Journal of a Young Lady of Virginia, 1782

Excerpt

"Wilderness" Residence of John Grymes, Esq., who married Miss Fitzhugh, of Eagle's Nest. One of this family was Gen. Robert Lee's grandmother. I hear you say, "The Wilderness! where in the world is that, Lucy?" It is the name of this place. I can't say I was much struck with the situation of the House; but they are as kind, good People as I ever saw.

Sept. 17.To-day is Sunday. Old Mrs. Gordon lives in sight of this [place]. One of her Daughters is just come—Lucy Gordon—very clever, though not a Beauty.

A Mr. Spotswood and his Lady are come to dine here. I must dress, of course.

They are gone.

Mrs. Spotswood, I think, is very Affable and agreeable, though not handsome. She has invited us to see her, and we shall go day after to-morrow.

I have spent the day pretty agreeably. Lucy Gordon is to stay with me to-night.

Col. Ball, probably the aide and kinsman of Gen. Washington: his second wife was Frances Washington, niece and legatee of Gen. Washington.I have spent the morning in reading; and, much to my satisfaction, old Mrs. Gordon is just come to spend the day here. Lucy Gordon and myself are just returned from walking out. I was delighted: we walked to a river—they call it here; but it is very narrow. The banks of it are beautiful, covered with moss and wild flowers; all that a romantic mind could form. I thought of my Polly, and thought how delighted she would have been had she been a Spectater of the scene; and how much more pleased would your Lucy have been, how more delighted if she could have had her Polly to point out the Beauties too, and make her observations: but her dear Company was denied. Lucy Gordon is a truly good Girl, but nothing of the romance in her. So much the better, say I; she is much happier without. I wish to Heaven I had as little. Colonel Ball dined here to-day: a very clever man.

Sept. 18.To-day we return Mrs. Spotswood's visit. I have to crape my hair, which, of all things, is the most disagreeable. Adieu, my Polly, till my return.

Well, my dear, I am returned; and much pleased. Mrs. Spotswood is mighty clever in her house. She has a Daughter, about twelve years old (though very large of her age—she is as tall as I am), very agreeable, though not handsome.

They are at cards below, and have sent for me to join them, though I had much rather stay and converse with my Polly; yet politeness obliges my obeying the summons.

Sept. 19.To-day we dine at Old Mrs. Gordon's: I flatter myself I shall spend this day agreeably. This evening Colonel Ball insisted on our drinking tea with him: we did, and I was much pleased with my visit; his Wife was not at home.

I have returned, and am sitting alone, writing to my dearest Polly. I don't think I ever met with kinder, better People in my life; they do everything in their Power to make you happy. I have almost determined not to go to the races this Fall: every one appears to be astonished at [me,] but I am sure there is no sollid happiness to be found in such amusements. I don't think I could answer for myself if you were to go; and then I should only go to be with you. I have no notion of sacrificing my own ease and happiness to the Opinion of the world in these matters. They laugh, and tell me, while I am mopeing at home, other girls will be enjoying themselves at races and balls; but I never will, I am determined, go to one, unless I have an inclination....