American Historical and Literary Curiosities, Part 12. / Second Series - J. Jay Smith

"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 some of our folks heard a very heavy cannon. We suppose 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. The English, however, in the interim had taken possession of the city.

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. Sister B. and myself and G. E. went about half a mile from home, where we could 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 excellent appetites for our breakfast. Several officers call'd to get some refreshments, but none of consequence till the afternoon. Cousin P. and myself were sitting at the door; I in a green skirt, dark short-gown, &c. Two genteel men of the military order rode up to the door: "Your servant, ladies," &c.; ask'd if they could have quarters for General Smallwood. Aunt F. 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 military 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, and introduc'd them—"Gen. Smallwood, Capt. Furnival, Major Stodard, Mr. Prig, Capt. Finley, and Mr. Clagan, Col. Wood, and Col. Line." These last two did not come with the Gen'l; they are Virginians, and both indispos'd. The Gen'l 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 in 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.

3d day morn, Oct 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 martial air, the behaviour and manners of a gentleman, a good understanding, and great humanity of disposition, constitute the character of Smallwood. 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 deportment. The following lines will more fully characterize him:—

"How skill'd he is in each obliging art,
The mildest manners and the bravest heart."