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September 1st 1855 Commencing this Journal
Sept. 1 and 2.
Cousin Lucy Anderson, her little daughter, Molly, and Sally Price with us. Also Lizzie Wood and her brother, Charlie. We are interested in Miss Pettit's new novel, The Shadow of Later. It does not speak much for the refinement of the writer. Sally gives us some nice music in the evenings. Hensons, "Home Again," "Sleeping I Dreamed Love," will, whenever I may chance to hear them, call forth a thought of her.
Sept. 3
Jim [Anderson] leaves for school at Bloomfield. Hope he will study hard and distinguish himself.
Sept. 4
A letter from B. [Betsey] Bankhead.
Sept. 5
We are very indignant at the conduct of a certain cousin of ours early this morning. Hear Brother Jim has sold his home in Orange County to Dr. Taliaferro. His move, no doubt, will be beneficial to his children and then he is doing nothing but his duty to come to Uncle Jimmy and make him comfortable during his few remaining years.
Sept. 6
Cousin Lucy and Little Molly leave. Tom Davis and some of the young ladies take a pleasant ride to Mrs. Craven's peach orchard to see a beautiful view but finish off by eating peaches.
Sept. 7
Jimmy Lewis calls. Says the gypsies are encamped in the neighborhood. Tom, Sally and I have a ride to Thurmond's Mountain. The view from the top passed the description. All around looking so calm and grand. Surely one dwelling amidst such scenes must have purer feelings than those whose way leads them amidst the battles of the world.
Sept. 8
The girls leave us. We go as far as town with them and call at Dr. [James A.] Leitch's where we are introduced to a very pretty young lady, Miss Lelia Carter. It is rather lonely at home after so much company. We parted with the expectation of meeting at Christmas, if all is well, at Locust Hill, but three months is a long time to look forward to in the life of "chance and change;" however, we hope for the best. Lizzie Dee and Robert [Lewis] have been with us since the lst of Sept.
Sept. 9
Sunday I went to church. In the evening I wrote a letter, contrary to my rule.
Sept. 10
Commenced school. The children are very bright. Make peach pickles in the morning; very tired from fanning kettles, weighing sugar and spices and measuring vinegar, etc.
Sept. 12
Tom [Davis] leaves for a trip over the [Blue Ridge] mountains-expected back tomorrow. I think the young man will be delighted when the University [of Virginia] begins. He seems heartily tired of holidays.
Sept. 13
Mr. Tom and Lucien Michie call in the a new buggy. Mr. T M tells us his engagement with Miss Tompson is all off and he is ready for another love affair. He seems desperate about marrying. Sue gives him B. Bankhead's legacy. Mr. Michie declares he will write to the young lady if she will only tell him where to direct it. Mr.L M discourses about the Staunton girls, daguerreotypes and rings.
Sept. 14
This is glorious Friday and I can rest from my labors teaching school for a whole week. Milk and peaches for dinner.
Sept. 15
Have a delightful ride on [the horse] Tammy Elpha.
Sept. 16
A rainy Sunday brings a fine opportunity for reading, but I can read equally as well by Sun light. We all feel great unease about Tom. Should imagine he needed a change of clothes by now, as he took none with him.
Sept. 17
Commenced Rollin's Ancient History for a second time. Read Henry VI. I think I shall be friends with Shakespeare for sometime. Wrote to B. Bankhead and described a cat scene by candle light. One of the cats was caught in the very act of stealing some ham off the table. Ann [a black slave woman] wished to administer corporal punishment but I pleaded his case so well, she contented herself with a few taps.
Sept. 18
Read Henry V. Made some more pickles and then tied up flower seeds for Sister Sue [Minor] to be sent by Mr. Goodman. Tom returns to say in his travels he visited Staunton, Lexington, "The Bridge," and Lynchburg.
Finish Tom and Henry a needle book. Have concluded to send off the gray kittens by the market cart.
Sept. 21
Little Margaret [Anderson] is sick. The first turkey of the season. An invitation to cousin Mary Bankhead's wedding.
Sept. 22
Read Henry IV. The poor little kittens are sent off to seek their fortunes in "the wide wide world."
Sept. 23
A sermon from Mr. Meade.[Rev. Richard Kidder Meade]
Sept. 24
Commenced school this morning after a week's holiday. I feel much discouraged about it. I wonder if I'm doing the children any good. Carry Walker and Cousin Mildred [Meriwether] are with us. Carry gives me news of the Oranges. Sue and I get "such a love of a bonnet."
Sept. 26
Daddy is sick in bed. Carry relates some of her love affairs. This is cousin Mary Bankhead's wedding day. Surely "the heavens smile upon the act" for it is beautifully clear ....
Sept. 27--
Carry and Cousin Mildred leave us today. Mr. Meade dines with us.
Sept. 28
Busy in the garden: Finish Romeo and Juliet: Hear Mrs. Arrowsmith [Aunt Ria who lives in New York] thinks of spending the winter in Virginia. Her cheerful company would be of great service to Aunt Sally [Mrs. Robert W. Lewis]. Daddy still poorly. A letter from brother Peter [Minor]. He tells me of the birth of his third son on the 13th of Sept. He weighs 10 pounds.
Sept. 29
The beginning of "a week of Saturdays" as I'm free from school next week. Jim at home with a friend. Teach him the accomplishment of making "a rabbit on the wall."
Oct. 1
Tom leaves for the University. He takes up a basket of apples with him.
Oct. 2
Cousin Tom & Charlotte [Macon] with us for a day and night.
Oct. 3
Mr. Massie to breakfast this morning.
Oct. 4
Read Hamlet
Oct. 6
Go in the morning to Kinlock and the [next] morning Go to Uncle Bob's to see Aunt Ria. She looks like real old times. At the Brick church bear a sermon from Cousin Albert Holladay. In the evening walk to Music Hall to see cousin Sarah.[Mrs. Howel Lewis]. Miss V[allant] reads us her journal from her trip this summer with her English friends.
Oct. 8
Get home early this morning, bringing Aunt Ria with us. Cousin Howel [Lewis] to dinner.
Oct. 9
A letter from Sally Williamson.
Oct. 12
Sue and Aunt Ria take a ride, on their return Sue feels pale and takes to her bed for the rest of the day. She thinks it proceeds from Old Mose's manner of trotting
Oct. 13
Miss Vallant and Henry [Lewis] with us. Tom also gets in later in the morning. He begs me to write and make an offer of his heart and hand to "the one he adores." I agree at first but after duly considering the matter, I conclude it best to let him do his own courting. I would not like such things to come second hand. He thinks I'm right but still wishes me the "write" person. I agree to send the lady a rosebud which he fixed up. I would not be surprised if something came of it. Miss Vallant is very angry with Jimmy L[ewis] for talking about her this summer. Speaks of giving him a bit of her mind.
Oct. 14
We go to church. Henry and Miss Vallant in the rockaway. Have a sermon from Richard Davis from the same text Mr. Holiday used on last Sunday. Flowers were scattered in profusion after church. I see William Williamson. Had a little chat about Oranges. He declined our invitation to come home with us as it was Sunday. The boys leave after dinner. Henry gives me a kiss at parting and Jack [Louisa's dog], no doubt considering it an act of possession on his part, took occasion when I lay sleeping on the sofa to lick the spot.
Oct. 15-18
Very quiet times. Making dresses. Take some nice long walks, some of them "daring exploring expeditions" on a small scale... Enjoy hunting hickory nuts very much.
Oct. 19
Ma sends the cart with Tom's Turkey, apples, bread and pickles. Presume he will have a banquet (a la petit) tonight. I wished to put in a cat, to take care of the goodies knowing there were some "big rats" at the University this session. How glorious the woods are now clothed in all the gorgeous tints of autumn. It seems indeed as though nature had donned her holiday attire to make herself all the more charming before taking her leave; that one reflection of her might be pleasant. "The melancholy days" are fast approaching, the "saddest of the year." Winter has many delights but the merry summer teases for me. How much we have to be thankful for this fall! the barns all full to overflowing, a prospect of plenty for the winter.
Oct. 20
Much interested in Ten Thousand a Year .... There is a chance for some of us losing our affections on [the hero] Gilbert Grovernor, especially as he has the great attraction of "ten thousand a year."
Oct. 21-27
A sermon from Richard Davis. Mr. Goodlow we hear has lost one of his school boys. Poor fellow to drop away from honest friends. What a sad father. Ma very poorly. I feel so uneasy about her. Mary Walker [Meriwether Randolph] has another son. Frank [Mary Walker's son] lacks one day of being a year old. Wrote to Brother Peter ....After dinner, Friday, we are much surprised to see Miss Vallant come walking up. She had a chance to come in a carriage to the gate and from there she walked up. Daddy goes to Richmond to
attend the Fair. Bob [Lewis] gives us a call
Oct. 28-Nov. 3
Sunday hear Mr. Meade preach. A letter from S[ally] W[illiamson]. She doesn't understand the rosebud. Met [David Meriwether Anderson] "catches it" this morning. Hope it will be beneficial. Cool, fix up the flowers for winter. They look very comfortable in their winter wrappings. A letter from Daddy-NEWS! Prissy Macmurdo is to be married to a Mr. Pemberton of Goochland. I hope she will do well. A letter from Miss Betsey Cattlett. She is troubled about giving up brother Jim [Minor] and his family, particularly little Dick. I meet with a loss; drop my best pin in the woods but find it in a day or so. I receive an invite to Mary Holladay's wedding but do not accept as Sue is not included and then I'm not fixed in the way of wearing apparel]
Nov. 4-10
Tom romances us...read "Longfellow." An applause by Tom. Daddy gets home. He says we may go to Prissy's wedding if we can get ready. Aunt Ria leaves us for Castalia. Ma and Maggie [Mary Eliza Lewis Leitch Anderson and Margaret Douglas Anderson] also go down with her to Uncle Bob's. They will return on Saturday. I'm housekeeper while Ma is away.---Sue has letter from Prissy inviting us to her wedding. We have not decided about going; it will be such an expensive trip-Sue thinks our cloaks are out of date but I don't intend that the cloak shall keep me at home. Mammy Eliza [Leitch Anderson] finishes a new carpet for the parlor. It is a great improvement to "the best room."
Nov. 11-17
Go to church and stay with sister Betty [Brown] until Wednesday. Am introduced to a cousin from Fredericksburg, Lou Young, who is visiting sister B. Rose Bankhead is also staying with her so I have a gay time. See quite a number of their beaux. Attend a meeting at the Baptist Church. It is not to my taste.
Lou and I have quite a scene one night. We hear a noise, as we imagine, and rush down to Sister B's room where we take up our lodgings for the night as Mr. B[rown] was away. Wednesday Mammy E and Sue come up to do the shopping for the wedding and to take me home. We each get a handsome silk and a white tarlatan [as yard goods] and when finished off will be quite good enough for Richmond. Two letters, one from Aunt Ria and the other from cousin Mildred. Wrote two-S P W [Sally Williamson] and Miss Bet Catlett. Tom is with us Saturday evening.
Nov. 18-24
Sunday...Mat Leitch comes home with us from church and brings her new silk dress for us to look at. Tom tells us about University times. Have a Yankee Bee this week getting ready for the wedding. Aunt Ria and Lizzie [Lewis] come up to help us. Lizzie comes up to learn the art of making good bread from Aunt Polly. Mat leaves us early in the week. On the 20th Mr. Davis, the new overseer, is inaugurated. Hope he may prove a faithful steward. It is stitch, stitch, stitch from morning til night getting the wedding fixings ready. Aunt Ria is a treasure. I expect Uncle Sam [Mr. Arrowsmith, Aunt Ria's husband] has found that out long ere this. The dresses are really extra. The tarlatan is made with two skirts trimmed with white satin ribbon stitched on both skirts. The body is [made the] same way with ribbons trimmed in lace. The bows are numberless. Aunt Ria made them all and some of the lace touches. The silk dresses are also handsome. Mine is a dark blue, Sue's green. They are made with folds on the body. The sleeves are very large, bound with white silk and edged with a quilting of white satin ribbon. The dresses are trimmed with luck lace and "other antiques." The collars and underdresses match. We have very pretty white cloaks to wear to the church. I will have to remember, "fine feathers do not always make fine birds," and not think too well of myself. It is indeed "all vanity and vexation of spirit." Well, I've been toiling hard for more than a week all for the enjoyment of a few days and what good will come of it? None I'm afraid. It may give me some insight into the ways of the world, but I don't know whether that will be any advantage. Aunt Ria says I may catch a beaux. She may answer for the intent, not the event. Well, it never yet did hurt to lay down likelihood and force of hope. Time, which proveth all things, will show what my visit to Richmond did for me. We are having a merry time getting ready. Aunt Ria wages war upon the dogs and cats. She won't allow Jack a rest of the sole of his foot and Pets fares nearly as bad. On Saturday night Lizzie and I make a chicken salad for supper by way of a treat. It causes very remarkable dreams.
Nov. 25-Dec. 3
On Sunday a strange preacher. [The sermon] was severe in the extreme but too true. (Text: There is no peace saith my God for the wicked.) Aunt Ria commits to memory that beautiful hymn of [Joseph] Addison's, "The Spacious Firmament on High." Sue, Lizzie, Aunt Ria and I agree to commit to memory a piece of poetry every month .... Nov 2óth we think the work all finished when Aunt Ria persuades us to remodel the old silks, which we do and succeed in making them very nice dresses for the evenings. After 12 o'clock at night my trunk is packed for Richmond and I lay my aching head upon my pillow for a few hours rest. "Oh, bed, bed, delicious bed, that heaven on earth for the weary head." Nov. 27th Up early. Say good bye to the loved ones at home. Aunt Ria and Lizzie go as far as Shadwell with us. John Macmurdo meets us at the cars [in Richmond]. We are warmly welcomed by cousins Sop, Ann, and the rest of the [Macmurdo] household. Get into a host of girls, all of them. Macmurdo's or Picket's. We get on very well. Get into just such a fuss as we had on Monday at home. Most of the wedding's fixings not yet finished and for all my vows that I would not touch a needle for a month to come, "fellow feeling made me kind." I called for needle and thread and went to work in real earnest. Find cousin Jim Trice in Richmond . ... How strange to see him and Daddy greeting each other with a kiss. I'm introduced to Prissie's intended. [I'm] not prepossessed in his favor; hope she is doing well and may be happy.
The 28th.
This is Prissie's wedding day. It is cloudy early in the morning but by 12 o'clock the beams come out very brightly. We hail them with joy for "Happy is the bride that the Sun shines on." The house being in great confusion, Sue, Dutchie and I go down town. Go through the square to see the monuments and the bronze forms of Jefferson and Henry, the only two that have come. When we get back, have a nice chat with Mrs. Williamson from Williamsburg while she dresses the candle sticks.
The ceremony takes place at 7 o'clock in the Monumental Church. The waiters are fourteen in number. They are all taught their parts in the church yard so there is no confusion in the church. It is a very solemn ceremony joining two people together for better for worse, for richer for poorer, till death do they part. To me the scene is rendered still more solemn by the Old Church and the painful associations connected with it. Well, the die is cast. There is no Prissie Macmurdo now. It may be selfishness in me but I'm sorry to give her up. She can never be to me what she has been but it's no use grieving, for we would all go and do likewise if the right one came and I don't believe anyone that says to the contrary.
On returning from church the party at home began. Oh what a sea of strange faces. I feel like a stranger in a strange land. Don't think any one would be likely to comment on my "amiable visage" this morning for I'm perfectly savage in consequence of being patronized by a gentleman that [I] don't admire. He is anxious that I shall see something of the city and invited me to take a drive with him the next day. I get off by pleading a prior engagement. Prissie had great many handsome present, 42 in all, and it speaks well for her popularity. The supper table is very pretty. Prissy has direction of affairs. [The 29th is a] beautiful day. Lue Baffi, Mag Bryce and I go out for a walk. Visit the gardens of two houses and feast our eyes and noses on the loveliest japonicas. See some strange looking plants from foreign parts. Eat dinner by gas light -- quite a novelty for country girls.
[On the 30th] the bridesmaids all dine together .. at Cousin Sops. Sue and I go with Daddy and Cousin Jim Trite to the theatre. This is my first night. I'm disappointed -not being acquainted with the play and the actors were bad. Find quite a party assembled on our return. Get up a dance. The bride's cake is cut. I'm shocked to see how the gentleman down their drink in the presence of ladies. They would not be considered gentleman in Albemarle. These are town ways, no doubt.
[The next day] Daddy calls early for Sue and I to go downtown to have our likenesses taken. On our way meet Mary B. Williams and Cousin Mildred on their way to see us. M B calls again later in the morning and we have a nice talk about old tines. Cousin M goes with us to the gallery and we have a pleasant time. Compare Richmond and Albemarle boys. Think the former suffer by comparison. Get some lunch and dinner on our return. The latter is late as the gentlemen dine to themselves today and the ladies have to wait. We are to attend a party at Mr. Wirt Robinson's tonight and as Mrs W R is considered the leader of the horse in Richmond, I presume it will be a brilliant affair. We get to the scene of action about 9 o'clock. How I wish I was quietly in my bed. Feel sorry for the poor dresses in such a crowd. They will be mussed a la Aunt Ria. The rooms are prepared for dancing and there is a fine bunch of musicians but no room for tipping on the light fantastic toe. Some of the belles succeed in keeping the floor in spite of the rush and crush. About 12 o'clock we are ushered upstairs to the supper room. You might imagine yourself in Fairy Land. How could any man's brain ever conceive such sweet things. It was like some of the feasts we read of in The Arabian Night. Such beautiful fruits, flowers and birds as I never saw before in candy.
Get back to cousin Sops after 2 o'clock [AM]and after looking at a fire for sometime betook ourselves to our pillow and "morpheus rigors" until 5 o'clock when Daddy came to take us to the cars. We were soon ready, the goodbyes said, and we are off for home again. What a delightful sound! Have to walk from Shadwell as there is no carriage to meet us. Sleepy and hungry, having known no breakfast and but little rest, find all at home glad to see us. What a long week this has been. What strange, what passing strange tales we will have to tell of our visit of four days. Now I am in the Lodge once more with the cats and dogs all around me and I feel as happy as a king.
Dec. 2-9
Sunday hear Mr. Meade. Seems dull after the excitement of last week. All spare time devoted to nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep. Get unpacked. Settle down quietly to teach school. I will have to confess to Aunt Ria I did not catch a beau. Don't believe I made the least impression on any of the smart set and for myself, I can say I returned home in maiden meditation fancy free. Sue and I pass a law expelling the dogs from our room. Have an extra supply of cats in consequence for Pets not only comes up himself but he brings up the two kittens. A letter from Brother Peter.
Dec. 9-15
A rainy Sunday. A quiet day. Finish reading Baxter's Saints Rest.[Richard Baxter's The Saint's Everlasting Rest, 1650] Hope I'm improved by its perusal. Murderous proceedings in the hog pen. How we will feast on hog tails. Jimmie Magruder is married and I did not get an invite-think it very strange. A letter from Betsy [Bankhead]. She invites Sue and I down to Orange for Xmas. Have to decline as we have promised Sally Price. Wrote to Miss Vallant and B. Bankhead.
Dec. 16-22
Another rainy Sunday. Tom with us all day. A letter from S[ally] P. Williamson. She gives me an invite to spend Xmas with her. It would be bliss beyond all that the minstrel hath told to me ,to spend this Christmas in Orange. On the 19th,Brother Jim calls early. We settle some business, such as housing the darkeys, etc. Says [his family] are very comfortably fixed in their new home only sister Mary has not room to turn around conveniently. [On the 20th] Sue and I go on the cars to Woodville, where Sally Price meets us with the carriage. Receive a warm welcome from Cousin Mat and Lucy. Some beaux in the evening, Mr.[Charlie] Price, Campe Goodloe and Henry [Lewis].
Dec. 21st
Friday attend a party at Mr. Goodloe's which was very pleasant. Have several acquaintances among the gentlemen and make some new ones. Dance some but did not enjoy it as the music was so bad. The supper very nice. Tom sets a story on me about a glass eye. Thinks I'm taken. He loses his black beaver. What a laugh we get on him for supplying the country with beaver hats. Get back after one o'clock after a pleasant evening. Saturday morning call on Kate. Find her in bed. Messers Price and Roberts call in the evening and the latter gives Sally a lecture on the classics. We are much edified. Mr. Whitehead to tea. We are entertained by a G-a-li-thr-omp [sic] tonight.
Dec. 23-29
Sunday but no church. Visitors all day. At night at Mr. Woods. The beaux are Messers Charles Wood, Terrel and Whitehead and Oh what a stiff set we all are. One might suppose we had dined on four barrels washed down with ram rod tea. Spend Xmas Eve with Kate at Cousin Fieldings [Lewis]. A pleasant time playing games and dancing. Stay until after 12 o'clock so we have an opportunity of claiming Xmas gifts.
Xmas Day very disagreeable. Raining hard. We are expected at Cousin Fieldings and go in spite of the bad weather and enjoy ourselves. Leave early in the evening for Mr. Woods where there is to be a party. A very small company in consequence of the bad evening.
Have a charming time. The girls all complain very much of a certain young man (J. W.) [Joe Woods]. He is too fond of squeezing hands. If he would only confine his attentions to any one of us, the rest, no doubt would feel envious, but he is not at all partial. Meet with some more students. One of them, Mr. Brooks, plays delightfully on the piano. Kate goes back to Cousin Mary's [Lewis] with us. She is quite sick. Joe W. pops in about dark and spends the night. [On the 28th] a party at Cousin John Lewis'. Kate is too sick to go and Lizzie Wood's father thinks her too young to go to such places without him. We are afraid it will be dull but on arriving we are revived by hearing that there are several young ladies expected from Mr. "Devil Jack" Michies." We are nearly dyked when the Michie party arrive. Oh the fuss and talk. We soon leave them and find our way to the parlor where there are two distinct sets of beaux, our acquaintances and the gentlemen who accompanied the Michie party. At first we seemed not at all inclined to mix but Cousin John insisted that we should be introduced to the Devil himself so we had to give in. Without my flattering myself, I must say ours was the most aristocratic looking part of the crowd. Had a very pleasant evening; danced until 2 o'clock.[AM] The opposite faction afforded us a great deal of amusement. Mr. Whitehead, our champion. A quarrel between two of the gents which ends in one of them taking his leave before the reels come off. [The next day] get back to Locust Hall in time for dinner. A quiet evening. This is the winding up of Xmas. Talk over the events of the last week. Conclude that Mr. Michie's party acted very foolishly, that a certain gent made a goose of himself and that some of us would like kisses for "our Joe" and that we enjoyed ourselves superlatively. We were invited to Mr. D.J. Michie's to a dance but decline as it is Saturday night.
Dec. 30-31
Sunday a beautiful day. Jack Frost has been busy at work all night marking the earth with an icy robe. Lizzie Wood stays the night with us. We have the company of a returned Californian. He entertained us with some accounts of that El Dorado.
[Dec. 31st is] a bitter cold day. Take the cars for home. Call at Dr. Leitch's. Cousin L[ou) treats us to some of her Xmas goodies. Hear Mat Leitch has joined the Presbyterian Church. I know how much pleased Cousin Lou is. Have a hard road to travel getting home. The roads are covered up in ice and the poor horses slip at every step. The old folks say they have had a nice Xmas. Get my trunks unpacked and house in order and now I am ready for the New Year. I surely feel sorry to bid the old year good bye. Altogether I've been happy; have had no great sorrows; have been blessed with health and comforts; made some new friends and I hope, no enemies. But many of my air castles have melted into air, into thin air, and disappointments have cast their dark shadows before me, but that bright star of hope still cheers me on and bids me not look mournfully into the past but wisely improve the present for it is mine, to go forth and meet the shadowy future without fear and with a stout heart.! Old year, farewell! It grieves my heart, to feel we now so soon must part. Amid the changing scenes of earth, where sorrow befell, or cheerful mirth enjoyed the hour, I've walked with thee and shared thy blessed sympathy at home, abroad, with friends new found, as those to whom I've long been bound. I've traveled side by side with them, and now to part is grief to me.
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