Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 7

Ballendine's--truly Amiable, I believe, but not handsome. But how
prefarable is good sense and affability to Beauty: more pleasing a
thousand times!
Cousin Molly and Hannah T. have rode to Mr. Ballendine's to bring the
other Sister. She is to be married soon to a Mr. Murfey.
The old man being sick that plays the Fidle, we have diverted ourselves
playing grind the bottle and hide the thimble. Our time passed away
agreeably enough.
October 18.
Miss Nancy Ballendine would not come yesterday. Miss Eliza is still
here; and a sweet Girl she is. I wish you could see her: I am sure my
Polly would be pleased with her. We have been taking a walk together
in the Garden, and talk't of my Polly. She told me Mr. Macrae intended
paying his addresses to you on his way up. I long to hear if he has.
We have the addition of two more Gentlemen to-night. A Doctor
Harrington--a handsome man, I think--and an elderly Gentleman,
Captain Grigg; the most laughable creature I ever saw. They tell me I
shall be highly diverted at the minuet he dances; and we intend to make
him dance one to-night.
October 19.
I don't think I ever laugh't so much in my life as I did last night at
Captain Grigg's minuet. I wish you could see him. It is really the most
ludicrous thing I ever saw; and what makes it more so is, he thinks he
dances a most delightful one.
To-day we go to Mr. Ballendine's. Adieu, my Love.
I am delighted with this Family. They take delight in promoting each
other's happiness, and they do it effectually; for I believe they are
perfectly happy. Mrs. Ballendine is handsome--more so than either of

her Daughters. Mr. Newton came this evening as we were at tea.
October 20.
To-day is disagreeable and rainy. The young Ladys have been showing
us the wedding-cloaths and some dresses they had from London; very
genteel and pretty. Mr. Newton is still here, and is, I think, a very
disagreeable creature. I wonder how Nancy did to bear with him. The
young Ladys have been singing for me: they are mighty obliging, and
sing whenever they are ask't.
October 21.
We have just returned this morning from visiting Mrs. Esquire Lee.
I never saw her before. She received us very graciously, and is, I think,
rather clever. We returned just as dinner was on the table. Miss Nancy's
sweetheart came to-day. Mr. Murfey is a very good Man, I believe, but
he is very homely. Adieu, my dearest.
October 22.
We return this morning to Pecatone. Adieu.
We are at Pecatone, and dressing. There are several Gentlemen to dine
here. Mr. Thomson has invited this Family and ourselves to drink tea
with him this evening. He has had a New Cargo of tea arrived. We
intend going, and I shall not scribble again to-night.
October 23.
We went to Mr. Thomson's; returned, and danced at night. Mr.
Turberville and Mr. Beal each made us all a present of a pound of
Powder. I really have a great Affection for Mrs. Pinkard. She always
chooses my head-dress, dresses my hair, and is the best Creature in
lending you any thing. If you just say you want a thing, if she happens
to have it, she will insist on your wearing it. Cousin Hannah has a
quantity of Cloaths. She has put on every day since I have been here a

different dress of muslin, and all handsome. Adieu, my best beloved. I
have but little time to scribble, and that is only when we retire to dress.
October 24.
We were entertained last night in the usual way--dancing. We have just
returned from taking a delightful walk. We went to the peach orchard
and eat a great many fine peaches. They are seldom met with this time
of the year.
October 25.
[Sidenote: Lee Hall. Residence of Richard Lee.]
To-day we dine at Lee Hall--that is, at the Squire's. To-morrow we dine
at Bushfield, with the Pecatone Family. Adieu; I will write when I get
there.
I am at Lee Hall. Mrs. Lee is very polite. We found a Mrs. Ball here.
She has the remains of a very pretty Woman, and appears to have a fixt
melancholy on her countenance. I expect to see Nancy to-morrow at
Bushfield--pray send I may. Mr. Beal and Mr. Pinkard are come. Adieu:
I am called to supper.
October 26.
I have but one moment to tell you we are just going to set out for
Bushfield. Mr. Turberville's Coach is waiting for us at the road.
October 27.
When we got here we found the House pretty full. Nancy was here. I
had to dress in a great hurry for dinner.