University of Virginia Library

LIGHT FANTASTIC TOES AND "GEESE"
1856

Jan. 1

New Years Day bright and clear, a fair promise for the future. As a matter of course everyone turns over a new leaf desiring that another year may find them wiser and better. My good intentions are countless. Oh, that they may not all go to swell that myriad that already pave the way to a bad place! Hear Sue Bacon has arrived in Virginia. Made some molasses pies .... Hear also that Uncle Sam [Arrowsmith] has appeared among the Castalians and they all with Sue Stanford [Bacon] purpose coming to see us on Sunday. Henry (Lewis)came down to meet the party from the lower neighborhood but we are all much disappointed to find it snowing hard on Saturday. We will miss seeing Uncle Sam as his stay in Virginia will be short . ....

Jan. 6-12

It rains and it hails and it's cold stormy weather. No church. The snow very deep. The cars do not run for several days. [On the] 9th and l0th very busy getting ice from the river. Read Newcomer. Sue gets a Philodendron from Mr. Hall, one of the Xmas acquaintances. Plan to go down Saturday to see the good people at Castalia, but when the time comes, it is snowing fast. Saturday seems an unlucky day. I'm much disappointed.

Jan. 13-19

The snow as deep as I've ever seen it. A letter from Cousin Peter Carr. He sends me a part of my grandmother's legacy. Reading Macaulay's Essays. Finish Vol. 2 of Robbins. Have some walks now as the snow is beat down very hard. Jack and Bruno [her dogs] to escort us. A letter from Cousin Mildred and Sally Williamson. Friday evening Sue and I go over to spend Saturday and Sunday with Mat. Some beaux in the evening; among them John Carter, who we all thought in Texas. Saturday Cousin Lou has invited company after tea. Charades the amusement of the evening. Have some fine actors.

Jan. 20-26

Snowing hard so we cannot go to church .... Several sleigh rides. Go out to Mr. Maury's in a sleigh with Cousin Lucy, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Price and Sally P. Stay a day and night, enjoy myself, only I can't keep warm. Sore eyes very much affected. Mrs. Price brings us home in the sleigh. Find Ma sick. For the last two weeks, the weather has been ....almost equal to a Canadian winter. The whole country is still covered up in snow. The ice on the river is very thick and at one time the thermometer stood as low as 21 degrees below zero. How thankful we ought to be that we have a roof to protect us and plenty of wood to burn. Wrote to Cousin Peter Carr. A letter from Lizzie Dee. She tells me Cousin Mildred and George Macon are warming up old coals. Tom Davis and Willie Meriwether spend Saturday night and Sunday with us. I make a very laughable mistake about shawls. Cousin Willie thinks he will give his up.

Jan. 27-Feb. 2

Snowing again! ! Some sleighing. Tom Randolph and Mary Walker, Miss Bella Nelson and Julia Gordan call in a sleigh. Mr. Davis has made us one so we start off in it to Music Hall on Jan. 31st. When about half way have a breakdown. Ride a rail the rest of the journey. Find Miss Betsy Catlett with Sister Mary. Take a walk to the Washington place. We meet with a warm welcome from Martha, Carl and my namesake. Miss Vallant spends all her spare time with us .... The inhabitants of Kinloch call. Cousin Tom shows us some continental money. It looks as if it had been through the wars.

Feb. 3-9.

Too cold for church. Miss Betsy leaves on Monday. Sally Prices comes down to Uncle Bob's where we meet her and have some merry times. Sally has her Pride box with her. Spend a few days this week at Kinloch. Find cousin Mildred from home ....Hear the last member of Little Dorritt read. Get back to Music Hall on Friday. Saturday have a Dove Party at Music Hall consisting of the ladies from Castalia and Kinloch. In the evening we are invited over to Uncle Bob's to a supper in one of the school girl's rooms. Have a pleasant time looking on and seeing the children play games and enjoy themselves. Don't join in; feel I'm losing my interest for such amusements. I'm fast approaching the sear and yellow half. Would I was one of those mortals who never grow old in feelings but "Time who steals my years away, steals my pleasures too."

Feb. 10-16

Go to church at The Cathedral. Hear Mr. Boyden from Acts 17:30. Sally Price, Sue and I spend the night at Music Hall; too muddy to get to Castalia. After supper Uncle Jimmy gave me a lesson on geneaology, family names, etc. Of the latter, one is now almost extinct, Grizzle McCann. I commence a Genealogical Tree this week. Uncle Jimmy gives me much help. Shows me Parson Douglass' Register, also his mother's Bible from which I get many dates. Have merry times around Miss Vallant's fireside. Sue writes a petition to Henry to hang his Dog, Moses. It is signed by a large number of respectable people. The crime the dog is guilty of is growling and looking cross. Dine at the Creek. Very cold weather. Brother Jim, Sue and I walk over to Clover Fields on the snow and are warmly greeted by Cousin P[eggy] and Mr. Nelson....In the morning call at Cousin Fanny Meriwethers and find a house full. Valentine's day, but no valentines. Conclude I'm getting too old for such things. Mr. Nelson takes me over the next day in his sleigh to Music Hall as I'm going to spend the day at Mechunks, so I may see cousin Martha Macon before she leaves for Missouri. Have a terrible ride but enjoy myself so much. Meet with some such agreeable people who could talk like books. Spend a day with Cousin Fanny Hart. Walker entertains us with some letters from one of her beaux. Have ice cream for dinner.

Feb. 17-23

Too cold for church. An answer to the dog petition. [from Henry Lewis] We feel used up ....Mr. Pride's card and compliments. [On] Feb. 19th get home and all's well. Lots of tickets for the university celebration waiting us at home. Get regularly to work-teaching school, reading history and sewing. Also work some on the scrap book. Go to town to do Sister Mary's shopping. Get through to my satisfation and meet Brother Jim and call to see Sister Betty who is poorly. Jim (Anderson) at home. Sue in bed.... Feb. 23rd...is the 20th day since the snow fell. It will all be gone in a few days now if the weather continues so warm. Tom comes in about dark. Bruno [one of her dogs] kills four coons.

Feb. 24-March 1

...no church, the road is in a very sloshy condition. Teach school as Sue is in bed. Read The Betrother, and The Virginian Comedians, a story of the good old colony times. Finished Maggie Brown's (her sister Betty Brown's daughter] dress, wrote to Lizzie Dee. Every sign that the strong march at last has arrived, for the winds rock the house.

March 2-8

Uncle Jimmy [James Hunter Terrel] spends Sunday night with us on his way to court. He is taken sick in town on Monday. Read The Monastery, and The Abbot; finish the 3rd volume of Rollins. A letter from Miss Vallant ....Beautiful weather so do some gardening in the way of trimming rose bushes and conditioning them as well for the harsh winter has killed them to the roots.

March 9-15

No church. Walk to see Lizzie Wood on Thursday. She gives us news of our Christmas acquaintances. Gives a bit about the Valentines sent to Mr. D. He gives Sally the credit of it. Uncle Jimmy very sick. A visit from John Picket and his mustache. He expects to be off in a few days for Texas ....Spend much of my time out of doors. A letter from Brother Peter and Sally Williamson. I also wrote to the family.

March 16-22

Go to church in town for the first time since December. Hear Mr. Meade....Some dear little crocus in bloom. Daddy goes to Richmond on business. A letter from Lizzie Dee. They will be up on Friday. Finish reading The Pilgrim's Progress. This morning [Match 18] at 20 minutes before three o'clock, my dear old uncle [James Hunter Terrel] was ushered into "The Spirit Land." Poor old man! His suffering were very great during the last 14 days, but he is now we know "where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest." How little we thought when he took leave of us on Monday, 2nd of Match, it would be a last farewell, but in the midst of life we are in death. His remains were interred at Music Hall on Match 19th. Daddy gets home from Richmond. Sally and Betsy Price arrive on Thursday and our Easter commences. A letter from Lizzie Dee telling us they will not come. Miss Vallant is too sick to come out. How disappointed we are. A call from Mr. Schenk and two Miss Rices. What a quantity of nonsense is talked away. On Friday, Jim, Mr. Pride and Henry make their appearance. This is also Good Friday but we do not go to church. Saturday attend church and hear Bishop Johns ....Tom comes after dinner and brings with him Mr. Whitehead. I suppose we ought to feel honored. A sorry evening.

March 23-29

A beautiful day. Go to church to hear Bishop Johns again ....Uncle Hatter was confirmed today. He is Mr. Meade's first colored member and I believe him to be truly pious. Jim and Mrs Maury dine with us on Easter Sunday. Monday, in the evening have a call from the two Mr Michies. [On the] 25th We all go to the University to hear Edward Everett make his address "The Character Of Washington." It is introduced via the ladies of the Mount Vernon Association. The speech surpassed any I ever listed to. The flights of his imagination were sometimes too lofty for me-but still there seemed a kind of fascination in his voice, so that the two hours that he spoke appeared scarcely so many minutes. Spent the night at Mr. Maury's. Have a jolly time talking, dancing, etc. Mat Leitch has been with us since Saturday the 22nd... today [the 26th] we all have to say goodbye for our Easter is over, and its cakes and its pies are visible only to memory's eyes. When will we all meet again? I've had a happy time and believe the guests enjoyed themselves. My only regret is that Miss V and Lizzie Dee could not be with us. Have the "quality" [slave workers from the community] to dine with us as they are busy on the new road. On Saturday, Tom, Sue and I go out to dinner at Cousin Sarah Gilmore's by invitation. Meet with lots of boys ....

March 30-April 5

On Sunday (30th) sister Betty's little boy was born. Hear Mr. [Richard Kidder] Meade preach ....We go by the new road for the first time. Hear Miss Vallant has the fever ....Finish a new dress for brother Peter's little Lewis. It is very handsome, scarlet merino worked with black silk. Read Hard Times and St. Bonan's Well. Sue and I do some work in the garden which is beginning to look quite flowery. Ma is quite poorly. Hard work to keep her indoors. Tom and Willie Meriwether are with us. Willie has bid adieu to the university and is now on his way home.

April 6-12

On Sunday hear Mr. Cashman [preach] ....Miss Vallant is still very sick. Go to a concert at The Town Hall and hear Strakosch and his wife and Parodin perform. "The Star Spangled Banner" and Marseillaise Hymn" was very fine; the first made me feel very patriotic. Strakosch's fingering on the piano was surely wonderful. Finish another Vol. of Rollins. Spring has come upon us in such earnest. The trees are beginning to look quite green and flowers are abundant. Jim and Campe with us. We spend Saturday morning fishing.

April 13-19

Mr. Meade preaches from Isaiah ....Find old Jim Crow's remains. He perished last winter in the snow. Sue goes to see Miss V.; finds her much better. Wrote to Aunt Ria. A letter from Sally Williamson. Juba has two kittens. Pets [her cat] very poorly; I'm afraid he has been seriously hurt.

April 20-26

Stay with sister Betty for a few days. We think the new baby [is like] Tom Davis. A snow storm. Winter [is] lingering in the lap of Spring. Get my summer bonnet; it is a perfect flower garden. Tom and Mat call to see me. Get home Thursday. Find brother Jim and his family here. They spend the night. Saturday we are invited to Ridgway and have such a gay time. It made me feel quite young "tripping on the light fantastic toe." Make some pleasant acquaintances among the gentlemen.

April 27-May 3

On Wednesday, we go over to town to see the corner stone of the new Presbyterian Church laid. A great day and one that will long "be green in the memory" of the good people of Charlottesville. After the ceremony of laying the stone and two addresses were delivered in the Baptist Church, the Masonic fraternity formed into a very long procession and paraded the streets decked out in all their finery; purple and gold, long blue sashes, white aprons (very much like children when going to dinner), carrying long poles, swords, goblets, candles and blocks of wood. They then proceeded to the Town Hall where a dinner [was] in readiness for them. Whitehead and Terril call in the evening; also our Orange friend, William Williams. I'm so put out by that pigmy Terril. Go to a supper at the Town Hall. Am escorted by Terril. A beautiful present from Dr. Lea, my brother-in-law. Wrote to S. Williamson. Hope she will make all clear.

May 4-10

....On Saturday quite a party of young people to dine with us. Mat and Ellie Adams, Sally and Juliet Minor, two Mr. Bronaughs, two Mr. Meads, Mr. Coleman, Mr.Stewart, Mr. Locket and my handsome cousin, John Skinner. Had a very pleasant day. None of the party at all troubled with stiffness. Sue and the old Bronaugh get on famously together. I intend to pay him off for some of his treatment to me ....

May 11-17

Whitsuntide. Go to town on Monday; meet, with many acquaintances, particularly among the darkies. Get two new dresses. [On the] 17th, Sue Bacon and Miss V come up to make us a visit. Miss V is very poorly ....

May 18-24

Thursday, Sue Moore and I go up to Cousin Marry's to attend a party at Mr. Goodloe's, which comes off on Friday, 23rd. Henry, our party escort. Fashionable late at the party. Have "a grand good time:" danced every set. Had pleasant partners, also some very personal ones. "The Scotts" (a group of free black musicians) were the musicians and discoursed some of their sweetest sounds. The supper was excellent and we did not leave the festive hall until three o'clock in the morning.

May 25-30

Get the rest of my fortune from Missouri ....

June 1-7

On Monday a call from brother Jim and Miss Bet Catlett. The news has arrived that Billy Fish [William Hunter Meriwether] and Kate Meriwether are actually married. No one need despair now [about being too old to get married]. I don't envy her. My nose cold very bad .... Cousin Peter Johnson is...with us. We have nice talks about the Oranges. On Saturday, cousin Peter, Sue, Miss V and I go down to Music Hall. Find Henry there. He has left school; studying does not agree with him. After dinner Sister Mary and I go out visiting. See some beaux.

June 8-14

Having a pleasant time. Use our influence to make up a match between cousin Peter and Miss V. The latter seems to be in much trouble. What vexing creatures boys are. Lizzie [Dee] Lewis is baptized on Saturday by Mr. Dickerson, the Baptist minister. Two letters from Sally Williamson. Hear Rose Bankhead's engagement is all off. What wretches these men are! Missed seeing lots of Goodlicks [visiting cousins] by being from home this week. Get home [on the 13th].

June 14-20

Hear Mr. Boyden [preach] ....Get a hat of which I'm very proud. Many visitors this week; the Messers George; Mary Walker and the Misses Randolph; Messers McIntire and Massie, Tom Davis, Cousin Lou and Isabella Leitch, (Cousin) Sarah and the children. Sue Stanford also comes by to show off her "low yankee" husband. Sue has a "benefit" day this week. Gets her new silk dress finished. Ma's turkeys have salt for breakfast. She loses more than half. A letter from Dr. Lea. Wrote to Sally Williamson.

June 21-28

Jim comes home for his vacation. Dull times. Hear Mr. Meade [preach] ....An old acquaintance. [Louisa has heard the sermon before] On Monday had a terrible hail storm; much damage was done to the crops. The hail stones were as large as partridge's eggs. Read Rob Roy. Go to the University on the 26th to hear Mr. Broaddus speak. Also at night to attend the celebration of the Jefferson Society. Can't say I was much edified by the speaking as I could bear but very little. Terril on the carpet again ....Sue and I spend the rest of the week with Mat; have a nice time; pay some visits. Spend a day with Sister Betty. On Saturday, 28th, Tom takes his leave for home. Poor fellow, he seemed to be really sorry to say good bye and we were no less so to give him up. Shall miss him much particularly this winter. Well the best friends must part! Hope we may meet again.

June 29-July 5

Sunday bear Mr. Joseph Wilmus from Philadelphia. In high fix for Music Hall when a letter comes from brother Jim asking us to put off our trip until the children are better from the whooping cough. A great disappointment but we must expect crosses in this life. Fans in great demand ....Wrote to Dr. Lea. Tom sends his complements from Washington. We are amazed.

July 6-12

Sunday hear Mr. Meade....A visit from Mr. Pemberton and Dr. Thoming, from Goochland. Mr. P is looking out for a farm; we recommend Mr. Michie's as we would like to have Prissie for a neighbor. It is decided that Mary Lewis [Anderson] shall go from home to school. Sue and I go to Ridgway to call on the Misses Maurys and Harrison and Mrs. Gibbs. The ladies are very agreeable. Sally W and Betty Bankhead come up on Wednesday.

I go to met them at Shadwell ....Friday have the young ladies from Ridgway to dine with us ....Betty B and I have a race for a kiss; I get it. Having a pleasant time but all our gatherings are "dove parties" for "Not a beau pretends to show his head within our door." Saturday Daddy and Jim go to "the club," so we have the house all to ourselves. Make a little noise. A letter from Lizzie Dee and Aunt Ria. The latter says Miss Vallant has had her head shaved.

July 13-19

Mr. Meade gives us a sermon from Matthew 19, verse 16 thru 22. I prefer short texts. After supper go over to hear Bishop Johns. We are all delighted. Sermon from John 11, verses 28 and 29. "The Master is come and calleth for thee. As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came unto Him." Mr. Meade [Rev. Richard Kidder Meade, the rector of Louisa's church] goes to Clarke this week so we will have no preaching for some time to come. On Wednesday by appointment we dine at Ridgway. It is too warm for dinner parties. A singular coincidence occurs. Mr. Corbin makes his appearance. I feel sorry for some present. I'm very poorly. Take a shower ... which does not agree with me. A good deal of sickness in the black family. Several of the house servants very ill. Little Ellen [Anderson] also very sick. The girls leave us on Thursday for Sister Betties. They will return sometime next week when we will start for Music Hall if all is well. Sue and I spend a day or so with Mary Walker ....Conclude we ought to see more of each other and propose hereafter making an effort so to do. Mary W's little baby is a sweet little fellow, much prettier than Frank [her older son]. The warmest weather I ever felt. We are all in a melting mood. Read lst vol. of Macaulay's Essays. Cousins Howel and Sarah [Lewis] spend the night with us on their way over the [Blue Ridge] mountains. Ma rides old Mose after the turkeys and to the cowpen. A letter from Miss Vallant. She is now in Hartford [Connecticut.]

July 20-26

No church as Uncle Hatter is too tired to drive. A letter from sister Mary saying she looks for us on Friday next. Ma quite sick. Sally and Betty get back on Wednesday and find me in bed. I'm up in the course of the day as cousins Sarah Gilmer, Juliet Minor and Mr. Willie Pegram come by to dine on their way to convocation. We arrive at the sage conclusion that Juliet is one of the odd Minors. A letter from brother Peter, also one from Tom Davis ....[On the] 26th up very early. Saw the sunrise the first time for many months. Say good bye to the good folks and are off for brother Jim's ....To the Journal, I also have to say Farewell, as there is no room for it in the trunk. Expect to have some very interesting matter for it on my return. Till then, adieu.

August 12th,

Well, here I am after 17 days absence again scratching away on the old Journal, feeling very much at home. July 25th, the day we got down, found the convocation going on. I attended only two days and heard in that time three sermons. [One from] Mr. Earnest and two from cousin Dabney Davis ....The girls set their caps at Carter Page. He seems determined on the life of single blessedness. (Place Grace Church. Time the 26th) ACT lst, Scene lst "Much Ado About Nothing" I'm not pleased!!!

July 27-Aug. 2

Too sick to attend church. The commencement of a week of sickness. [Her brother James H. Minor is a physician.] I suffer much but thanks to brother Jim's doctoring and Sue's and the other girls' good nursing in a week's time I'm able to sit up and creep about the house. I miss all the fun. The girls go out dining, talking and calling and am obliged to content myself with the descriptions they give me of their entertainments. The neighbors are all so kind, most of them have been to see me and Aunt Sally [Sally Craven Lewis of Castalia] sends such loaves of bread. On Saturday Ma comes down to see me.

Aug. 2-9

I'm better but still very weak. Wednesday evening take tea at Clover Fields. I enjoy the supper as my appetite at present, to use Mr. Willie Pegram's expression, "is quite faltering." On Thursday Sally and Betty take their leave for home. Oh, how lonely I feel wandering about these deserted halls. We have now been together a month and one day and I really feel lost without them. Well, it's no use sighing. Hope [there are] many happy meetings in store for us yet. Sally is a girl "after my own heart" and I consider her my first warm friendship out of my own family. Betty, too, has her good points and for good nature, I never say her equal. She has rather too much Minor blood to be exactly comfortable. She acts the Dutchman to perfection!!! [The Minor's are descended from the dutchman, Doodes Minor.] After the Oranges leave, Sue, Lizzie Dee and I go over to spend a day or so at Kinloch. (Place Kinloch, Time Aug. 7) ACT 2nd -Scene 2nd "All's Well, that End's Well."

Stay Saturday night with Lizzie Dee. Try Uncle Bob's recipe for getting fat, nearly a pint of cream, a quart of clabber, butter bread and meat in proportions for supper. Read Vase or The Child of Adoption.

Aug. 10-16

No church. Get home Monday. Lizzie Dee comes with us. I'm very poorly again. The pill box and I on intimate terms. A letter from Sally Price to Sue saying she is to be married about l0th of Sept and wishes us to be bridesmaids. We will accept if all is well at that time. Cousin Mildred and Charlotte dine with us on their way from town where they have been to have the wedding dress made up. We receive an invite to the marriage at Grace Church, the 3rd of next month. Brother Jim and Sister Mary call to see us. The former says he will have some torches next month ready to light us to the church. He thinks they will be needed as the ceremony will be performed very early in the morning. Ma very sick. The doctor to see her. Lizzie also on the sick list. Read Purist of The Peak. A letter from Dr. Lea. "The Club" met at Pantops while we were away. And Mammy E made a John Bull pudding for the occasion which weighted 17 lbs. I was not sorry [we were away] as they [the all male club of which Daddy and Jim Anderson are members] are not very agreeable to ladies. Henry comes by on his way to look for his room at the University. Two Mr. Lipscomes to dine saith us. I miss their company being too much of an invalid to dress. I'm heartgrace the table today.

Aug. 17-23

Too poorly for church. Daddy goes off to Fredricksburg to bring home Jack [black servant] who, in a trance, saw fit to take himself off. Cousins Hugh and Mary Ann Minor and some of the children spend a day or so with us ....Daddy gets home very tired. [Presumably with the retrieved slave man, Jack.]

Aug 24-30

On Tuesday Sally Price and Charlie Wood dine with us. Sally tells us all the plans for the wedding. We are invited to go several days before hand. They are to be married early in the morning, [then] remain at Locust Hill for a day or so. There will be but little company as cousin Lucy's [Price] health is bad to allow much fixing. How Sally will be missed at Locust Hill. Hers is such a bright happy disposition that she seems indeed "the light of her home." She must have a large stock of courage to go so far from all her kith and kin with one who has yet to be tried. Hear a very romantic story about Charlie Wood and a "charming fair." No wonder he is always dreaming. A letter from B. Bankhead. Says she is counting the days until September court at which time we though of going down to see her and Sally. I'm afraid we are to be disappointed but intend to make an effort. Mr. J. Walker is to be married on Wednesday night. What will the girls do for someone to talk about? Not a word from Sally. What can be the reason. Finish reading [Nathaniel Parker] Willis' new novel Paul Fane, a very trashy affair. A letter from Miss Vallant. She is staying at Lake Mahopac in New York. She tells me of the fall of "The Old Charter Oak" on the 21st. As the newspapers express it, "another land mark in our colonial history has passed away."

Miss Vallant will be back the lst of Sept. Finish reading Macaulay's Essays in 5 vols. Henry spends Friday night with us, says Tommy Macon has been very ill. Cousin Lou Meriwether, Mr. Christian and his little daughter from Richmond come in late Saturday night ....

Aug. 31-Sept. 6

Hear, Mr. Nelson [preach.] Call to see Mat Leitch who has been sick some time. See Nannie Southaker; she is in great trouble having lately lost her father. On Tuesday go down to Music Hall so as to be in place for Cousin Mildred's wedding. Find sister Betty and her tribe there already. I feel quite like an old fogy with so many nieces and nephews around me. Take a peep at the Castalians. See Miss Vallant's bald pate.

Caps are decidedly becoming. About dark after having dressed go over to Kinloch to the party. Find quite a company assembled. The bride and groom elect, the visitors and a good many relations. Talking is the only amusement; have some No. One performers at that game. Dr. Macon [the groom's father] makes some very sweet speeches . Have a very nice supper and leave about 12 o'clock. Find Miss V and Lizzie reposing peacefully on our return. Early the next morning, Sept 3rd, the knot is tied at the Church by the Rev. E. Boyden. All things passed off well. The bride looked interesting as all brides do and the groom was the picture of happiness. His "I will" was as big as himself. A few tears were shed. The usual number of kisses given and received and the loving pair were off for a bridal tour month. My best wishes attend Mr. & Mrs. George Macon. May they find their journey through this world of sunshine and shade all that their fondest wishes have pictured in their happiest moments. Daddy in Richmond on business. Ma very poorly. Dr. Leitch to see her.

Sept. 7-13

Hear Mr. Meade....On Monday go up to Ivy Creek where we are expected to see Mr. Pride and Sally made one... Kate Whitehead joins us at the University. Have a warm walk from the Depot to Locust Hill. Find the natives as busy as bees. Sally shows us all the wedding dresses. They are pretty and in good taste. Sue and I in a great dilemma about acting as bridesmaids. Sally has changed all her plans since we saw her. She is to be married at night and our dresses are morning but Sally is so anxious we agreed to lend a hand if she will take us as we are and make no more ado about it. The house full of young company in the evening. The girls ornament the parlor very prettily with greens. After tea, Kate and Henry Lewis, Lizzie and Charlie Wood and the groom elect come in. We are all eyes to see how the lovers will behave. He takes Woods' advice to put a bold face on the matter and hands Sally off onto the porch, where they have talk enough to settle the affairs of the nation. We have a nice time after supper. Lizzie Wood and I discourse on the effects of love. She gives a practical observation of the hard blows its followers sometimes receive. Sept. l0th [is] Sally's wedding day. A beautiful day. I make the bridal favors. We are in great excitement all day. Lizzie Dee comes on the cars. We are all very uneasy about a minister as Mr. Pride has none positively engaged. Cousin Met tells Sally she will have to choose between cousin Fielding (who is a magistrate) and Uncle Isaac ( a darky preacher). Sally gives the preference to the latter. Cousin Dabney Davis; however, drops in about the 11th hour and is welcomed by all. The bride and her attendants are dressed more than an hour before the groom and his men arrive. They are late in consequence of tight shoes and gloves. Mr. Pride has been at great expense and trouble in selecting his bridal trousseau, so of course he is dressed to kill, but a $5.00 breastpin outshines all the rest. Sally's dress is very simple but pretty. At last all is ready and we are told to forward. lst Betty and Mr. Lackey, a Kentucky greenhorn; 2nd Lizzie Wood and Henry Lewis; 3rd, your humble servant and Mr. Charlie Wood; 4th Sue Moore [Anderson] and Daniel Pride. We all get through our parts but Lackey who will insist on standing in the wrong places. He is right in a few moments and the wedding proceeds and the vows are now recorded by an angel's pen on high. We enjoy the supper. Charlie Wood and I take a social stroll together. Charlie gets the ring-thereby hangs a tale. [On] Sept 11th dinner at Mr. Woods. Not much company, only the bride and groom and their attendants, Kate W. and Jim Anderson. A pleasant day. Dinner a little stiff. My escort to dinner had lost his appetite (by later context, this is Henry Lewis) and I was ashamed to indulge mine without company. Go back to Locust Hill for the night. This is the winding up of the frolic for us, as tomorrow we turn our faces homeward. Suppose it will be the last we shall see of Sally for when she returns from her bridal tour, she will go South. I feel sorry to give her up. She is a person that I have [enjoyed] much being so perfectly sincere. Oh happy and bright may the destiny be of a creature so artless and tender as she. [On] Sept 12th bid adieu to the festive halls and take the cars for home. Lizzie Wood and Kate W. bearing us company, also Henry Lewis. Find a letter waiting me at home from Sally W., also another for Sue and I from Tom and a Missouri cousin who is personally unknown to us. Tom talks of going to Kansas to fight the abolitionists. Dull times after so much gaiety.

Sept. 14-20

Sue, Kate, Lizzie D. and I go to Church in the morning and hear Cousin Dabney Davis preach ....Go again after supper and have a beautiful sermon from Mr. Joseph Wilson ....Monday Kate leaves for the University and Lizzie Wood, Mary L [Anderson] and Nannie [Anderson] go down to Uncle Bob's and Sue and I are left to take care of the housekeeping. A terrible dog fight tonight. I'm awakened by the most horrible howls; rush to the window and see there are four of the men servants, [and the dogs,] Bruno, Jack and Parr, all after one poor dog. Bruno does the biting and shaking, Jack the barking and Old Parr stands off a silent spectator of the scene. The poor dog gets a most unmerciful beating and makes for home, no doubt resolving in his mind never to visit again such inhospitable neighbors. Jack got a very bad bite from a hog the next day, a judgment on him for his bad treatment of the poor wanderer. Read such a delightful book by [Nathaniel] Hawthorne called Miss Travis, An Old Maide. [On] Sept 17th go with Sue and Daddy to Mr and Mrs. George Macon's reception at his mothers. Get there about 2 o'clock PM and find a number of persons assembled, some 35 or 40 ladys and half the number of gentlemen. About 3 o'clock we are invited into the dining room where a very nice repast is spread out-cold meats, bread, pickles, etc on a side table and a long table set out with goodies and ornamented with flowers so that anyone who felt too ethereal for such substantials as bread, meat and ice cream might follow Dr. Macon's prescription and sip the dew from the rosebuds. Cousin Mildred seemed much at home and was bobbing around saying something pleasant to all. George looked happy and lazy. Get home by dark-very tired. [On] Sept 18th put up some tomatoes in cans. Wrote to Sally W. and Lizzie Dee. We are disappointed in our trip to Orange with Brother Jim. It cost me a few sighs. Finish reading Natalie by Julia Kavanagh. A letter from Miss Vallant. Ma and the children get home on Saturday. I deliver up the keys in good form. No tears shed on the occasion. Ma much improved in health by her trip.

Sept. 21-27

Sunday hear Mr. Meade....We are visited by a Missourian cousin, George Meriwether, a son of Aunt Jane Meriwether. He tells us of the death of his brother Montgomery, Aug 25th. The weather quite cool, a slight frost on Tuesday night. Ma begins to gather the apples. Sue, Mammy E and I call at Castalia. We are introduced to Miss Jimmy Picket.

Sept. 28-Oct. 4

Hear Mr. [James Allen] Latane ....Presume it is his first sermon. Henry comes by and spends the night on his way to the University. Get a new bonnet and cloaks. A visit from Mr. Henry from Tennessee. Cousin Jim Trice sends us by him a picture of his place in Clarksville, Tennessee. Wrote to Miss Vallant.

Oct. 5-11

With Sister Betty this week. Have a pleasant time, pay some visits and receive some visitors. Find Mat Leitch very weak, feel very fearful about her. Beautiful weather-Indian Summer in perfection. The leaves already have a slight tinge of autumn on them. In a few days the roads will present a sea of flowers. Oct. with its deep and crimson streak has been the "month of my heart." Mary Lewis leaves home this week for school in town. Hope she will study hard and make up for lost time.

Oct. 12-18

Hear Mr. Meade....I get home after church. Am invited to the marriage of Kate Picket and my sweet cousin Henry Eustace on the 15th. Mrs. Marion Barker, old Mr. Richard Anderson and little Eddie Trice are with us several days this week ....Little Eddie....and I get very sociable on the cat question. A letter from Sally W. I ride to town Saturday evening to see about Sue's bonnet which is not quite to her mind. Mr. Dudley [one of her cats] gets entangled in the hoops; thinking them not quite in his line beats a retreat. Henry spends Saturday night with us. How much we miss Tom [Davis], particularly Saturday evenings as he was most always with us at that time.

Oct. 19-25

Hear Mr. Meade....Hear of the death of cousin Albert Holladay, which took place last night (18th).Have some charming weather this week. The woods are like a piece of tapestry ....As Woods says, "The look of nature geteth short of leaves." In a few weeks not a vissage will remain of summer and then "stern winter comes apace with bellowing storms and frosty face." Make the Mexican pickles. Jack [one of her dogs] is suspected of sheep killing. I'm much troubled about it. Believe it all comes from being so friendly with Old Pam who is no novice in the art of killing and eating a poor innocent sheep. Miss Bella Nelson and Dr. Gardner were united in the holy state of matrimony on the 22nd at Clover Fields. Miss Vallant comes up on Friday with brother Jim to spend a day or so.

Oct. 26-Nov. 1

Hear Mr. Stark preach....Daddy finished sowing wheat. He used guano for the first time this fall. Miss V. is detained until Friday by bad weather. An anti-cat movement. Pets has his feelings hurt very often. We have game suppers. Wrote to Tom Davis. Had a letter from brother Peter. Mat Leitch rides as far as this on Saturday. She looks so pale and thin. A great deal of fever in town.

Nov. 2-8

Hear Mr. Meade.... A nice letter from Dr. Lea and Sally. They tell me Tom Davis has been in Kansas for a month. Also a letter from Betty Bankhead begging us to come to Orange. Made a new carpet for The Lodge. Finish reading Rollins's Ancient History in 8 vols. Wrote to Sally Williamson ....Chill November's surly blast has made the trees and fields very bare. Mary Lewis at home on Saturday.

Nov. 9-15

Hear Mr. Latane....Finish reading [Philip] Doddridge's Rise and Progress [of Religion in the Soul.] A letter from Lizzie Dee. Wrote to Aunt Ria, Dr. Lea and Betty Bankhead. Finish a new scarf which Ellen [Anderson] admires extravagently. Tie up the flowers in their winter wrappings. Do some burr work. Dull times.

Nov. 16-22

At Church in the morning. Mr. Meade reads a letter from the Bishop. Find Henry at home on our return. He tells us of the sale at Music Hall. [The estate sale of Uncle James H. Terrel.] I'm invited to Bella Rives wedding next Tuesday night-don't think I shall go. Too much trouble to get ready and then I don't believe weddings pay. Read Woods on Infant Baptism. Sue and I take the Orange fever. A letter from Tom Davis. He is now teaching school in Boonville, Missouri. Has another love affair in hand. Speaks of the fair one as a "perfect angel."

Nov. 23-29

Hear Mr. H.B. Scott, a returned Missionary from Africa, preach in the morning ....Go again at night to the Baptist church and hear a sermon ....Sunday night was spent with Sister Betty who is poorly. Get home early Monday morning and find Jack missing. Jack came back late Monday night and the whole family rejoices with me. Henry is very poorly, comes to us to recoup for a few days .... Hear Brother Peter has been elected by a handsome majority. [Louisa's brother, Nicholas Peter Minor was Judge of Probate Court of Pike County, Missouri.] Henry does not get off until Wednesday. Bob Lewis with us Saturday night. Am invited to Lucy Southall's (now Mrs. Sharps) reception on Saturday evening. Have to decline as we have no dresses. A nice letter from Miss V. Hear Prissie [Macmurdo Pemberton] has a son; presume it is several weeks old by now.

Nov. 30-Dec. 6

Mr. Meade preaches Miss Woodson's funeral sermon on Sunday from Amos 4:12, "Prepare to met thy God, Oh Israel." I'm in affliction about Jack. A letter from Tom and Jim Lewis, also one from Sally Williamson. She tells me her mother has decided to sell her farm and go into the village to live and take a school. A great change for them all. Wrote to Miss Vallant. Sue and I will go to Music Hall next week if all is well ....

Dec. 7-13

Hear Mr. Meade....[Take] my first communion. God grant that I was worthly of that precious feast. Help me to watch and pray And on Thyself rely Assured if I my trust betray I shall forever die.

Go down to Music Hall on Monday. Find Sister Mary alone, brother Jim having taken the freed servants to Norfolk to ship them for "Africa's sunny clime." He gets back this week and has so many amusing stories to tell of their trip down. Poor things. To many of them their freedom will prove anything but a blessing. My kindest wishes attend them to their new home. Miss V spends several nights with us. Charlotte and Lizzie call. At the Creek for a day and night. I get roused on "the goose question." [slave insurrections] ....

Dec. 14-20

A rainy Sunday. Divide the week between Uncle Bob's, Kinloch and Music Hall. Talk politics with Uncle B

and Miss V. The excitement on the goose questions (insurrections among the darkeys) continues. Brother Jim has some horrible stories to tell me of Mad Dogs, Bears and Wolves. Thinks I will be frightened from the neighborhood. While at Kinloch, Sue, Charlotte and I lodge in "Nebraska." Cousin Tom [Dr. Thomas Nelson Meriwether] interests me in his...letter. Wishes me to find out who Mildred Thompson was. There is an air of mystery about the letter which I do not like. I fear the young lady is trying to play off some prank on the old Dr.

Dec. 21-27

Another Sunday without church. Have the service read at home. Also a sermon. Get back to Music Hall on Monday and find Lilly Brown [Sister Betty Brown's daughter] and Tommy Minor [Brother Jim's son] very sick with pneumonia. They get better toward the last of the week. We then begin fixing for the Xmas Tree for the children. Cousins Th[omas] and Lizzie Watson arrive with their five and with the six already in the house, makes quite a bunch. Henry comes down. Finds himself unable to study on account of the above. Xmas Day bright and beautiful-almost as mild as a spring day. Spend the morning fixing for the Tree. We cannot have it on Xmas Eve because the sick children cannot enjoy it. Tomorrow night (26th) is the time now fixed. After dinner Lizzie Dee sends for us to spend the night with her. She has a houseful of young people stopping up with her so we have a merry time. "The Captain" and his company are called out after supper to "hunt geese." [Slave patrollers out looking for wandering slaves.] Friday night the tree is ready and the children are invited into the parlor to see it and receive their presents. All went off well. The youngsters seemed highly delighted with the shipes, dolls, monkeys, candies, etc. I believe it will be a bright spot in the memory of the young ones for some time to come. Saturday we are at the Creek. [Creek Farm is the home of cousins Howel and Sarah Lewis.]

Dec. 28-31

I am too poorly for church. Go to Clover Fields. Find Miss J.T. Gardner and Mary Walker there. Quite a dinner party on Tuesday. The good folks from Kinloch, Mr. Geiger and ourselves spend the night at Castalia. The last day of the old year. Spend it at Music Hall. Well another year has rolled over my head and I feel so thankful to be able to say that no changes have occurred that have caused me real sorrow. My many dear friends have all been spared to me and my days have rolled on serenely free from sorrow's tin alloy.