"Captain Stodard, I presume?" "Yes, madam. Are you Mr. Wister's wife?" "No: his daughter."
"Is your papa at home?" "No," I reply'd, but invited him in to see mamma. He agreed; dismounted, as did many other officers; but he alone came into our parlour. Watts follow'd to bid us adieu. They sat a few minutes; told us that two of their men had deserted, and when that was the case they generally moved their quarters. Watts told him how I was frighten'd. He said I paid but a poor compliment to their cavalry! I only smil'd. The alarm had partly deprived me of the power of speech!
They sat about fifteen minutes, then rose, and, after the politest adieus, departed. All the horse follow'd, about one hundred and fifty. I never seen more regularity observ'd, or so undisturb'd a silence kept up when so large a number of people were together. Not a voice was heard, except that of the officer who gave the word of command. The moon at intervals broke thro' the heavy black clouds. No noise was perceiv'd, save that which the horses made as they trotted o'er the wooden bridge across the race. Echo a while gave us back the sound. At last, nothing was left but the remembrance of them. The family all retir'd to their respective chambers and enjoy'd a calm repose.
This Captain Stodard is from New England, and belongs to Col. Sheldon's regiment of dragoons. He made an acquaintance with my father at Germantown, whilst our army was at that place, and had been here once before. He is clever and gentlemanly.
Fifth day, June 4th, 2 o'clock.—Oh, gracious! how warm is this day! But, warm as it is, I must make a small alteration in my dress. I do not make an elegant figure, tho': I do not expect to see the face of a stranger to-day.
Sixth day, June 5th, morn, 11 o'clock.—Last night we were a little alarm'd. I was awaken'd about 12 with somebody's opening the chamber door. I observ'd cousin Prissa talking to mamma. I ask'd what was the matter. "Only a party of light-horse." "Are they Americans?" I quickly said. She answer'd in the affirmative, (which dispell'd my fears,) and told me that Major Jameson commanded, and that Capts. Call and Nixon were with him. With that intelligence she left us. I resolv'd in my mind whether or not Jameson would renew his acquaintance; but Morpheus buried all my ideas, and this morn I rose by, or near, seven, dress'd in my light chintz, which is made gown-fashion, kenting handkerchief, and linen apron. Sufficiently smart for a country girl, Sally! Don't call me a country girl, Debby Norris! Please to observe that I pride myself on being a Philadelphian, and that a residence of 20 months has not at all diminished the love I have for that place; and as soon as one capital alteration takes place, (which is very much talk'd of at present,) I expect to return to it with a double pleasure.
Dress'd as above, down I came, and went down to our kitchen, which is a small distance from the house. As I came back, I seen Jameson at the window. He met me in the entry, bow'd:—"How do you do, Miss Sally?" After the compliments usual on such occasions had pass'd, I invited him into our parlour. He follow'd me in. We chatted very sociably. I inquir'd for P. F. He said he had seen her last first-day; that she was well. Her mamma had gone to Lancaster to visit her daughter Wharton, who, as I suppose, you have heard, has lost her husband.
I ask'd him whether Dandridge was on this side the Delaware. He said, "Yes." I wanted sadly to hear his opinion, but he said not a word. The conversation turn'd upon the British leaving Philadelphia. He firmly believ'd they were going. I sincerely wish'd it might be true, but was afraid to flatter myself. I had heard it so often that I was quite faithless, and express'd my approbation of Pope's 12th beatitude, "Blessed are they that expect nothing; for they shall not be disappointed." He smil'd, and assur'd me they were going away.
He was summon'd to breakfast. I ask'd him to stay with us. He declin'd the invitation with politeness, adding that he was in a hurry,-oblig'd to go to camp as soon as he could. He bow'd, "Your servant, ladies," and withdrew immediately. After breakfast they set off for Valley Forge, where Gen'l Washington's army still are.
I am more pleas'd with Major Jameson than I was at first. He is sensible and agreeable,—a manly person, and a very good countenance. We girls differ about him. Prissa and I admire him, whilst Liddy and Betsy will not allow him a spark of beauty. Aunt's family are charm'd with his behaviour,—so polite, so unassuming. When he disturb'd them last night, he made a hundred apologies,—was so sorry to call them up,—'twas real necessity oblig'd him. I can't help remarking the contrast between him and Dandridge. The former appears to be rather grave than gay,—no vain, assuming airs. The latter calls for the genius of a Hogarth to characterize him. He is possess'd of a good understanding, a very liberal education, gay and volatile to excess: he is an Indian, a gentleman, grave and sad, in the same hour. But what signifies? I can't give thee a true idea of him; but he assumes at pleasure a behaviour the most courtly, the most elegant of any thing I ever seen. He is very entertaining company, and very vain of his personal beauties; yet nevertheless his character is exceptionable.