Sixth day noon, Dec. 19th.—The officers, after the politest adieus, have left us. Smallwood and Tilly are going to Maryland, 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 contracted 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!
First day night.—A dull round of the same thing over again! I shall hang up my pen until something offers worth relating.
February third and fourth.—I thought I never should have any thing to say again. Nothing happen'd all January that was uncommon. Capt. Lipscomb and Mas 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 February. After enjoying a week of her agreeable company at the Mill, I return'd 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. T. sent us Caroline Melmoth.
4th day, 26th.—I thought our scheme of going to Fr'd F.'s was entirely frustrated, as S. E. was much indispos'd. About 12 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 Capt. 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 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 gentleman,—no ways deficient in point of sense, or, at least, in the course of the evening I discover'd none.
5th and 6th day, and 7th day, pass'd away very agreeably. No strangers.
First day eve.—This day my charming friend and self 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 ruinous 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 old habitation at the Mill.