I reply'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 return'd home safe. Smallwood, Wood, and Stodard drank tea with us, and spent the greater part of the evening. I declare this gentleman 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 gracefulness,—a manner of saying every thing agreeably: in short, it steals the senses, and captivates the heart. Good humour is a very agreeable companion for an afternoon; but give me good nature for life. Adieu.
Second day morn, Nov. 1st.—To-day the militia marches, and the Gen'l and officers leave us; heigh ho' I am very sorry; for when you have been with agreeable people, 'tis impossible not to feel regret when they bid you adieu, perhaps for ever. When they leave us we shall be immur'd in solitude. The Major looks dull.
Second day noon.—About two o'clock, the Gen'l and Major came to bid us adieu; with daddy and mammy they shook hands very friendly; to us they bow'd politely: our hearts were full. I thought the Major was affected; "Good-by, Miss Sa—ly," spoken very low. We stood at the door to take a last look, all of us very sober. The Major turn'd his horse's head, and rode back; dismounted; "I have forgot my pistols;" pass'd us, and run up stairs. He came swiftly back to us, as if wishing, through inclination, to stay,—by duty compell'd to go. He remounted his horse: "Farewell, ladies, till I see you again," and canter'd away! We look'd at him till the turn in the road hid him from our sight. "Amiable Major! clever fellow! good young man!" was echoed from one to the other. I wonder if we shall ever see him again! He has our wishes for his safety.
Well, here's uncle Miles; heartily glad of that am I. His family are well, and at Reading.
Second day even.—Jesse, who went with the Gen'l, return'd. We had a compliment from the Gen'l and Major. They are very well disposed of at Evan Meredith's, six miles from here. I wrote to P. F. by uncle Miles, who waited on Gen'l Washington next morn.—[General Washington and army at Valley Forge.—Ed.]
Third day morn.—It seems strange not to see our house as it used to be. We are very still. No rattling of waggons, glittering of musquets! The beating of the distant drum is all we hear. Col's Wood, Line, Guest, and M. Leatherberry, are still here: the two last leave to-day. Wood and Line will soon bid us adieu. Amiable Wood! he is esteem'd by all that know him; everybody has a good word for him.
Here I skip a week or two, nothing of consequence occurring. (Wood and Line are gone.) Some time since arriv'd two officers, Lieutenants Lee and Warring, Virginians. I had only the salutations of the morn from them. Lee is not remarkable one way or the other; Warring, an insignificant piece enough. Lee sings prettyly, and talks a great deal; how good Turkey hash and fried hominy is, (a pretty discourse to entertain the ladies!)—extols Virginia, and execrates Maryland, which, by-the-by, I provok'd them to; for, though I admire both Virginia and Maryland, I laugh'd at the former and prais'd the latter; ridicul'd their manner of speaking. I took a great delight in teazing them. I believe I did it sometimes ill-natur'dly; but I don't care. They were not, I am certain almost, first-rate gentlemen; (how different from our other officers!) but they are gone to Virginia, where they may sing, dance, and eat fry'd hominy and Turkey hash all day long, if they choose. Nothing scarcely lowers a man in my opinion more than talking of eating, what they love and what they hate. Lee and Warring were proficients in this science. Enough of them.
December 5th, sixth day.—Oh, gracious! Debby, I am all alive with fear. The English have come out to attack (as we imagine) our army, three miles this side. What will become of us? Only six miles distant. We are in hourly expectation of an engagement! I fear we shall be in the midst of it. Heaven defend us from so dreadful a sight! The battle of Germantown and the horrors of that day are recent in my mind. It will be sufficiently dreadful, if we are only in hearing of the firing, to think how many of our fellow-creatures are plung'd into the boundless ocean of eternity, few of them prepar'd to meet their fate. But they are summon'd before an all-merciful judge, from whom they have a great deal to hope.
Seventh day, December 6th.—No firing this morn. I hope for one more quiet day.
Seventh day noon, 4 o'clock.—I was much alarm'd just now, sitting in the parlour, indulging melancholy reflections, when somebody burst open the door. "Sally, here's Major Stodard!" I jump'd. Our conjectures were various concerning his coming. The poor fellow, from great fatigue and want of rest, together with being expos'd to the night air,—had caught cold, which brought on a fever. He cou'd scarcely walk, and I went into aunt's to see him. I was surpris'd; instead of the lively, alert, blooming Stodard, who was on his feet the instant we enter'd, he look'd pale, thin, and dejected, too weak to rise, and "How are you, Miss Sally?" "How does thee do, Major?" I seated myself near him, inquir'd the cause of his indisposition, ask'd for the Gen'l, receiv'd his compliments; not willing to fatigue him with too much chat, I bid him adieu. To-night Aunt H—— F——-, sent, administer'd something. Jesse assisted him to his chamber. He had not lain down five minutes before he was fast asleep. Adieu. I hope we shall enjoy a good night's rest.