Seventh day night.—A dull morn. In the afternoon, Liddy, Betsy, R. H., and self went to one of our neighbours to eat strawberries. Got a few; return'd home; drank tea; no beaus. Adieu.
First day evening. Heigh-ho! Debby, there's a little meaning in that exclamation, ain't there? To me it conveys much. I have been looking what the Dictionary says. It denotes uneasiness of mind. I don't know that my mind is particularly uneasy just now.
The occurrences of the day come now. I left my chamber between eight and nine, breakfasted, went up to dress, put on a new purple and white striped Persian, white petticoat, muslin apron, gauze cap and handkerchief. Thus array'd, Miss Norris, I ask your opinion. Thy partiality for thy friend will bid thee say I made a tolerable appearance! Not so, my dear. I was this identical Sally Wister, with all her whims and follies; and they have gain'd so great an ascendancy over my prudence, that I fear it will be a hard matter to divest myself of them. But I will hope for a reformation.
Cousin H. M. came about nine, and spent the day with us. After we had din'd, two dragoons rode up to the door,—one a waiting-man of Dandridge's, the faithful Jonathan. They are quarter'd a few miles from us. The junior sisters, Liddy and Betsy, join'd by me, ventur'd to send our compliments to the Captain and Watts. Prissa insists that it is vastly indelicate, and that she has done with us. Hey-day! What prudish notions are those, Priscilla? I banish prudery. Suppose we had sent our love to him,—where had been the impropriety? for really he had a person that was love-inspiring,—tho' I escap'd, and may say, Io triumphe. I answer not for the other girls, but am apt to conclude that Cupid shot his arrows, and that may-be they had effect. A fine evening this. If wishes could avail, I would be in your garden with S. J., R. F., and thyself. Thee has no objection to some of our North Wales swains,—not the beau inhabitants, but some of the transitory ones. But, cruel reverse! instead of having my wishes accomplish'd, I must confine myself to the narrow limits of this farm.
Liddy calls: "Sally, will thee walk?" "Yes." Perhaps a walk will give a new turn to my ideas, and present something new to my vacant imagination.
Second day, third day, fourth day.—No new occurrences to relate. Almost adventureless, except Gen'l Lacy's riding by, and his fierce horse disdaining to go without showing his airs, in expectation of drawing the attention of the Mill girls, in order to glad his master's eyes. Ha! ha! ha! One would have imagin'd that vanity had been buried within the shades of N. Wales. Lacy is tolerable; but, as ill luck would order it, I had been busy, and my auburn ringlets were much dishevell'd: therefore I did not glad his eyes, and cannot set down on the list of honours receiv'd that of a bow from Brigadier-General Lacy!
Fifth day night, June 18th.—Rose at half-past four this morning. Iron'd industriously till one o'clock, din'd, went up-stairs, threw myself on the bed, and fell asleep. About four, sister H. wak'd me, and said uncle and J. F. were down-stairs; so I decorated myself, and went down. Felt quite lackadasical. However, I jump'd about a little, and the stupid fit went off. We have had strange reports about the British being about leaving Philadelphia. I can't believe it. Adieu.
Sixth day morn, June 19th.—We have heard an astonishing piece of news! The English have entirely left the city! It is almost impossible! Stay. I shall hear further.
Sixth day eve.—A light horseman has just confirm'd the above intelligence! This is charmante! They encamp'd yesterday. He (the horseman) was in Philadl. It is true! They have gone!! Past a doubt. I can't forbear exclaiming to the girls, "Now are you sure the news is true? Now are you sure they have gone?" "Yes, yes, yes!" they all cry; "and may they never, never return!"
Dr. Gould came here to-night. Our army are about six miles off, on their march to the jerseys.