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 27
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told us that, after he had got behind our kitchen, he stop'd for company, as he expected the others would immediately follow. "But I heard them scream, 'Which way did he go ? Where is he ?' 'Aye,' said I, to myself, ' he is gone where you shan't catch him,' and off I set again." "Pray," ask'd mamma, " did thee keep that lane between the meadows ?" " Oh, no, ma'am ; that was a large road, and I might happen to meet some of them. When I got to your thorn hedge, I again stop'd. As it was a cold night, I thought I would pull up my shoe-heels, and tie my handkerchief round my head. I began to have a suspicion of a trick, and, hearing the Major hollow, I came back."
I think I did not laugh more at the very time than to-night at the rehearsal of it. He is so good-natured, and takes all their jokes with so good a grace, that I am quite charm'd with him. He laughingly denounces vengeance against Stodard. He will be even with him. He is in the Major's debt, but he will pay him, etc.
December 15th.
Smallwood has taken up his quarters with us. Nothing worth relating occur'd to-day.
3d, 4th, and 5th day.
We chatted a little with the officers. Smallwood not so chatty as his brother or nephew. Lipscomb is very agreeable ; a delightful musical voice.
SIXTH DAY, NOON, December 19th.
The officers, after the politest adieus, have left us. Smallwood and Tilly are going to Maryland,1 where they live; Seaton to Virginia ; and Lipscomb to camp, to join his regiment. I feel sorry at this departure, yet 'tis a different kind from what I felt some time since. We had not con- tracted so great an intimacy with those last.
SEVENTH DAY, December 20th.
General Washington's army have gone into winter quarters at the Valley Forge." We shall not see many of the military now. We shall be very intimate with solitude. I am afraid stupidity will be a frequent guest. After so much company, I can't relish the idea of sequestration.
1 General Smallwood's brigade went to Wilmington, where they passed the winter.
2 The army had been at Gulf Creek (near Conshohocken, but west of the Schuyl- kill), for a few days, but left there on the 19th, and marched to Valley Creek, to begin the winter encampment.
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FIRST DAY, NIGHT.
A dull round of the same thing over again. I shall hang up my pen until something offers worth relating.
February 3d and 4th.
I thought I never should have anything to say again. Nothing hap- pen'd all January that was uncommon. Capt. Lipscomb and Mas1 stay'd one night at Jesse's, and sup'd with us. How elegant the former was dres'd. And indeed I have forgot to keep an exact account of the day of the month in which I went down to G. E.'s, with P. F .; ? but it was the 23d or 24th of January. After enjoying a week of her agreeable company at the mill, I returned3 with her to Whitemarsh. We went on horseback,-the roads bad. We however surmounted this difficulty, and arrived there safe.
SECOND DAY, EVE.
G. E. brought us a charming collection of books,-" Joe Andrews," " Juliet Grenville," and some Lady's Magazines. P. F. sent us " Caroline Melmoth."4
FOURTH DAY, 26th.
I thought our scheme of going to Fr'd F.'s was entirely frustrated, as S. E. was much indispos'd. About twelve she got better. We made some alteration in our dress, step'd into the carriage, and rode off. 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 Captain 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 ; indeed, I cannot
1 So in copy. Not intelligible.
2 To George Emlen's (at Whitemarsh, close by the present station of Sandy Run), with Polly Fishbourn.
8 The language here, not entirely clear, means that Polly Fishbourn had been "at the mill,"-at Penllyn,-when Miss Sally " went down " with her to Whitemarsh.
4 We get some clue, here, as to the attractive literature of the times. " Joseph Andrews " was Fielding's famous novel, published in 1742. The Lady's Magasine was a London monthly, whose issue was begun October, 1759, " by John Wilkie, book- seller, Fleet Street."
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name one. As to his internal ones, I am not a judge. Jameson is tall and manly, a comely face, dark eyes and hair. Seems to be much of a gentle- man. No ways deficient in point of sense, or, at least, in the course of the evening, I discover'd none.
Fifth and Sixth day, and Seventh day, pass'd away very agreeably. No strangers.
FIRST DAY, EVE.
This day my charming friend and myself ascended the barren hills of Whitemarsh, from the tops of which we had an extensive prospect of the country round. The traces of the army which encamp'd on these hills are very visible. Rugged huts, imitations of chimneys, and many other ruin- ous objects, which plainly show'd they had been there. D. J. S. dined with us.
SECOND DAY.
Very cold and windy. I wonder I am not sent for. Read and work'd by turns.
THIRD DAY.
A raw, snowy day. I am sent for, nevertheless. Adieu.
[NORTH WALES, at my habitation at the mill. ]
March Ist, 1778, THIRD DAY, EVE.
Such a ride as I have had, O dear Debby. About 2 o'clock the sleigh came for me. Snowing excessively fast, though not sufficiently deep to make it tolerable sleighing ; but go I must. I bid adieu to my agreeable friends, and with a heavy heart and flowing eyes, I seated myself in the unsociable vehicle. There might as well have been no snow on the ground. I was jolted just to pieces. But, notwithstanding these vexations, I got safe to my home, when I had the great pleasure of finding my dear parents, sisters, and brothers well, a blessing which I hope ever to remem- ber with thankfulness.
Well, will our nunnery be more bearable now than before I left it ? No beaus since I left here, so I have the advantage of the girls. They are wild to see Major Jameson.
May 11th, 1778.
The scarcity of paper, which is very great in this part of the country, and the three last months not producing anything material, have prevented me from keeping a regular account of things ; but to-day the scene begins to
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brighten, and I will continue my nonsense. In the afternoon, we were just seated at tea,-Dr. Moore1 with us. Nelly (our girl) brought us the won- derful intelligence that there were light horse in the road. The tea-table was almost deserted. About fifteen light horse were the vanguard of 16 hundred men under the command of General Maxwell. I imagin'd that they would pass immediately by, but was agreeably disappointed. My father came in with the General, Colonel Brodhead, Major Ogden, and Captain Jones.
The General is a Scotsman,-nothing prepossessing in his appearance ; the Colonel, very martial and fierce ; Ogden, a genteel young fellow, with an aquiline nose. Captain Cadwallader Jones-if I was not invincible, I must have fallen a victim to this man's elegancies (but, thank my good fortune, I am not made of susceptibilities), -tall, elegant, and handsome,- white fac'd with blue regimentals, and a mighty airish cap and white crest ; his behaviour is refin'd,-a Virginian. They sat a few minutes after tea, then bid us adieu.
This brigade is encamp'd about three miles from us.
FIRST DAY, EVENING.
This afternoon has been productive of adventures in the true sense of the word. Jenny R., Betsy, Liddy, and I, very genteelly dress'd, deter- mined to take a stroll. Neighbor Morgan's was proposed. Away we rambled, heedless girls. Pass'd two picket guards. Meeting with no interruptions encouraged us. After paying our visit, we walked towards home, when, to my utter astonishment, the sentry desir'd us to stop ; that he had orders not to suffer any persons to pass but those who had leave from the officer, who was at the guard house, surrounded by a number of men. To go to him would be inconsistent with propriety ; to stay there, . and night advancing, was not clever. I was much terrified. I tried to persuade the soldier to let us pass. "No ; he dared not." Betsy attempted to go. He presented his gun with the bayonet fix'd. This was an addi- tional fright. Back we turn'd ; and, very fortunately, the officer (Captain Emeson), seeing our distress, came to us. I ask'd him if he had any objection to passing the sentry. " None at all, ma'am." He waited upon us, and reprimanded the man, and we, without any farther difficulty, came home.
1 Dr. Charles Moore, of Montgomery, no doubt.
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THIRD DAY, June 2d.
I was standing at the back window. An officer and private of dra- goons rode by. I tore to the door to have a better view of them. They stopped. The officer rode up, and ask'd for Jesse, who was call'd.
AFTERNOON, 4 o'clock.
Oh, Deborah ; what capital adventures. Jesse came. The idea of having light horse quarter'd at the farm was disagreeable ; the meadows just fit to mow, and we had heard what destruction had awaited their foot- steps. This was the dialogue between Jesse and the officer : " Pray, sir, can I have quarters for a few horsemen ?" "How many ?" "Five and twenty, sir. I do not mean to turn them into your meadows. If you have any place you can spare, anything will do." And he dismounted, and walk'd into aunt's parlor. I, determined to find out his character, follow'd. "I have," replied Jesse, " a tolerable field, that may perhaps suit." " That will do, sir. But if you have any objection to putting them in a field, my men shall cut the grass, and bring it in the road. I am under the necessity of quartering them here, but I was order'd. I am only an inferior officer." Some elegant corporal, thought I, and went to the door. He soon join'd me, speaking to his man, " Ride off, and tell Mr. Watts we rendezvous here."
He inquir'd the name of the farmer, and went into aunt's ; I into the back room. The troop rode up. " New scenes," said I, and moved up- stairs, where I saw them perform their different manœuvres. This Mr. Watts is remarkably tall, and a good countenance. I adjourn'd to the parlour. The first officer march'd up and down the entry. Prissa came in. "Good, now, Prissa. What's the name of this man ?" "Dyer, I believe." Captain Dyer. Oh, the name ! " What does he say ?" " Why, that he will kiss me when he has din'd." "Singular," I observ'd, " on so short an ac- quaintance." "But," resum'd Prissa, "he came and fix'd his arm on the chair I sat in : 'Pray, ma'am, is there not a family from town with you ?' ' Yes.' 'What's their name ?' 'Wister.' 'There's two fine girls there. I will go chat with them. Pray, did they leave their effects in Philadelphia ?' ' Yes, everything, almost.' 'They shall have them again, that they shall.' " There ended the conversation. But this ugly name teas'd me. "Oh, Sally, he is a Virginian ; that's in his favour greatly." "I'm not sure that's his name, but I understood so." Prissa left us. I step'd into aunt's for Johnny and desir'd him to come home. Up started the Captain : "Pray, let me
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introduce you, ma'am." "I am perfectly acquainted with him," said I, and turned to the door. "Tell your sister I believe she is not fond of strangers." I smil'd, and returned to our parlour.
THIRD DAY NIGHT, nine o'clock, aye, ten, I fancy.
Take a circumstantial account of this afternoon, and the person of this extraordinary man. His exterior first. His name is not Dyer, but Alex- ander Spotswood Dandridge, which certainly gives a genteel idea of the man. I will be particular. His person is more elegantly form'd than any I ever saw ; tall and commanding. His forehead is very white, though the lower part of his face is much sunburn'd ; his features are extremely pleas- ing ; an even, white set of teeth, dark hair and eyes. I can't better describe him than by saying he is the handsomest man I ever beheld. Betsy and Liddy coincide in this opinion.
After I had sat a while at home, in came Dandridge. He enter'd into chat immediately. Ask'd if we knew Tacy Vanderen. Said he courted her, and that they were to be married soon. Observ'd my sampler, which was in full view. Wish'd I would teach the Virginians some of my needle wisdom ; they were the laziest girls in the world. Told his name. Laugh'd and talk'd incessantly. At last, " May I" (to mamma) "introduce my brother officer?" We assented ; so he call'd him. "Mr. Watts, Mrs. Wister, young Miss Wister. Mr. Watts, ladies, is one of our Virginia chil- dren." He sat down. Tea was order'd. Dandridge never drank tea ; Watts had done ; so we sat to the table alone. "Let's walk in the gar- den," 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 ?" "No, really ; a gentleman after he has said he has not sufficient to maintain himself, to ask me to marry him." " Never mind what I say, I have enough to make the pot boil."
Had we been acquainted seven years, we could not have been more sociable. The moon gave a sadly pleasing light. We sat at the door till nine. Dandridge is sensible, and (divested of some freedoms, which might be call'd gallant in the fashionable world) he is polite and agreeable. His greatest fault is a propensity to swearing, which throws a shade over his
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accomplishments. I ask'd him why he did so. " It is a favorite vice, Miss Sally." At nine he went to his chamber. Sets off at sunrise.
FOURTH DAY, MORN, 12 o'clock.
I was awaken'd this morn with a great racket of the Captain's servant calling him ; but the lazy fellow never rose till about half an hour past eight. This his daylight ride. I imagin'd they would be gone before now, so I dressed in a green skirt and dark short gown. Provoking. So down I came, this Captain (wild wretch) standing at the back door. He bow'd and call'd me. I only look'd, and went to breakfast. About nine I took my work and seated myself in the parlour. Not long had I sat, when in came Dandridge,-the handsomest man in existence, at least that I had ever seen. But stop here, while I just say, the night before, chatting upon dress, he said he had no patience with those officers who, every morn, before they went on detachments, would wait to be dress'd and powder'd. " I am," said I, " excessively fond of powder, and think it very becoming." "Are you ? " he reply'd. "I am very careless, as often wearing my cap thus " (turning the back part before) " as any way." I left off where he came in. He was powder'd very white, a (pretty colored) brown coat, lapell'd with green, and white waistcoat, etc., and his-
" Sword beside him negligently hung."
He made a truly elegant figure. "Good morning, Miss Sally. You are very well, I hope." "Very well. Pray sit down," which he did, close by me. " Oh, dear," said I, " I see thee is powder'd." "Yes, ma'am. I have dress'd myself off for you." Will I be excused, Debby, if I look upon his being powder'd in the light of a compliment to me ? "Yes, Sally, as thee is a country maid, and don't often meet with compliments." Saucy Debby Norris !
'Tis impossible to write a regular account of our conversation. Be it sufficient to say that we had a multiplicity of chat.
About an hour since, sister H. came to me and said Captain Dandridge was in the parlour, and had ask'd for me. I went in. He met me, caught my hands. "Oh, Miss Sally, I have a beautiful sweetheart for you." " Poh ! ridiculous ! Loose my hands." "Well, but don't be so cross." " Who is he?" "Major Clough. I have seen him. Ain't he pretty, to be sure ? I am going to headquarters. Have you any commands there ?" " None at all ; but " (recollecting), " yes, I have. Pray, who is your com-
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manding officer ? " "Colonel Bland, ma'am." " Please give my compli- ments to him, and I shou'd be glad if he would send thee back with a little more manners." He reply'd wickedly, and told me I had a little spiteful heart. But he was intolerably saucy ; said he never met with such ladies. "Not to let me kiss you. You're very ill-natur'd, Sally." And, putting on the sauciest face, " Sally, if Tacy V*nd*r*n won't have me, will you ?" " No, really ; none of her discarded lovers." " But, provided I prefer you to her, will you consent ?" "No, I won't." "Very well, madam." And after saying he would return to-morrow, among a hundred other things, he elegantly walk'd out of the room. Soon he came back, took up a volume of Homer's Iliad, and read to us. He reads very well, and with judgment. One remark he made, that I will relate, on these lines,- " While Greece a heavy, thick retreat maintains, Wedg'd in one body, like a flight of cranes."
"G-d knows our army don't do so. I wish they did." He laugh'd, and went away.
FOUR O'CLOCK, AFTERNOON.
Major Clough, Captain Swan, and Mr. Moore, a lieutenant of horse, din'd with Dandridge. The latter, after dinner, came in to bid us adieu. He sat down, and was rather saucy. I look'd very grave. " Miss Betsy, you have a very ill-natured sister. Observe how cross she looks." He prayed we might part friends, and offer'd his hand. I gave him mine, which he kiss'd in a very gallant manner ; and so, with truly affectionate leave, he walked to the parlour door, "God Almighty bless you, ladies ; " bow'd, went into the road, mounted a very fine horse, and rode away ; leaving Watts and the troop here, to take care of us, as he said. "Mr. Watts, Miss Sally, is a very worthy man ; but, poor soul, he is so captivated with you,-the pain in his breast all owing to you, -he was caught by this beauty-spot," tapping my cheek. He could not have thought it was meant for an addition, as the size of it shew'd the contrary. But he is gone ; and I think, as I have escaped thus far safe, I am quite a heroine, and need not be fearful of any of the lords of the creation for the future.
SIX O'CLOCK, EVENING.
Watts drank tea with us. A conversable man. Says that the Dan- dridges are one of the genteelest families in Virginia, -relations of General Washington's wife. He appeared very fond of the Captain, who has had a
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liberal education. Very sensible and brave. I sat in the entry all last even- ing, as did Betsy. But first, let me say, Fifth-day morn we chatted on a variety of subjects ; and amongst others, he mentioned the cruelty of the Britons, which, I agreed, was very great. He said he would retaliate when- ever he had an opportunity. I strenuously opposed such a procedure, observing that it would be erring in the same way, and tho' they might de- serve it, yet it would be much nobler to treat them with lenity. Remember the lines of Pope, -
"That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me."
" I perfectly remember them. Your sentiments are noble ; but we must retaliate sometimes."
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 sergeant. 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." ] was shock'd. "Bless my heart ; 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 you 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 nine o'clock, and walk to Uncle Foulke's. "No, don't go to-night, Miss Sally. I will take you there to-morrow. Don't be uneasy. This is nothing. I often go to bed with my boots on upon some alarms." "But thee will take off thy boots to-night ?" "Yes, I will, indeed." "Is thee really in earnest about de- fending the house ?" "No, madam ; for believe me, if I hear the enemy is in motion, I will immediately depart, bag and baggage."
This dispell'd my fears, and after wishing me a good night, he retir'd to his chamber. Imagine my consternation when our girl came running in, and said the lane was fill'd with light horse. I flew to the side door. It was true, My joy was great when I heard Major Clough ask if this was Captain Dandridge's quarters. I answer'd in the affirmative. He rode
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round to the other door. Watts, though gone to bed, was call'd. He chatted apart to the Major a while, then went off towards Skippack road, follow'd by a large party of horse and waggons. My fears were all renew'd ; and, as if we were to be in perpetual alarms, by came another party, much larger, in dark clothes. These we all thought were British. They halted. All as still as death. The officer rode up to the door. "Does Mr. Foulke live here ?" "Yes," said somebody. "Is there not a family from town here,-Mr. Wister's ? " I recollected the voice, and said, " Captain Stod- ard, I presume ?" " Yes, madam. Are you Mr. Wister's wife ?" " No, his daughter." " Is your papa at home ?" "No," I reply'd, but invited him in to see mamma. He agreed ; dismounted, as did many other offi- cers ; but he alone came into our parlour. Watts follow'd to bid us adieu. They sat a few minutes ; told us that two of their men had deserted, and when that was the case, they generally moved their quarters. Watts told him how I was frighten'd. He said I paid but a poor compliment to their chivalry. I only smiled. The alarm had partly deprived me of the power of speech.
They sat about fifteen minutes, then rose, and after the politest adieus, departed. All the horse follow'd-about one hundred and fifty. I never saw more regularity observ'd, or so undisturb'd a silence kept up when so large a number of people were together. Not a voice was heard, except that of the officer who gave the word of command. The moon at intervals broke thro' the heavy black clouds. No noise was perceiv'd, save that which the horses made as they trotted o'er the wooden bridge across the race. Echo a while gave us back the sound. At last nothing was left but remembrance of them. The family all retir'd to their respective chambers, and enjoyed a calm repose.
This Captain Stodard is from New England, and belongs to Colonel · Sheldon's regiment of dragoons. He made an acquaintance with my father at Germantown, whilst our army was at that place, and had been here once before. He is clever and gentlemanly.
FIFTH DAY, June 4th, 2 o'clock.
Oh, gracious ! how warm is this day. But, warm as it is, I must make a small alteration in my dress. I do not make an elegant figure, tho' I do not expect to see a stranger to-day.
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SIXTH DAY, June 5th, MORN, II o'clock.
Last night we were a little alarm'd. I was awaken'd about 12, with somebody's opening the chamber door. I observ'd cousin Prissa talking to mamma. I asked what was the matter. "Only a party of light horse." "Are they Americans ?" I quickly said. She answer'd in the affirmative, (which dispell'd my fears), and told me Major Jameson commanded, and that Captains Call and Nixon were with him. With that intelligence she left us. I resolved in my mind whether or not Jameson would renew his acquaintance ; but Morpheus buried all my ideas, and this morning I rose by, or near seven, dress'd in my light chintz, which is made gown-fashion, kenton handkerchief, and linen apron. "Sufficiently smart for a country girl, Sally." Don't call me a country girl, Debby Norris. Please to observe that I pride myself on being a Philadelphian, and that a residence of 10 months has not at all diminished the love I have for that place ; and as soon as one capital alteration takes place (which is very much talk'd of at present), I expect to return to it with a double pleasure.
Dress'd as above, down I came, and went down to our kitchen, which is a small distance from the house. As I came back, I saw Jameson at the window. He met me in the entry, bow'd :- " How do you do, Miss Sally?" After the compliments usual on such occasions had passed, I invited him into our parlour. He followed me in. We chatted very sociably. I inquir'd for P. F.1 He said he had seen her last First-day ; that she was well. Her mamma had gone to Lancaster, to visit her daughter Wharton, 2 who, as I suppose you have heard, has lost her husband.
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