that we took a walk to the river by 
 Moonlight. The garden extends to 
 the river. Nancy observed walking 
 by moonlight, she thought, reminded 
 us of our absent Friends. I joined her 
 in thinking so, and my thoughts were 
 at that instant with my Polly. We 
 returned in the house, and I prevailed 
 on Milly to entertain us an hour or 
 two on the forti-pianer. We wanted 
 very much to sleep in a room by 
 6 ourselves 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 27. 
 
44 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 October 27. 
 
 October 28. 
 * No mini. 
 
 October 29. 
 
 fBeal's — 
 a family dis- 
 tinguished 
 
 in the 
 Revolution. 
 This one is 
 probably the 
 same who 
 was an 
 officer in the 
 war. Died 
 a bachelor. 
 
 October ?o. 
 
 ourselves to-night and try the dum 
 cake, but could not persuade Nancy 
 — she was afraid to sleep in the room 
 with us. 
 
 To-day, which is Sunday, we dine 
 at Doctor Thomson's,* and in the 
 evening go to Chantilly. Nancy stays, 
 and goes to-Morrow with Corbin and 
 Hannah in the Pheyton. Adieu, my 
 ever dear Polly. 
 
 Chantilly. We got here late last 
 night. In the evening, at Doctor 
 Thomson's, we heard, just by, there 
 were six people to be dipt. We had 
 Curiosity to see them, and accord- 
 ingly went. I assure you it is a 
 very Solemn Sight. We brought two 
 Beaux home with us — Mr. Bealf and 
 Mr. Stark. 
 
 To-day is rainy and disagreeable, 
 which will prevent their comeing from 
 Bushfield. I have entertained myself 
 
 all 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA, 
 
 45 
 
 all day reading TelemacJius. It is 
 really delightful, and very improve- 
 ing. Just as I have seated myself 
 they are come to tell me tea is ready. 
 Farewell. 
 
 Mr. Beal is still here. I assure you 
 I think him very clever. Nancy is 
 not yet come. I am quite lost with- 
 out her. I have seated myself at 
 Nancy's desk to scribble a little — 
 interrupted already. It is Cousin 
 Molly. She is come to propose 
 dressing Mr. Pinkard in Woman's 
 cloaths. I assent, so away goes the 
 pen. 
 
 Just as we had got Mr. Pinkard 
 dress't, came Corbin, Hannah, and 
 Nancy. 
 
 Nancy and myself have just re- 
 turned from a delightful walk. What 
 do you think of her? She sais she 
 could almost sware Mr. Beal is my 
 
 slave ! 
 
 1782. 
 
 October 30. 
 
 October 31. 
 
 Nov. 1. 
 
46 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Nov. 1. 
 
 Nov. 2. 
 
 Nov. 3. 
 
 slave ! I laugh, and tell her there is 
 nothing in it ; nor do I believe he is. 
 
 Mr. Pinkard came in just now, and 
 like to have taken this from me, tho 
 I luckily got it in my pocket before 
 he could get it. 
 
 To-day, Corbin and Hannah go to 
 Blenheim, the seat of Mr. W. Wash- 
 
 ington. 
 
 Hariot is going with them. 
 
 How much do I want to see my 
 Polly ! I hope, by this time, you are 
 almost through your Book. 
 
 To-day the Beaux took their leave. 
 Last night Nancy had a fire made up 
 in one of the up-stairs rooms, and was 
 busily engaged in conversation, when 
 Mr. Pinkard bolted in upon us and 
 overheard part of our conversation — 
 which hily delighted him. 
 
 To-morrow, Mrs. Pinkard, Nancy, 
 and myself go to Blenheim. All the 
 Bushfield Family are there. How 
 
 often 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 47 
 
 often do we wish for our dear Polly ! 
 but she is denied us. 
 
 We are now at Blenheim. The 
 Hurry of dress prevented my writeing 
 before I sat off. I am delighted with 
 this Family, and still more delighted 
 with Milly Washington. She is in- 
 deed a sweet Girl. 
 
 There came this evening a Major 
 More Fauntleroy. We have had a 
 heartty laugh at him ; he is a Mon- 
 strous Simpleton ; and likewise came 
 this evening the hopefull Youth — 
 A. Spotswood. He has lately com- 
 menced Milly's lover. Nancy and 
 myself have been teasin to get [some- 
 thing] out of her, but she is inflexible. 
 
 I have been very much entertained 
 hearing Cousin Washington perform 
 on the Spinnet. Adieu, my Friend. 
 I can write no more. 
 
 This is Sunday. We have just 
 
 breakfasted. 
 
 1782. 
 
 Ncn . 3. 
 
 Nov. 4. 
 
 Nov. 5. 
 
48 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Nov. 5. 
 
 breakfasted. There came this morn- 
 ing one of the cleverest young Beaux 
 I have seen for some time — a Mr. 
 Turner. 
 
 Cousin Hannah and Hariet take 
 our places this morning in the Cha- 
 riot. Nancy and myself stay till the 
 evening, and go with Mr. Washington 
 in his Pheyton. 
 
 Nancy, Milly, and myself have shut 
 ourselves in a room up stairs, and in- 
 tend not to go down till summoned 
 to dinner. The Topic of our Conver- 
 sation is, regretting the manner in 
 which we have spent our past life. It 
 will tend to some good, you will say, 
 if it will make us mend in future. 
 
 I have, for the first time in my life, 
 just read Pope's Eloiza. Just now I 
 saw it laying in the Window. I had 
 heard my Polly extol it frequently, 
 and curiosity lead me to read it. I 
 
 will 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 49 
 
 will give you my opinion of it : the 
 poetry I think beautiful, but do not 
 like some of the sentiments. Some 
 of Eloiza's is too Ammorous for a 
 female, I think. 
 
 We set off this evening for Chan- 
 tilly — but the Pheyton wheel broke, 
 and we were obliged to turn back. 
 Old Mrs. Washington has promised 
 her Carriage to us to go in the morn- 
 ing. 
 
 Chantilly. We sat off early in the 
 morning, and we reached here this 
 morning before breakfast. I found 
 Mama's Jem here. How delighted I 
 am to hear of the Health of all my 
 Friends above. He could not give 
 me any information about you, except 
 that he believes you are very well, 
 which I am very much pleased to hear. 
 
 Aunt Lee has been very sick for 
 several days with a violent toothache. 
 
 This 
 
 1782. 
 
 Nov. 5. 
 
5Q 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Nov. 7. 
 
 Berry Hill. 
 A 
 
 country-seat 
 
 of Thomas 
 
 L. Lee. 
 
 Nov. 8. 
 
 Nov. 9. 
 
 This is a delightful evening, my 
 dear. Nancy and myself have just 
 returned from a delightfull walk to 
 the river. On our return we two 
 loll'd on the Sopha. I shall go up to 
 Berry Hill directly the Pheyton is 
 mended. Mr. Washington is to carry 
 me. 
 
 To-day Old Mrs. Washington and 
 Mil.ly came. Nancy and myself have 
 been dressing for dinner. N. looks 
 handsomer to-day than I have seen 
 her since I came. Adieu. I have 
 not another moment to scribble. 
 
 Milly and myself took a walk to- 
 night by moonlight. She knows you, 
 she says, and thinks you beautifull. 
 
 We are going to join Nancy and 
 Mr. Washington in the dineing-room. 
 Adieu, my beloved. 
 
 Mrs. Thomson, Mrs. Leland, and a 
 Miss Leland are all just come, and 
 
 unexpectedly 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 51 
 
 unexpectedly too. I never saw the 
 two last before. The first is a very 
 clever old Lady, the latter very homely 
 indeed. We are all going to dress. 
 Adieu. 
 
 Dinner is just over. Harry, the 
 Fiddler, is sent for, and we are going 
 to dance. I had forgot to tell, Mr. 
 Spotswood came to-day. You can't 
 conceive how angry Milly was. I 
 soon got from her that he had prom- 
 ised never to trouble her again on the 
 Subject, and she was displeased at his 
 following her. Adieu — Harriet in- 
 sists on my going out. She says the 
 fiddle is come. Farewell, my love; 
 may Heaven shower blessings on your 
 head, prays your Lucinda. I always 
 forget to make use of our other name. 
 
 To-day Old Mrs. W. goes to Bush- 
 field, and leaves Milly behind. I 
 have promised to go with Milly when 
 
 she 
 
 1782. 
 
 Nov. 9. 
 
 Nov. 10. 
 
52 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Nov. 10. 
 
 Me no kin. 
 
 Residence 
 
 of Francis 
 
 L. Lee. 
 
 she goes, if I don't go up before that 
 time. Hannah and Corbin go with 
 the Old Lady to-day. Cousin Molly 
 and Mr. Pinkard go to Menoken to- 
 day. 
 
 Mr. Spotswood took his leave this 
 evening; which Milly rejoiced at. 
 
 Nancy sleeps up stairs to-night 
 with her Sister Pinkard. Milly, Miss 
 Leland, and myself have the nurcery 
 to ourselves. We want Nancy very 
 much, but she is obliged to sleep up 
 stairs. 
 
 I had forgot to tell you, the second 
 night at Blenheim, Milly, Nancy, and 
 myself had a room to ourselves, and 
 tried the salt and egg; but neither of 
 us dreamt. 
 
 I have undrest myself, and Sibby is 
 going to comb my hair. Milly and 
 Miss Leland are gone in the Garden. 
 I propose to Sibby to go and frighten 
 
 them : 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 
 
 53 
 
 them : she agrees, and we are going 
 to put it in execution. 
 
 We scared them a good deal. Milly 
 screamed pretty lustily. 
 
 We have just breakfasted. Mrs. 
 Thomson and the Lelands have just 
 departed. We are going hard to 
 work. Milly is making herself a very 
 pretty cap. 
 
 Cousin Molly came to-night ; quite 
 wet, as she was caught in a hard rain. 
 We shall sit up very late to-night — 
 I trimming my dress, and the rest 
 makeing caps. I expect to go on 
 Monday to Bushfield, with Milly. 
 Nancy and Molly will go about that 
 time to Miss A. Ballendine's wedding. 
 
 What a surprise, my Polly, have 
 we all had this morning, and a de- 
 lightful one too. Before we were out 
 of bed a servant from Mr. Macarty's 
 came to let us know Aunt Fendall is 
 
 arrived, 
 
 1782. 
 
 Nov. 10. 
 
 Nov. 11. 
 
 Nov. 12. 
 
54 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG 
 
 1782. 
 Nov. 12. 
 
 McCartys, 
 married into 
 
 the Lee 
 family, lived 
 
 at 
 'Marmion. 
 
 arrived, and at Mr. Macarty's. We 
 are all invited to dine there to-day. I 
 am delighted at the thought of seeing 
 Flora before I go up. The Pheyton 
 is mended, and I shall set off in a day 
 or two. 
 
 I am not going to Mr. Macarty's 
 to-day. I stay with Milly W. and 
 Mrs. Pinkard. Aunt Lee, Molly, and 
 Nancy go. It was my own choice to 
 stay, for Nancy insisted on my going 
 and her staying. They are gone. I 
 drest Nancy's hair — she really look't 
 beautiful to-day. 
 
 We are going to seat ourselves and 
 hear Mr. Pinkard read a Novel. 
 
 Hannah and Corbin are just come 
 from Buskfield. Mr. Washington sais 
 he shall set off to-morrow. 
 
 Milly will set off directly after din- 
 ner. She has promised to correspond 
 with me. 
 
 Milly has taken her leave, and I 
 assure you I was a good deal affected 
 at parting with her. She is a sweet 
 
 Girl; 
 
 u 
 
LADY OF VIRGINIA. 55 
 
 Girl ; and told me at parting that she I782 - 
 
 ' L o . Nov. 1: 
 
 was preposes'd with the notion we 
 should never meet again. God for- 
 bid ! I can write no more, my Marcia, 
 for I have got to pack up my cloaths. 
 
 I believe I shall scrible a little more 
 to-night, if they should bring Flora 
 home with them, if it is only to give 
 you my opinion of her. 
 
 Well, my dear, they are come, and, 
 as I expected, brought Flora with 
 them. She is very genteal, and wears 
 monstrous Bustles. Her face is just 
 as it always was. You, my dearest, 
 that posses a great deal of Sencibility, 
 would have supposed she would have 
 been delighted to see me — far from 
 it, I assure you. She saluted me just 
 as if I had been a common acquaint- 
 ance, and was not, I thought, at all 
 glad to see me ; but I suppose it is 
 fashionable to affect indifference. I 
 hope, my dearest, we shall always stear 
 clear of such unnatural Fashions. 
 She received Nancy in the same 
 
 manner; 
 

 56 
 1782. 
 
 Nov. 12. 
 
 JOURNAL OF A YOUNG LADY. 
 
 manner; that dear Friend and my- 
 self have just returned from a walk in 
 the Garden — the last we shall take 
 for some time, I am afraid. 
 
 Dear Mrs. Pinkard sets off this 
 morning, and Cousin Molly goes as 
 far as Pcccatoue with her. 
 
 The arrival of Flora has prevented 
 Nancy from going. 
 
 I have just taken a last farewell of 
 my dear Mrs. Pinkard — did I say a 
 last farewell ? I hope not. I should 
 be unhappy did I think it a last fare- 
 well. 
 
 Mr. W. and myself have defer'd set- 
 ting off till the evening, and then we 
 go as far as Blenheim to-night. . . .