Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 4

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