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, least 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 indisposition and constant fatigue, looks vastly older, and almost worn to a 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 seen, 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, &c., 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 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. 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 morning," 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, independent of any body; the Major moreover 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 Gen' still here; the Major still bashful.
First day evening.—Prepare to hear amazing things. The Gen'l was invited to dine, was engag'd; but Col. Wood, Major Stodard, and Dr. Edwards 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 Philada 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 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. The Major was holding a candle for the Gen'l, who was reading a newspaper; 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 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! 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 M follow'd my example, drew his chair close to mine, and entertain'd me very agreeably. Oh! 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.
Third day eve, Oct. 27.—We had again the pleasure of the Gen'l and suite at afternoon tea. He (the Gen'l, 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! Capt. 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 describe 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 arrival of the Gen'l. Come, shall we chat about Col. Guest? He's very pretty; a charming person; his eyes are exceptionable; very stern; and he so rolls them about that mine always fall under them. He bears the character of a brave officer: another admirer of Liddy's, and she is 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 despair. Who knows what mischief I yet may do?