J. Jay Smith

“ I then thought it time for me to retreat; so figure me (mightily scared as not having presence of mind enough to face so many of the military) running in at one door and out another, all in a shake with fear; but after a little, seeing the officers appear gentlemanly and the soldiers civil, I called reason to my aid; my fears were in some measure dispelled, tho' my teeth rattled, and my hand shook like an aspin leaf. They did not offer to take their quarters with us; so, with many blessings and as many adieus, they marched off. ”

“ Nothing scarcely lowers a man in my opinion more than talking of eating, what they love and what they hate. Lee and Warring were proficients in this science. Enough of them.
December 5th, sixth day.—Oh, gracious! Debby, I am all alive with fear. The English have come out to attack (as we imagine) our army, three miles this side. What will become of us? Only six miles distant. We are in hourly expectation of an engagement! I fear we shall be in the midst of it. Heaven defend us from so dreadful a sight! The battle of Germantown and the horrors of that day are recent in my mind. ”

“ First day morn, December 7th.—I trip'd into aunt's. There sat the Major, rather more like himself. How natural it was to see him! "Good morning, Miss Sally." "Good morrow, Major; how does thee do to-day?" "I feel quite recover'd, Sally." "Well, I fancy this indisposition has sav'd thy head this time." Major: "No, ma'am; for, if I hear a firing, I shall soon be with them." That was heroic. About eleven, I dress'd myself; silk and cotton gown: it is made without an apron. I feel quite awkwardish, and prefer the girlish dress.
First day afternoon.—A Mr. Seaton and Stodard drank tea with us. ”

“ Debby, I have a thousand things to tell thee! I shall give thee so droll an account of my adventures, that thee will smile. No occasion of that, Sally, methinks I hear thee, say, for thee tells me every trifle. But, child, thee is mistaken; for I have not told thee half the civil things that are said of us SWEET creatures at "General Smallwood's Quarters!" I think I might have sent the gentlemen to their chambers. I made my adieus, and home I went.
Third day morn.—A polite "Good morning" from the M; more sociable than ever. No wonder a stoic cou'd not resist such affable damsels as we are. ”

“ Some people, my dear, think that there's no difference between good nature and good humour; but, according to my opinion, they differ widely. Good nature consists in a naturally amiable and even disposition, free from all peevishness and fretting. It is accompanied by a natural gracefulness,—a manner of saying every thing agreeably: in short, it steals the senses, and captivates the heart. Good humour is a very agreeable companion for an afternoon; but give me good nature for life. Adieu.
Second day morn, Nov. 1st.—To-day the militia marches, and the Gen'l and officers leave us ”

“ I at first thought the Major cross and proud, but I was mistaken; he is about nineteen, nephew to the Gen'l, and acts as Major of brigade to him; he cannot be extoll'd for the graces of person, but for those of the mind he may justly be celebrated; he is large in his person, manly, and an engaging countenance and address. Finley is wretched ugly, but he went away last night, so I shall not particularize him. Nothing of any moment to-day; no acquaintance with the officers. Col's Wood and Line, and Gould, dined with us. ”

“ If they have a fine pair of eyes, they are forever rolling them about; a fine set of teeth, mind, they are great laughers; a genteel person, forever changing their attitudes to show them to advantage. Oh, vanity! vanity! how boundless is thy sway!
But to resume. This interview with Major Stodard we were very witty and sprightly. I was darning an apron, upon which he was pleas'd to compliment me. "Well, Miss Sally, what would you do if the British were to come here?" ”

“ Watts, Mrs. Wister, young Miss Wister; Mr. Watts, ladies, is one of our Virginia children." He sat down. Tea was order'd. Dandridge never drank tea; Watts had done; so we set to the table alone. "Let's walk in the garden," said the Captain; so we call'd Liddy, and went, (not Watts.) We sat down in a sort of a summer-house. "Miss Sally, are you a Quaker?" "Yes." "Now, are you a Quaker?" "Yes, I am." "Then you are a Tory." "I am not, indeed." "Oh, dear!" replied he, "I am a poor creature! I can hardly live!" Then, flying away from that subject, "Will you marry me, Miss Sally?" ”

“ After breakfast they set off for Valley Forge, where Gen'l Washington's army still are.
I am more pleas'd with Major Jameson than I was at first. He is sensible and agreeable,—a manly person, and a very good countenance. We girls differ about him. Prissa and I admire him, whilst Liddy and Betsy will not allow him a spark of beauty. Aunt's family are charm'd with his behaviour,—so polite, so unassuming. When he disturb'd them last night, he made a hundred apologies,—was so sorry to call them up,—'twas real necessity oblig'd him. I can't help remarking the contrast between him and Dandridge. ”

“ Liddy, saucy girl, told him I could. He beg'd, and I deny'd; for my voice is not much better than the voice of a raven! We talk'd and laugh'd for an hour; he is clever, amiable, and polite; he has the softest voice—never pronounces the r at all.
I must tell thee, to-day arriv'd Col, Guest and Major Leatherberry, the former a smart widower, the latter a lawyer, a sensible young fellow, and will never swing for want of tongue! Dr. Diggs came second day, a mighty disagreeable man. We were oblig'd to ask him to tea. He must needs pop himself between the Major and me! ”

“ I am still determined to be cheerful and to be happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. We carry the seeds of the one or the other about with us, in our minds, wherever we go.
I have two of my grandchildren with me, who enjoy advantages in point of education, and who, I trust, by the goodness of Providence, will continue to be a great blessing to me. ”

“ I am not apt to forget the feelings that have been inspired by my former society with good acquaintances, nor to be insensible to their expressions of gratitude to the President of the United States; for you know me well enough to do me the justice to believe that I am only fond of what comes from the heart. ”

“ I ask'd him if he knew N. Bond. "No, ma'am, but I have seen her very often." One word brought on another one. We chatted a great part of the evening. He said he knew me directly as he seen me; told me exactly where we liv'd. It rains, so adieu.
Second day, 26th Oct.—A rainy morning—so like to prove: the officers in the house all day.
Second day afternoon.—The Gen'l and officers drank tea with us, and stay'd part of the evening. After supper, I went with aunt where sat the Gen'l, Col. Line, and Major Stodard; so Liddy and me seated ourselves at the table, in order to read a verse-book. ”

“ Oct the 19th, second day.—Now for new and uncommon scenes! As I was laying in bed and ruminating on past and present events, and thinking how happy I should be if I could see you, Liddy came running into the room, and said there was the greatest drumming, fifing, and rattling of waggons that ever she had heard. What to make of this we were at a loss. We dress'd, and down stairs in a hurry. Our wonder ceased: the British had left Germantown, and our army were marching to take possession. It was the general opinion they would evacuate the capital. ”

“ I beg you wou'd give my most friendly compliments to your family, and particularly to your son, my disciple, to whom I hope the future posture of affairs will give me an opportunity of pointing out the way to proficiency in his favourite study, which may tend so much to his pleasure and advantage. Let him go on copying whatever good models he can meet with, and never suffer himself to neglect the proportion, and never to think of finishing his work or imitating the fine flowing lines of his copy, till every limb, feature, house, tree, or whatever he is drawing, is in its proper place. ”

“ About 12 o'clock, cousin Jesse heard that General Howe's army had moved down towards Philadelphia. Then, my dear, our hopes and fears were engaged for you. However, my advice is, summon up all your resolution, call Fortitude to your aid, don't suffer your spirits, to sink, my dear; there's nothing like courage; 'tis what I stand in need of myself, but unfortunately have but little of it in my composition. I was standing in the kitchen about 12, when somebody came to me in a hurry, screaming, "Sally, Sally, here are the light horse." ”

“ What will become of us?" "You may be very safe. The house is an excellent house to defend: only do you be still. If the British vanquish us, down on your knees, and cry, 'Bless the King!' If we conquer them, why, you know you are safe." This added to my fright. I called my dear mamma, who was much indispos'd. Dadda was gone to Lancaster. Mamma ask'd him the same questions, and he gave her the same answers. I was in a fearful taking, and said if I thought such a thing would happen I would set off, though 9 o'clock, and walk to uncle Foulke's. "No! don't go to-night, Miss Sally! ”

“ A horseman deliver'd this message:—"Let the troop lie on their arms, and be ready to march at a moment's warning." He immediately gave these orders to the sargeant. Every soldier was in motion. I was a good deal frighten'd, and ask'd Watts the reason. He fancy'd the British were in motion, tho' he had not receiv'd such intelligence. "What will thee do if they come here?" "Defend the house as long as I can, ma'am." ”

“ The army had orders to march to-day; the regulars accordingly did. Gen'l Smallwood had the command of militia at that time, and they, being in the rear, were not to leave their encampment until second day. Observe how militaryish I talk. No wonder, when I am surrounded by people of that order. The Gen'l, Colonels Wood, Guest, Crawford, and Line, Majors Stodard and Leatherberry, din'd with us to-day. After dinner, Liddy, Betsy, and thy smart journaliser put on their bonnets to take a walk. We left the house. ”

“ Spent a most delightful day. As we approach'd the house, on our return, we perceiv'd several strangers in the parlour. Polly's face and mine brighten'd up at the discovery. We alighted. Polly swung open the door, and introduc'd us to Major Jameson and Capt. Howard, both of the dragoons,—the former from Virginia, the latter a Marylander. We all seem'd in penseroso style till after supper. We then began to be rather more sociable. About ten they bid us adieu. I dare say thee is impatient to know my sentiments of the swains! Howard has very few external charms ”

“ Flying from what? Why, a bit of painted wood! But he was ignorant of what it was. The idea of being made a prisoner wholly engross'd his mind, and his last resource was to run!
After a while, we being in more composure, and our bursts of laughter less frequent, yet by no means subsided,—in full assembly of girls and officers,—Tilly enter'd! The greatest part of my risibility turn'd to pity. Inexpressible confusion had taken entire possession of his countenance,—his fine hair hanging dishevell'd down his shoulders, all splashed with mud ”

“ MAJOR ANDRE (when Captain Andre) was captured at St. John's, Upper Canada, by Gen'l Montgomery, on the 3d of November, 1775, and, with other British officers, sent to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, as a prisoner of war.
Caleb Cope was then residing in that place, and filling the office of a Burgess. He was a member of the Society of Friends, a non-combatant of course, and more disposed to yield to the pretensions of the British Government than to engage in a bloody war,--believing that there would still be remaining blessings enough to be thankful for. ”

“ Major went to the army. Nothing for him to do; so return'd.
3d or 4th day, I forget which, he was very ill; kept his chamber most of the dav. In the evening I seen him. I pity him mightily, but pity is a poor remedy!
Fifth day, December 11th.—Our army mov'd, as we thought, to go into winter quarters; but we hear there is a party of the enemy gone over Schuylkill; so our army went to look at them! I observ'd to Stodard, "So you are going to leave us to the English!" "Yes! ha! ha! hah! leave you for the E——-!" He has a certain indifference about him that, to strangers, is not very pleasing. ”