Chapter 1

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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. 1871.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by Emily V. Mason, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

PREFACE

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 wife of "Colonel 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 received, 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 correct. It is believed that the Journal will be more entertaining in its original state than it would be with the aid of any amendments 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, 1871.

JOURNAL

OF A

YOUNG LADY

OF VIRGINIA.

1782.

Sept. 16.

FROM LUCINDA TO MARCIA

_THE WILDERNESS, September 16._

[Sidenote: "Wilderness" Residence of John Grymes, Esq., who married Miss Fitzhugh, of Eagle's Nest. One of this family was Gen. Robert Lee's grandmother.]

I hear you say, "The Wilderness! 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.

Sept. 17.

To-day is Sunday. Old Mrs. Gordon lives in sight of this [place]. One of her Daughters is just come--Lucy 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 Affable and agreeable, though not handsome. She has invited us to see her, and we shall go day after to-morrow.

I have spent the day pretty agreeably. Lucy Gordon is to stay with me to-night.

[Sidenote: Col. Ball, probably the aide and kinsman of Gen. Washington: his second wife was Frances Washington, niece and legatee of Gen. Washington.]

I have spent the morning in reading; and, much to my satisfaction, old Mrs. Gordon is just come to spend the day here. Lucy Gordon and myself are just returned from walking 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; all that a romantic mind could form. I thought of my Polly, 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.

Sept. 18.

To-day we return Mrs. Spotswood'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 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.

Sept. 19.

To-day we dine at Old Mrs. Gordon'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 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 sacrificing my own ease and happiness to the Opinion of the world in these matters. 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 determined, 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.

Sept. 20.

I have spent this morning in reading _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 settled 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 come to wait on us. I must throw aside my pen, and go down to be introduced. Adieu. I will write more when we retire to dress.

[Sidenote: Of the Nicholas family.]

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.

Sept. 21.

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 cleverest Women I have seen for some time. I saw there Miss Betty Lee, and A Miss Judy Roberson; the first is homely, though right agreeable--the latter is, I think, rather clever. You can't conceive anything more nice or genteel than every[thing] 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.

Sept. 22.

To-day we dine with old Mrs. Gordon. Lucy and myself are going to walk over now; Sister and Mrs. Gordon 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. Masenbird's. Mrs. Gordon and sister are 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 married 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!

Sept. 23.

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 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.

Sept. 24.

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.

[Sidenote: _Belleview._ Residence of Thomas Ludwell Lee.]

Well, my dearest Lavinia, I am arrived at _Belleview_, a good deal fatigued, where we found Mr. Bushrod 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 one of the Miss Brents at a Ball in Dumfries, but that it was only conditionally. Mammy has just sent me word she has a letter for me--it is from Nancy, I am sure. Adieu.

[Sidenote: _Chantilly._ Residence of Richard H. Lee.]

It was, and one for you enclosed in it. Nancy writes me her Sister Pinkard is at _Chantilly_. It must be a great acquisition to her happiness to have so amiable a companion as I have heard she was.

Sept. 25.

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.

Sept. 26.

To-day I have spent in putting my 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.

Sept. 27.

[Sidenote: Mr. Charles Lee--afterward Attorney-General in Gen. Washington's second Cabinet--married the "Nancy" of the narrative.]

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.

Sept. 28.

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 uneasy with regard to Nancy--I wish to Heaven I could hear from her.

Sept. 29.

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 seldom can a Mother reason in this manner! Cousin Nancy is better, she told me: pray Heaven it may be so.

[Sidenote: _Richland._ Residence of Daniel Brent, Esq.]

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!

Sept. 30.

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.

[Sidenote: _Selvington._ Residence of Thomas Selden.]

[Sidenote: _Chatham._ Residence of William Fitzhugh, grandfather of Mrs. Robert E. Lee. He afterward removed to _Ravensworth_, in Fairfax Co., when _Chatham_ was occupied by his brother, Mr. Philip Fitzhugh.]

I am returned. Mrs. Brook, Mrs. Selden, and Nancy were all at church in deep mourning. They were very civil to me, and prest me to dine at _Selvington_. 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-morrow 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 Thaskkel. She has hazel eyes, fine complexion, 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 Carriage. 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 were with you--then I suppose my Polly is happy. I have a thousand 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 History 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.

[Sidenote: Richard Brent, U. S. Senator from Virginia for many years.]

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 _Chantilly_? 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 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.

October 1.

I must really take my pen to scribble a little before I set off. The Gentlemen are just set off to the races, and I am preparing to set off for _Chantilly_. Adieu, my Polly.

October 2.

I have arrived at _Chantilly_. Nancy was much better than I expected to find her. Weakness is her only complaint. 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.

October 3.

I am just up, and am going to seat myself for Sibby to crape my hair.

[Sidenote: _Stratford._ Residence of Philip Ludwell Lee.]

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 announced. Adieu.

Nancy is rather unwell this evening; she is a little fatigued with her ride. Adieu. I must go and talk, to raise her spirits.

October 4.

To-day I have been busy making a 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 permitted to be perfectly happy. I suppose it is right, else the Supreme Disposer of all things would not have permitted it: we should perhaps have been more neglectful than we are of our duty.

October 5.

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 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 melloncholy. Nancy calls me. Adieu again. I come! I come!

We are returned, and had a delightful ride, and a much more delightful _tête-à-tête_. This Lee appears to be a hum-drum, disagreeable Creature. Tea is ready, and I must bid you good-by.

October 6.

I wish, my Polly, you could see Mrs. Pinkard. You would be delighted with her. She is, I think, among the finest Women I have seen; and is thought very beautifull.

I have been very agreeably entertained this evening, reading a Novel called _Malvern Dale_. It is something like _Evelina_, though not so pretty.

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 thousand times more pleasing [after a little while] than all the novels in the World. I own myself, I am too fond of Novel-reading; but, by accustoming myself to reading other Books, I have become less so, and I wish my Polly to do the same.

October 7.

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 resume 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.

October 8.

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 screne, to hold in my hand to prevent the fire from burning my face. I think it will be beautifull.

I have seated myself in my (w)rapper to scribble a little. Mr. Pinkard has been reading a Play all the evening 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.

October 9.

I was in danger last night of commiting 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 Cousin_. I thought I should have burst with laughter!

The two Gentlemen went to the Court-house to-day. Molly and myself 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.

October 10.

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.

October 11.

Hannah and myself were going to take a long walk this evening, but were prevented by the two horred Mortals, Mr. Pinkard and Mr. Washington, who seized me and kissed me a dozen times in spite of all the resistance I could make. They really think, now they are married, they are prevaliged to do any thing.

October 12.

I am going to tell you a little piece of a secret; but you must never mention it. Nancy had an admirer lately--who do you think it is? No other than Mr. Newton. He got his discard 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 unfortunate 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 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 beautiful it look't! Adieu.

October 13.

[Sidenote: _Pecatone._ Residence of Mrs. Turberville.]

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.

October 14.

I have but one moment to tell you 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.

October 15.

[Sidenote A: _Nomini._ Built by "Counsellor Carter," son of "King Carter."]

[Sidenote: _Bushfield._ Residence of Mr. Washington.]

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[A] 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, but very polite and hospitable in her house. The latter has not a handsome face, but is a genteel person. They gave us a very polite reception. Hannah was dressed in a lead-courlered 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. Accordingly, we three went in the Chariot, and left the two Married Ladys by themselves.