Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 2

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