Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782 | Page 8

We spent the evening very
agreeably in chatting. Milly Washington is a thousand times prettyer
than I thought her at first, and very agreeable. About sunset, Nancy,
Milly, and myself took a walk in the Garden [it is a most butifull place].
We were mighty busy cutting thistles to try our sweethearts, when Mr.
Washington caught us; and you can't conceive how he plagued

us--chased us all over the Garden, and was quite impertinent.
I must tell you of our frolic after we went in our room. We took it into
our heads, to want to eat; well, we had a large dish of bacon and beaf;
after that, a bowl of Sago cream; and after that, an apple pye. While we
were eating the apple pye in bed--God bless you! making a great
noise--in came Mr. Washington, dressed in Hannah's short gown and
peticoat, and seazed me and kissed me twenty times, in spite of all the
resistance I could make; and then Cousin Molly. Hannah soon followed,
dress'd in his Coat. They joined us in eating the apple pye, and then
went out. After this we took it in our heads to want to eat oysters. We
got up, put on our rappers, and went down in the Seller to get them: do
you think Mr. Washington did not follow us and scear us just to death.
We went up tho, and eat our oysters. We slept in the old Lady's room
too, and she sat laughing fit to kill herself at us. She is a charming old
lady--you would be delighted with her. I forgot to tell, Mr. Beal
attended us here. I have been makeing Milly play on the forti-pianer for
me; she plays very well. I am more and more delighted with her. She
has just returned from the Fredericksburg races, and has given me a full
account of them.
I have been filling out tea, and after that we took a walk to the river by
Moonlight. The garden extends to the river. Nancy observed walking
by moonlight, she thought, reminded us of our absent Friends. I joined
her in thinking so, and my thoughts were at that instant with my Polly.
We returned in the house, and I prevailed on Milly to entertain us an
hour or two on the forti-pianer. We wanted very much to sleep in a
room by ourselves to-night and try the dum cake, but could not
persuade Nancy--she was afraid to sleep in the room with us.
October 28.
[Sidenote B: Nomini.]
To-day, which is Sunday, we dine at Doctor Thomson's,[B] and in the
evening go to Chantilly. Nancy stays, and goes to-Morrow with Corbin
and Hannah in the Pheyton. Adieu, my ever dear Polly.

October 29.
[Sidenote C: Beal's--a family distinguished in the Revolution. This one
is probably the same who was an officer in the war. Died a bachelor.]
Chantilly. We got here late last night. In the evening, at Doctor
Thomson's, we heard, just by, there were six people to be dipt. We had
Curiosity to see them, and accordingly went. I assure you it is a very
Solemn Sight. We brought two Beaux home with us--Mr. Beal[C] and
Mr. Stark.
October 30.
To-day is rainy and disagreeable, which will prevent their comeing
from Bushfield. I have entertained myself all day reading Telemachus.
It is really delightful, and very improveing. Just as I have seated myself
they are come to tell me tea is ready. Farewell.
October 31.
Mr. Beal is still here. I assure you I think him very clever. Nancy is not
yet come. I am quite lost without her. I have seated myself at Nancy's
desk to scribble a little--interrupted already. It is Cousin Molly. She is
come to propose dressing Mr. Pinkard in Woman's cloaths. I assent, so
away goes the pen.
Just as we had got Mr. Pinkard dress't, came Corbin, Hannah, and
Nancy.
Nov. 1.
Nancy and myself have just returned from a delightful walk. What do
you think of her? She sais she could almost sware Mr. Beal is my slave!
I laugh, and tell her there is nothing in it; nor do I believe he is.
Mr. Pinkard came in just now, and like to have taken this from me, tho
I luckily got it in my pocket before he could get it.
Nov. 2.

To-day, Corbin and Hannah go to Blenheim, the seat of Mr. W.
Washington. Hariot is going with them.
How much do I want to see my Polly! I hope, by this time, you are
almost through your Book.
Nov. 3.
To-day the Beaux took their leave. Last night Nancy had a fire made up
in one of the up-stairs rooms, and was busily engaged in conversation,
when Mr. Pinkard bolted in upon us and overheard