Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 3

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.