Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 6

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.
We have retired to dress for dinner. Shall I tell you our dresses? I hear
you say "Yes." Mrs. P. wears a brocade; Cousin M. her pink

Great-Coat, and I my pink. Adieu. Mrs. P. is going to dress my hair.
Every moment I can spare from the Company I dedicate to you. Two
Beaux dined here. Mr. James Thomson and Mr. Ford. In the evening
two more came--Mr. Beal and Mr. Joe Thomson. We are all preparing
to dance. Adieu: I hear the Fidle.
October 16.
We spent last night very agreeably. Danced till Eleven. My partner was
Mr. Beal. This is a beautiful situation--the Garden extends from the
House to the river [very much like Retirement]. I have been takeing a
very agreeable walk there. An airing is proposed this morning. We all
go in Mr. Turberville's Coach. Adieu: it is at the door.
I don't know when I've been happier than I am now. Every thing
conspires to make me so. Cousin Turberville is so Affectionate. She
does every thing in her power to make her Company happy. I had
forgot to tell you Cousin Hannah's dress yesterday. It was a blue
lutestring habit, taffety apron and handkerchief, with the most butiful
little hat on the side of her head I ever saw.
We are dressing for dinner: this is a ceremony always practiced here. I
wear my Great-Coat.
We are just done tea; and are to have the same Gentlemen to dance
again to-night.
I begin to want very much to see my Polly. Ah! what would I not give
to obtain that [happiness]. It appears a year since the morning I parted
from you, and how long, very long will it be before I clasp you to my
breast. I am deprived even the consolation of hearing from you. Adieu,
my love. I must return to the Company.
October 17.
We danced last night, and every one appeared to be happy. I can
answer for your Lucy: her partner was Mr. James Thomson--one of the

best dancers I most ever saw. Early this morning came one of the Miss