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

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