USA > Pennsylvania > Montgomery County > Gwynedd > Historical collections relating to Gwynedd, a township of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, settled, 1696, by immigrants from Wales, with some data referring to the adjoining township, of Montgomery, also settled by Welsh > Part 25
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In the nine months which the journal covers occurred the battle of Germantown, the siege and reduction of the forts below Philadelphia, the surrender of Burgoyne, the manœuvres at Whitemarsh, the march to Valley Forge, the winter encamp- ment there, the operation of the " Cabal " against Washington, the conclusion of the treaty with France, the gaieties of the British occupation of Philadelphia, and Lafayette's "affair " at Barren Hill. But a little distance away from the hills of Gwyn- edd, the greatest of the actors in the Revolutionary drama were playing their parts,-Washington, Greene, Lafayette, Wayne, Steuben, Kalb, and all the distinguished list.
The Wisters were quartered in the old house at Penllyn,- the Foulke mansion, where William Foulke had died two years · before, and which was at this time the home of his widow, Han- nah, and her unmarried children. The different members of the family are alluded to in various places in the journal, and the allusions explained by foot-notes.
in the grounds of the State-House (now Independence Square), on July 8th of that year. She married Dr. George Logan, of Stenton, and is buried in the family burying-ground, a little enclosure, at that historic place.
[' [1896] It has been published in the Pennsylvania Magazine, since the text of this volume was first printed.]
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HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GWYNEDD.
Fournal.
To DEBORAH NORRIS :-
Though I have not the least shadow of an opportunity to send a letter, if I do write, I will keep a sort of journal of the time that may expire before I see thee : the perusal of it may some time hence give pleasure in a solitary hour to thee and our S. J.
Yesterday, which was the 24th of September, two Virginia officers called at our house, and informed us that the British army had crossed the Schuylkill. Presently after, another person stopped, and confirmed what they had said, and that General Washington and army were near Potts- grove.1 Well, thee may be sure we were sufficiently scared ; however, the road was very still till evening. About seven o'clock we heard a great noise. To the door we all went. A large number of waggons, with about three hundred of the Philadelphia militia. They begged for drink, and several pushed into the house. One of those that entered was a little tipsy, and had a mind to be saucy. I then thought it time for me to re- treat ; 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 at 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 aspen leaf. They did not offer to take their quarters with us ; so, with many blessings, and as many adieus, they marched off.
I have given the most material occurrences of yesterday faithfully.
FOURTH DAY, September 25th. 2
This day, till twelve o'clock, the road was mighty quiet, when Hobson Jones came riding along. About that time he made a stop at our door, and said the British were at Skippack road ; that we should soon see their
1 The battle of Brandywine had occurred September IIth, and the surprise and massacre at Paoli on the night of the 20th. Howe crossed at Gordon's Ford (now Phoenixville), and Fatland Ford, on the 23d, to the east side of Schuylkill, and moved down to Philadelphia. Washington was at Pottsgrove for several days, and then moved over to the Perkiomen.
" This date, presuming the day of the week to be accurately given, should be the 24th, and it may be here observed that the dates of the month are not for some time correctly given in the journal, being a while one day ahead, and then two days, until December 5th, when they become correct.
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light horse, and [that] a party of Hessians had actually turned into our lane. My dadda and mamma gave it the credit it deserved, for he does not keep strictly to the truth in all respects ; but the delicate, chicken- hearted Liddy1 and I were wretchedly scared. We could say nothing but " Oh ! what shall we do? What will become of us?" These questions only augmented the terror we were in. Well, the fright went off. We saw no light horse or Hessians. O. Foulke2 came here in the evening, and told us that General Washington had come down as far as the Trap, and that General McDougle's brigade was stationed at Montgomery, consisting of about 16 hundred men. This he had from Dr. Edwards, Lord Stirling's aid-de-camp ; so we expected to be in the midst of one army or t'other.
FIFTH DAY, September 26th.
We were unusually silent all the morning ; no passengers came by the house, except to the mill, and we don't place much dependence on mill news. About twelve o'clock, cousin Jesse3 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 !" This was by far the greatest fright I had endured ; fear tack'd wings to my feet ; I was at the house in a mo- ment ; at the porch I stopt, and it really was the light horse. I ran imme- diately to the western door, where the family were assembled, anxiously waiting for the event. They rode up to the door and halted, and enquired if we had horses to sell ; he answered negatively: " Have you not, sir," to my father, "two black horses ?"-" Yes, but have no mind to dispose of them." My terror had by this time nearly subsided. The officer and men behaved perfectly civil ; the first drank two glasses of wine, rode away, bid- ding his men to follow, which after adieus in number, they did. The offi-
1 Lydia Foulke, who afterward married John Spencer. She was some six years the elder of Miss Sally.
2 Owen Foulke, son of Caleb. He was Miss Sally's first cousin, their mothers being sisters.
3 Jesse Foulke, brother to Caleb and Amos, and therefore a " connection by mar- riage," but not of kin, at all ; the term " cousin " is purely complimentary.
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cer was Lieutenant Lindsay, of Bland's regiment, Lee's troop. The men, to our great joy, were Americans, and but 4 in all. What made us im- agine them British, they wore blue and red, which with us is not common. It has rained all this afternoon, and to present appearances, will all night. In all probability the English will take possession of the city to-morrow or next day. What a change it will be ! May the Almighty take you under His protection, for without His divine aid all human assistance is vain.
" May heaven's guardian arm protect my absent friends,
From danger guard them, and from want defend."
Forgive, my dear, the repetition of those lines, but they just darted into my mind.
Nothing worth relating has occurred this afternoon. Now for trifles. I have set a stocking on the needles, and intend to be mighty industrious. This evening our folks heard a very heavy cannon. We supposed it to be fired by the English. The report seem'd to come from Philadelphia. We hear the American army will be within five miles of us to-night. The uncertainty of our position engrosses me quite. Perhaps to be in the midst of war, and ruin, and the clang of arms. But we must hope the best.
Here, my dear, passes an interval of several weeks, in which nothing happen'd worth the time and paper it would take to write it.1 The English, however, in the interim, had taken possession of the city.2
SECOND DAY, October 19th.
Now for new and uncommon scenes. As I was lying 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 Ger- mantown, and our army was marching to take possession. It was the
1 We are unfortunately given nothing in relation to the battle of Germantown, which occurred October 4th, in this interval. The omission is difficult to under- stand, because she alludes, later, to " the battle of Germantown, and the horrors of that day."
2 They had occupied the city September 26th, two days after the first date in the journal.
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general opinion that they would evacuate the capital.1 Sister B.2 and myself, and G. E.3 went about half a mile from home, where we cou'd see the army pass. Thee will stare at my going, but no impropriety in my opine, or I should not have gone. We made no great stay, but return'd with excel- lent appetites for our breakfast. Several officers call'd to get some refresh- ments, but none of consequence till the afternoon. Cousin P.4 and myself were sitting at the door ; I in a green skirt, dark short gown, etc. Two genteel men of the military order rode up to the door : "Your servant, ladies," etc. ; ask'd if they could have quarters for General Smallwood. Aunt F.5 thought she could accommodate them as well as most of her neighbors,-said they could. One of the officers dismounted, and wrote " Smallwood's Quarters " over the door, which secured us from straggling soldiers. After this he mounted his steed and rode away. When we were alone, our dress and lips were put in order for conquest, and the hopes of adventures gave brightness to each before passive countenance. Thee must be told of a Dr. Gould, who, by accident, had made acquaintance with my father,-a sensible conversible man, a Carolinian,-and had come to bid us adieu. Daddy had prevailed on him to stay a day or two with us. In the evening his Generalship came with six attendants, which compos'd his family. A large guard of soldiers, a number of horses and baggage-waggons, the yard and house in confusion, and glitter'd with mili- tary equipments. Gould was intimate with Smallwood, and had gone into Jesse's to see him. While he was there, there was great running up and down stairs, so I had an opportunity of seeing and being seen, the former the most agreeable, to be sure. One person, in particular, attracted my notice. He appear'd cross and reserv'd ; but thee shall see how agreeably disappointed I was. Dr. Gould usher'd the gentlemen into our parlour,
1 On this date the British withdrew from Germantown into Philadelphia, and the Americans moved down the Skippack road, and the roads adjacent, to take a nearer position. Washington's headquarters, for some days, were at "James Morris's, on the Skippack road," and on the 2d of November, at Whitemarsh, at the residence of George Emlen, here mentioned. It was the movement of troops down the Morris road, no doubt,-" half a mile away,"-that Miss Sally and her friends went to see.
2 Miss " Betsy,"-Elizabeth-the writer's sister.
3 George Emlen.
4 Priscilla Foulke, sister of Caleb, Amos, and Jesse ; " Cousin " simply by courtesy, as she was not of kin to Miss Sally.
5 Aunt F., wife of Amos Foulke, and sister to Miss Sally's mother.
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and introduc'd them,-"General Smallwood, Captain Furnival, Major Stodard,1 Mr. Prig, Captain Finley, and Mr. Clagan, Colonel Wood, and Colonel Line." These last two did not come with the General. They are Virginians, and both indispos'd. The General and suite are Marylanders. Be assur'd I did not stay long with so many men, but secur'd a good retreat, heart-safe, so far. Some sup'd with us, others at Jesse's. They retir'd about ten, in good order. How new is our situation ! I feel in good spirits, though surrounded by an army, the house full of officers, the yard alive with soldiers,-very peaceable sort of people, tho'. They eat like other folks, talk like them, and behave themselves with elegance ; so I will not be afraid of them, that I won't. Adieu. I am going to my chamber to dream, I suppose, of bayonets and swords, sashes, guns, and epaulets.
THIRD DAY, MORN., October 20th.
I dare say thee is impatient to know my sentiments of the officers ; so, while Somnus embraces them, and the house is still, take their characters according to their rank. The Gen'l is tall, portly, well made : a truly mar- tial air, the behaviour and manners of a gentleman, a good understanding, and great humanity of disposition, constitute the character of Smallwood.2 Col. Wood, from what we hear of him, and what we see, is one of the most amiable of men ; tall and genteel, an agreeable countenance and deport- ment. The following lines will more fully characterize him :-
" How skill'd he is in each obliging art,
The mildest manners and the bravest heart."
The cause he is fighting for alone tears him from the society of an amiable wife and engaging daughter ; with tears in his eyes he often mentions the sweets of domestic life. Col. Line is not married : so let me not be too warm in his praise, lest you suspect. He is monstrous tall and brown, but has a certain something in his face and conversation very agreeable ; he entertains the highest notions of honour, is sensible and humane, and a brave officer ; he is only seven and twenty years old, but, by a long indis- position and constant fatigue, looks vastly older, and almost worn to a
1 This gentleman, frequently and fully spoken of in the journal, is presumed to be Major Benjamin Stoddert, of Maryland, who was Secretary of the Navy from 1798 to 1801, under Adams and Jefferson.
2 He commanded Maryland troops in the Revolutionary army, from 1776 to 1780, and served with credit. He was Governor of Maryland from 1785 to 1788.
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skeleton, but very lively and talkative. Capt. Furnival,-I need not say more of him than that he has, excepting one or two, the handsomest face I ever saw, a very fine person ; fine light hair, and a great deal of it, adds to the beauty of his face. Well, here comes the glory, the Major, so bashful, so famous, etc., he should come before the Captain, but never mind. 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 en- gaging 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. Cols. Wood and Line, and Gould, dined with us. I was dress'd in my chintz, and looked smarter than night before.
FOURTH DAY, Oct. 21st.
I just now met the Major, very reserv'd : nothing but " Good morn- ing," or " Your servant, madam ; " but Furnival is most agreeable ; he chats every opportunity ; but luckily has a wife ! I have heard strange things of the Major. With a fortune of thirty thousand pounds, indepen- dent of any body, the Major is vastly bashful ; so much so he can hardly look at the ladies. (Excuse me, good sir ; I really thought you were not clever ; if 'tis bashfulness only, will drive that away.)
Fifth day, Sixth day, and Seventh day pass'd. The General still here ; the Major still bashful.
FIRST DAY EVENING.
Prepare to hear amazing things. The General was invited to dine, was engag'd ; but Colonel Wood, Major Stodard, and Dr. Edwards1 din'd . with us. In the afternoon, Stodard, addressing himself to mamma, " Pray ma'am, do you know Miss Nancy Bond ?" I told him of the amiable girl's death. This major had been at Philadelphia College. In the evening, I was diverting Johnny at the table, when he drew his chair to it, and began to play with the child. 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
1 Dr. Enoch Edwards, brother of Major Evan Edwards, and after the Revolution a prominent citizen and judge of the Philadelphia courts. He lived in Byberry, on a farm left him by his father, and died there in April, 1802. He served on the staff of Lord Stirling.
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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.
A rainy morning, so like to prove.
SECOND DAY, 26th October. The officers in the house all day. SECOND DAY AFTERNOON.
The General and officers drank tea with us, and stay'd part of the evening. After supper I went with aunt, where sat the General, Colonel Line, and Major Stodard. So Liddy and I seated ourselves at the table in order to read a verse-book. The Major was holding a candle for the Gen- eral, who was reading a newspaper.1 He look'd at us, turn'd away his eyes, look'd again, put the candlestick down, up he jumps, out of the door he went. "Well," said I to Liddy, " he will join us when he comes in." Presently he return'd, and seated himself on the table. "Pray, ladies, is there any songs in that book ?" "Yes, many." "Can't you favor me with a sight of it?" "No, Major, 'tis a borrow'd book." " Miss Sally, can't you sing ?" " No." Thee may be sure I told the truth there. 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 Colonel 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, for which I did not thank him. After I had drank tea, I jump'd from the table, and seated myself at the fire. The Major follow'd my example, drew his chair close to mine, and entertain'd me very agreeably. Oh, Debby ; ] 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
1 Such was " the light of other days! "
2 This is doubtless Colonel Mordecai Gist, of Maryland, who was first a captain, under Smallwood, and then rose to the command of a regiment. He was in the fight near Mooretown, in December, when Howe made the demonstration on Washington's lines at Whitemarsh.
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"General Smallwood's Quarters." I think I might have sent the gentle- men to their chambers. I made my adieus, and home I went.
THIRD DAY, MORN.
A polite " good morning " from the Major, more sociable than ever. No wonder ; a stoic cou'd not resist such affable damsels as we are.
THIRD DAY, EVE., October 27th.
We had again the pleasure of the General and suite at afternoon tea. He (the General, I mean) is most agreeable ; so lively, so free, and chats so gaily, that I had quite an esteem for him. I must steel my heart ! Captain Furnival is gone to Baltimore, the residence of his belov'd wife. The Major and I had a little chat to ourselves this eve. No harm, I assure thee : he and I are friends.
This eve came a parson belonging to the army. He is (how shall I de- scribe him ?) near seven foot high, thin, and meagre, not a single personal charm, and very few mental ones. He fell violently in love with Liddy at first sight ; the first discover'd conquest that has been made since the ar- rival of the General. Come, shall we chat about Col. Guest ? He's very pretty ; a charming person ; his eyes are exceptional ; very stern ; and he so rolls them about that mine always fall under them. He bears the char- acter of a brave officer : another admirer of Liddy's, and she of him. When will Sally's admirers appear ? Ah ! that indeed. Why, Sally has not charms sufficient to pierce the heart of a soldier. But still I won't de- spair. Who knows what mischief I yet may do ?
Well, Debby, here's Doctor Edwards come again. Now we shall not want clack ; for he has a perpetual motion in his head, and if he were not so clever as he is, we should get tired.
FOURTH DAY, October 28th.
Nothing material engaged us to-day.
FIFTH DAY, October 29th.
I walked into aunt's this evening. I met the Major. Well, thee will think I am writing his history ; but not so. Pleased with the rencounter. Betsy, Stodard, and myself, seated by the fire, chatted away an hour in lively and agreeable conversation. I can't pretend to write all he said ; but he shone in every subject that was talk'd of.
Nothing of consequence on the 30th.
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HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF GWYNEDD.
SEVENTH DAY, October 31st.
A most charming day. I walked to the door and received the saluta- tion of the morn from Stodard and other officers. As often as I go to the door, so often have I seen the Major. We chat passingly, as, "A fine day, Miss Sally." "Yes, very fine, Major."
SEVENTH DAY, NIGHT.
Another very charming conversation with the young Marylander. He seems possessed of very amiable manners ; sensible and agreeable. He has by his unexceptional deportment engaged my esteem.
FIRST DAY, MORN.
Liddy, Betsy, and a T-y prisoner of state went to the mill. We made very free with some Continental flour. We powder'd mighty white, to be sure. Home we came. Col. Wood was standing at a window with a young officer. He gave him a push forward, as much as to say, "Observe what fine girls we have here." For all I do not mention Wood as often as he deserves, it is not because we are not sociable : we are very much so, and he is often at our house. Liddy and I had a kind of adventure with him this morn. We were in his chamber, chatting about our little affairs, and no idea of being interrupted : we were standing up, each an arm on a chest of drawers ; the door bang'd open !- Col. Wood was in the room ; we started, the colour flew into our faces and crimson'd us over ; the tears flew into my eyes. It was very silly ; but his coming was so abrupt. He was
between us and the door. " Ladies, do not be scar'd, I only want some- thing from my portmanteau ; I beg you not to be disturbed." We ran by him, like two partridges, into mamma's room, threw ourselves into chairs, and reproach'd each other for being so foolish as to blush and look so silly. I was very much vex'd at myself, so was Liddy. The Colonel laugh'd at us, and it blew over.
The army had orders to march to-day ; the regulars accordingly did.' General 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 General, Colonels Wood, Guest, Crawford, and Line, Majors Stodard and Leatherberry, din'd with us to-day. After dinner, Liddy, Betsy, and thy smart journalizer, put on their bonnets to take a walk. We left the house. I naturally look'd back ; when, behold, the
1 This was the movement to Whitemarsh.
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two majors seem'd debating whether to follow us or not. Liddy said, " We shall have their attendance ; " but I did not think so. They open'd the gate, and came fast after us. They overtook us about ten poles from home, and beg'd leave to attend us. No fear of a refusal. They inquir'd when we were going to neighbor Roberts's.1 "We will introduce you to his daughters ; you us to General Stevens." The affair was concluded, and we shortened the way with lively conversation. Our intention of going to Roberts's was frustrated ; the rain that had fallen lately had raised the Wissahickon too high to attempt crossing it on foot. We alter'd the plan of our ramble, left the road, and walk'd near two miles thro' the woods. Mr. Leatherberry, observing my locket, repeated the lines :
" On her white breast a sparkling cross she wore, That Jews might kiss, and infidels adore."
I repli'd my trinket bore no resemblance to a cross. "'Tis something better, madam." 'Tis nonsense to repeat all that was said ; my memory is not so obliging ; but it is sufficient that nothing happen'd during our little excursion but what was very agreeable and entirely consistent with the strictest rules of politeness and decorum. I was vex'd a little at tearing my muslin petticoat. I had on my white dress, quite as nice as a First-day in town. We returned home safe. Smallwood, Wood, and Stodard drank tea with us, and spent the greater part of the evening. I declare this gentle- man is very, very entertaining, so good natur'd, so good humor'd,-yes, so sensible ; I wonder he is not married. Are there no ladies form'd to his taste ? 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 grace- fulness,-a manner of saying every thing agreeably ; in short, it steals the senses, and captivates the heart. Good humour is a very agreeable com- panion for an afternoon ; but give me good nature for life. Adieu.
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