Sally Wister's Journal, part 2 (1778)

Transcribed from "Historical Collections of Gwynedd" by Howard M. Jenkins (published 1897)

February 3rd and 4th 1778.

I thought I never should have anything to say again. Nothing happen'd all January that was uncommon. Capt. Lipscomb and Mas [So in copy. Not intelligible] 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. [George Emblen (at Whitemarsh, close by the present station of Sandy Run) with Polly Fishbourn.], but it was the 23rd or 24th of January. After enjoying a week of her agreeable company at the mill, I returned with her to Whitemarsh. We went on horseback, -the roads bad. We however surmounted this difficulty, and arrived there safe. [The language here means that Polly Fishbourn had been at the mill at Penllyn when Miss Sally went down with her to Whitemarsh.]

Second Day, Eve.

G.E. brought us a charming collection of books, -"Joe Andrews," "Juliet Greenville," and some Lady's Magazines. [We get some clue, here, as to the attractive literature of the times. "Joseph Andrews" was Fielding's famous novel, published in 1742. The Lady's Magazine was a London monthly, whose issue was begun October 1759, by "John Wilkie, bookseller, Fleet Street."]

Fourth Day, 26th.

I thought our scheme of going to Fr'd F.'s was entirely frustrated, as S.E. was much indispos'd. About twelve 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 Captain 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 had 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, and dark eyes and hair. Seems to be much of a gentleman. No way deficient in point of sense, or, at least, in the course of the evening, I discover'd none.

Fifth and Sixth day, and Seventh day, pass'd away very agreeably. No strangers.

First Day, Eve.

This day my charming friend and myself 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 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 habitation at the mill]

March 1st, 1778, Third Day, Eve.

Such a ride as I have had, O dear Debby. About 2 o'clock the sleigh came for me. Snowing excessively fast, though not sufficiently deep to make it tolerable sleighing; but go I must. I bid adieu to my agreeable friends, and with a heavy heart and flowing eyes, I seated myself in the unsociable vehicle. There might as well have been no snow on the ground. I was jolted to pieces. But, nothwithstanding these vexations, I got safe to my home, when I had the great pleasure of finding my dear parents, sisters, and brothers well, a blessing which I hope ever to remember with thankfulness.

Well, will our nunnery be more bearable now than before I left it? No beaus since I left here, so I have the advantage of the girls. They are wild to see Mr. Jameson.

May 11th, 1778.

The scarcity of paper, which is very great in this part of the country, and the three last months not producing any new material, have prevented me from keeping a regular account of things; but to-day the scene begins to brighten and I will continue my nonsense. In the afternoon, we were just seated at tea, - Dr. Moore with us. [Dr. Charles Moore, of Montgomery, no doubt.] Nelly (our girl) brought us the wonderful intelligence that there were light horse in the road. The tea-table was almost deserted. About fifteen light horse were the vanguard of 16 hundred men commanded by General Maxwell. I imagin'd that they would pass immediately by, but was agreeably disappointed. My father came in with the General, Colonel Brodhead, Major Ogden, and Captain Jones.

The General is a Scotsman, -nothing prepossessing in his appearance; the Colonel very martial and fierce; Ogden a genteel young fellow, with an aquiline nose. Captain Cadwallader Jones -if I was not invincible, I must have fallen a victim to this man's elegancies (but, thank my good fortune, I am not made of susceptibilities), -tall, elegant, and handsome, -white fac'd with blue regimentals, and a mighty airish cap and white crest; his behaviour is refin'd, - a Virginian. They sat a few minutes after tea, then bid us adieu.

The brigade is encamp'd about three miles from us.

First Day, Evening.

This afternoon has been productive of adventures in the true sense of the word. Jenny R., Liddy, and I, very genteelly dress'd, determined to take a stroll. Neighbor Morgan's was proposed. Away we rambled, heedless girls. Pass'd two picket guards. Meeting with no interruptions encouraged us. After paying our visit, we walked towards home, when, to my utter astonishment, the sentry desir'd us to stop; that he had orders not to suffer any persons to pass but those who had leave from the officer, who was at the guard house, surrounded by a number of men. To go to him would be inconsistent with propriety; to stay there, and night advancing was not clever. I was much terrified. I tried to persuade the soldier to let us pass. "No: he dared not." Betsy attempted to go. He presented his gun with bayonet fix'd. This was an additional fright. Back we turn'd; and very fortunately, the officer (Captain Emeson), seeing our distress, came to us. I ask'd him if he had objection to passing the sentry. "None at all, ma'am." He waited upon us, and reprimanded the man, and we, without any further difficulty, came home.

Third Day, June 3rd.

I was standing at the back window. An officer and private of dragoons rode by. I tore to the door to have a better view of them. They stopped. The officer rode up, and ask'd for Jesse, who was call'd.

Afternoon, 4 o'clock

Oh Deborah: what capital adventures. Jesse came. The idea of having light horse quartered at the farm was disagreeable; the meadows just fit to mow, and we had heard what destruction had awaited their footsteps. This was the dialogue between Jesse and the officer: "Pray sir, can I have quarters for a few horsemen?" "How many?" "Five and twenty sir. I do not mean to turn them into your meadows. If you have any place you can spare, anything will do." And he dismounted, and walk'd into aunt's parlour. I, determined to find out his character, follow'd. "I have," replied Jesse, "a tolerable field, that may perhaps suit." "That will do, sir. But if you have any objection to putting them in a field, my men shall cut the grass, and bring it in the road. I am under the necessity of quartering them here, but I was order'd. I am only an inferior officer." Some elegant corporal, thought I, and went to the door. He soon join'd me, speaking to his man, "Ride off, and tell Mr. Watts we rendezvous here."

He inquir'd the name of the farmer, and went into aunt's; I into the back room. The troop rode up. "New scenes," said I, and moved upstairs, where I saw them perform their different manoevres. This Mr. Watts is remarkably tall, and a good countenance. I adjourn'd to the parlour. The first officer march'd up and down the entry. Prissa came in. "Good, now, Prissa. What's the name of this man?" "Dyer, I believe." Captain Dyer. Oh, the name! "What does he say?" "Why, that he will kiss me when he has din'd." "Singular," I observ'd, "on so short an acquaintance." "But," resumed Prissa, "he came and fix'd his arm on the chair I sat in: 'Pray, ma'am, is there not a family from town with you?' 'Yes.' 'What's their name?' 'Wister.' 'There's two fine girls there. I will go chat with them. Pray, did they leave their effects in Philadelphia?' 'Yes, everything, almost.' 'They shall have them again, that they shall.'" There ended the conversation. But this ugly name teas'd me. "Oh, Sally, he is a Virginian; that's in his favor greatly." "I am not sure that's his name, but I understood so." Prissa left us. I step'd into aunt's for Johnny and desir'd him to come home. Up started the Captain: "Pray, let me introduce you, ma'am." "I am perfectly acquainted with him, " said I, and turned to the door. "Tell your sister I believe she is not fond of strangers." I smil'd and returned to our parlour.

Third Day Night, nine o'clock, aye ten, I fancy.

Take a circumstantial account of this afternoon, and the person of this extraordinary man. His exterior first. His name is not Dyer, but Alexander Spotswood Dandridge, which certainly gives a genteel idea of the man. I will be particular. His person is more elegantly form'd than any I ever saw; tall and commanding. His forehead is very white, though the lower part of his face is much sunburn'd; his features are extremely pleasing; an even, white set of teeth, dark hair and eyes. I can't better describe him than by saying he is the handsomest man I ever beheld. Betsy and Liddy coincide in this opinion. [Alexander Spottswood Dandridge (b. August 1753) was the brother in law of Patrick Henry. He was also the grandson of Alexander Spottswood who was acting governor of Virginia from 1710-1722 and the founder of the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe. In addition, Capt. Dandridge was a second cousin of Martha Dandridge Washington, General Washington's wife. Alexander Spottswood (the Governor) had owned over 80,000 acres in Virginia. Capt. Dandridge seems to have been an adventurous man. He had been in Kenutcky in 1774-5 in a surveying party with John Floyd where he had surveyed a tract of 3000 acres for himself. He died young in April of 1785. Dandridge is obviously toying with the girls in the Foulke house as we shall see below... - JQ]

After I had sat a while at home, in came Dandridge. He enter'd into chat immediately. Ask'd if we knew Tacy Vanderen. Said he courted her, and that they were to be married soon. Observ'd my sampler, which was in full view. Wish'd I would teach the Virginians some of my needle wisdom; they were the laziest girls in the world. Told his name. Laugh'd and talk'd incessantly. At last, "May I" (to mamma) "introduce my brother officer?" We assented; so he call'd him. "Mr. Watts, Mrs. Wister, young Miss Wister. Mr. Watts, ladies, is one of our Virginia children." He sat down. Tea was order'd. Dandridge never drank tea; Watts had done; so we sat to the table alone. "Let's walk in the garden," said the Captain; so we call'd Liddy, and went (not Watts). We sat down in a sort of summer-house. "Miss Sally, are you a Quaker?" "Yes." "Now, are you a Quaker?" "Yes, I am." "Then you are a Tory." "I am not, indeed." "Oh dear," replied he, "I am a poor creature. I can hardly live." Then, flying away from that subject, "Will you marry me, Miss Sally?" "No, really; a gentleman after he has said he has not sufficient to maintain himself, to ask me to marry him." "Never mind what I say, I have enough to make the pot boil." [Dandridge married Ann Stephen of Virginia in 1780, the daughter of General Adam Stephen who had been second in command to Washington early in the Revolution, but was cashiered after the Battle of Germantown for being intoxicated during the battle.]

Had we been acquainted seven years, we could not have been more sociable. The moon gave a sadly pleasing light. We sat at the door till nine. Dandridge is sensible, and (divested of some freedoms, which might be call'd gallant in the fashionable world) he is polite and agreeable. His greatest fault is a propensity to swearing, which throws a shade over his accomplishments. I ask'd him why he did so. "Ti's a favorite vice, Miss Sally." At nine he went to his chamber. Sets off at sunrise.

Fourth Day, Morn, 12 o'clock

I was awaken'd this morn with a great racket of the Captain's servant calling him; but the lazy fellow never rose till about half an hour past eight. This his daylight ride. I imagin'd they would be gone before now, so I dressed in a green skirt and dark short gown. Provoking. So down I came, this Captain (wild wretch) standing at the back door. He bow'd and call'd me. I only look'd and went to breakfast. About nine I took my work and seated myself in the parlour. Not long had I sat, when in came Dandridge, -the handsomest man in existence, at least that I had ever seen. But stop here, while I just say, the night before, chatting upon dress, he said he had no patience with those officers who, every morn, before they went on detachments, would wait to be dress'd and powder'd. "I am," said I, "excessively fond of powder, and think it very becoming." "Are you?" he reply'd. "I am careless, as often wearing my cap thus" (turning the back part before) "as any way." I left off where he came in. He was powder'd very white, a (pretty colored) brown coat, lapell'd with green, and white waistcoat, etc., and his -

He made a truly elegant figure. "Good morning, Miss Sally. You are very well, I hope." "Very well, Pray sit down," which he did, close by me. "Oh dear," said I, "I see thee is powder'd." "Yes, ma'am. I have dress'd myself off for you." Will I be excused, Debby, if I look upon his being powder'd in the light of a compliment to me? "Yes, Sally, as thee is a country maid, and don't often meet with compliments." Saucy Debby Norris!

'Tis impossible to write a regular account of our conversation. Be it sufficient to say that we had a multiplicity of chat.

About an hour since, sister H. came to me and said Captain Dandridge was in the parlour, and had ask'd for me. I went in. He met me, caught my hands. "Oh, Miss Sally, I have a beautiful sweetheart for you." "Poh!, ridiculous! Loose my hands." "Well, don't be so cross." "Who is he?" "Major Clough. I have seen him. Ain't he pretty, to be sure? I am going to headquarters. Have you any commands there?" "None at all; but" (recollecting), "yes, I have. Pray, who is your commanding officer? " "Colonel Bland, ma'am." "Please give my compliments to him, and I shou'd be glad if he would send thee back with a little more manners." He reply'd wickedly, and told me I had a little spiteful heart. But he was intolerably saucy; said he never met with such ladies. "Not to let me kiss you. You're very ill-natur'd, Sally." And, putting on the sauciest face, "Sally, if Tacy Vanderen won't have me, will you?" "No, really; none of her discarded lovers." "But, provided I prefer you to her, will you consent?" "No, I won't." "Very well, madam." And after saying he would return tomorrow, among a hundred other things, he elegantly walk'd out of the room. Soon he came back, took up a volume of Homer's Iliad, and read to us. He reads very well, and with judgement. One remark he made, that I will relate, on these lines, -

"God knows our army don't do so. I wish they did." He laugh'd, and went away.

Four o'clock, Afternoon.

Major Clough, Captain Swan, and Mr. Moore, a lieutenant of horse, din'd with Dandridge. The latter, after dinner, came in to bid us adieu. He sat down and was rather saucy. I look'd very grave. "Miss Betsy, you have a very ill-natured sister. Observe how cross she looks." He prayed we might part friends, and offer'd his hand. I gave him mine, which he kiss'd in a very gallant manner; and so, with truly affectionate leave, he walked to the parlour door, "God Almighty bless you, ladies;" bow'd, went into the road, mounted a very fine horse, and rode away; leaving Watts and the troop here, to take care of us, as he said. "Mr. Watts, Miss Sally, is a very worthy man; but, poor soul, he is so captivated with you, -the pain in his breast all owing to you, -he was caught by this beauty-spot," tapping my cheek. He could not have thought it was meant for an addition, as the size of it shew'd the contrary. But he is gone; and I think, as I have escaped thus far safe, I am quite a heroine, and need not be fearful of any of the lords of the creation for the future.

Six o'clock, Evening.

Watts drank tea with us. A conversable man. Says that the Dandridges are one of the genteelest families in Virginia -relations of General Washington's wife. He appeared very fond of the Captain, who has had a liberal education. Very sensible and brave. I sat in the entry all last evening, as did Betsy. But first, let me say, Fifth-day morn we chatted on a variety of subjects; and amongst others, he mentioned the cruelty of the Britons, which, I agreed, was very great. He said he would retaliate whenever he had an opportunity. I strenuously opposed such a procedure, observing that it would be erring in the same way, and tho' they might deserve it, yet it would be much nobler to treat them with lenity. Remember the lines of Pope, -

"I perfectly remember them. Your sentiments are noble; but we must retaliate sometimes."

A horseman deliver'd this message: "Let the troop lie on their arms, and be ready to march at a moment's warning." He immediately gave the orders to the sergeant. Every soldier was in motion. I was a good deal frighten'd and ask'd the reason. He fancy'd the British were in motion, tho' he had not receiv'd such intelligence. "What will thee do if they come here?" "Defend the house as long as I can, ma'am." I was shock'd. "Bless my heart; what will become of us?" "You may be very safe. The house is an excellent house to defend; only do you be still. If the British vanquish us, down on your knees, and cry, 'Bless the king.' If we conquer them, why you know you are safe." This added to my fright. I called my dear mamma, who was much indispos'd. Dadda was gone to Lancaster. Mamma ask'd him the same questions, and he gave her the same answers. I was in a fearful taking, and said if I thought such a thing would happen, I would set off, though nine o'clock, and walk to Uncle Foulke's. "No, don't go tonight, Miss Sally. I will take you there tomorrow. Don't be uneasy. This is nothing. I often go to bed with my boots on upon some alarms." "But thee will take off thy boots tonight?" "Yes, I will indeed." "Is thee really in earnest about defending the house?" "No, madam; for believe me, if I hear the enemy is in motion, I will immediately depart, bag and baggage."

This dispell'd my fears, and after wishing me a good night, he retir'd to his chamber. Imagine my consternation when our girl came running in, and said the lane was fill'd with light horse. I flew to the side door. It was true, My joy was great when I heard Major Clough ask if this was Captain Dandridge's quarters. I answer'd in the affirmative. He rode round to the other door. Watts, though gone to bed, was call'd. He chatted apart to the Major a while, then went off towards Skippack road, and , as if we were to be in perpetual alarms, by came another party, much larger, in dark clothes. These we all thought were British. They halted. All as still as death. The officer rode up to the door. "Does Mr. Foulke live here?" "Yes," said somebody. "Is there not a family from town here, -Mr. Wister's?" I recollected the voice, and said, "Captain Stodard, I presume?" "Yes, madam. Are you Mr. Wister's wife?" "No, his daughter." "Is your papa home?" "No," I replied, 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 chivalry. I only smiled. 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 fify. I never saw 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 remembrance of them. The family all retir'd to their respective chambers, and enjoyed a calm repose.

This Captain Stodard is from New England, and belongs to Colonel 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 a stranger today.

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 taling to mamma. I asked what was the matter. "Only a party of light horse." "Are they Americans?" I quickly said. She answer'd in the affirmative, (which dispelled my fears), and told me Major Jameson commanded, and that Captains Call and Nixon were with him. With that intelligence she left us. I resolved in my mind whether or not Jameson would renew his acquaintance; but Morpheus buried all my ideas, and this morning I rose by, or near seven, dress'd in my light chintz, which is made gown-fashion, kenton 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 10 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 saw 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 passed, I invited him into our parlour. He followed me in. We chatted very sociably. I inquired 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. [The mamma was Mrs. William Fishbourn. Her daughter Elizabeth was the second wife of Thomas Wharton, jr., President of the Supreme Council (acting Governor). He died at Lancaster (the seat of the Pennsylvania Government at this time), on May 22, 1778.]

I ask'd him whether Dandridge was on this side of the Delaware. He said, "Yes." I wanted sadly to hear his opinion, but he said not a word. The conversation turn'd on 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 hi 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 behavior the most courtly, the most elegant of anything I ever saw. He is very entertaining company, and very vain of his personal beauties; yet nevertheless his character is exceptional.

Sixth Day, Noon and Evening.

Nothing material occurr'd.

Seventh Day, Night.

A dull morn. In the afternoon, Liddy, Betsy, R.H., and self went to one of our neighbors to eat strawberries. Got a few. Return'd home; drank tea. No beaus. Adieu.

First Day, Evening.

Heigh-ho! Debby, there's little meaning in that exclamation, ain't there? To me it conveys much. I have been looking what the dictionary says. It denotes uneasiness of mind. I don't know that my mind is partciculary uneasy just now.

The occurrences of the day come now. I left my chamber between eight and nine, breakfasted, went up to dress, put on a new purple and white striped Persian, white petticoat, muslin apron, gauze cap, and handkerchief. Thus array'd, Miss Norton, I ask your opinion. Thy partiality for thy friend will bid thee say I made a tolerable appearance. Not so, my dear. I was this identical Sally Wister, with all her whims and follies; and they have gain'd so great an ascendancy over my prudence, that I fear it will be a hard matter to divest myself of them. But I will hope for a reformation.

Cousin H.M. came about nine, and spent the day with us. After we had din'd, two dragoons rode up to the door; one a waiting-man of Dandridges, the faithful Jonathan. They are quarter'd a few miles from us. The juniour sisters, Liddy and Betsy, join'd by me, ventur'd to send our compliments to the Captain and Watts. Prissa insists that it is vastly indelicate, and that she has done with us. Hey day! What prudish notions are those Priscilla? I banish prudery. Suppose we had sent our love to him, where had been the impropriety? for really he had a person that was love-inspiring, tho' I escaped, and may say, Io triumphe. I answer not for the other girls, but am apt to conclude that Cupid shot his arrows and that maybe they had effect. A fine evening this. If wishes could avail, I would be in your garden with S.J., R.F., and thyself. Thee has no objection to some of our North Wales swains, -not the beau inhabitants, but some of the transitory ones. But cruel reverse. Instead of having my wishes accomplish'd, I must confine myself to the narrow limit of this farm.

Liddy calls: "Sally, will the walk?" "Yes." Perhaps a walk will give a new turn to my ideas, and present something new to my vacant imagination.

Second Day, Third Day, Fourth Day.

No new occurences to relate. Almost adventureless, except General Lacy's riding by, and his fierce horse disdaining to go without showing his airs, in expectation of drawing thte attention of the mill girls, in order to glad his master's eyes. Ha! ha! ha! One would have imagin'd that vanity had been buried within the shades of N. Wales. Lacy is tolerable; but as ill luck would order it, I had been busy, and my auburn ringlets were much dishevell'd: therefore I did not glad his eyes, and cannot set down on the list of honours receiv'd that of a bow from Brigadier-General Lacy. [John Lacey commanded the local militia forces and some details, concerning him, are found in Chapter 20 of Jenkins' book.]

Fifth Day, Night, June 18th.

Rose at half-past four this morning. Iron'd industriously till one o'clock, din'd, went up stairs, threw myself on the bed, and fell asleep. About four, sister H. wak'd me, and said uncle and J.F. were down stairs; so I decorated myself, and went down. Felt quite lackadaisical. However, I jump'd about a little, and the stupid fit went off. We have had strange reports about the British about to leave Philadelphia. I can't believe it. Adieu.

Sixth Day, Morn, June 19th.

We have heard an astonishing piece of news! The English have entirely left the city! It is impossible! Stay, I shall hear further.

Sixth Day, Eve.

A light horseman has just confirm'd the above intelligence! This is charmante! They decamp'd yesterday. He (the horseman) was in Philadelphia. It is true. They have gone. Past a doubt. I can't help exclaiming to the girls. --

"Now are you sure the news is true? Now are you sure they have gone?" "Yes, yes, yes!", they all cry, "and may they never, never, return."

Dr. Gould came here to-night. Our army are about six miles off, on their march to the Jerseys.

Seventh Day, Morn.

O.F. [Owen Foulke, son of Caleb] arrived just now, and relateth as followeth: -The army began their march at six this morning by their house. Our worthy General Smallwood breakfasted at Uncle Caleb's [on Swedesford Rd in Gwynedd twp.]. He ask'd how Mr. and Mrs. Wister and the young ladies were, and sent his respects to us. Our brave, our heroic General Washington was escorted by fifty of the Life Guard, with drawn swords. Each day he acquires an addition of goodness. We have been very anxious to know how the inhabitants of Philadelphia have far'd. I understand that General Arnold, who bears a good character, has the command of the city, and that the soldiers conducted with great decorum. Smallwood says they had the strictest orders to behave well; and I dare say they obey'd the order. I now think of nothing but returning to Philadelphia.

So I shall now conclude this journal, with humbly hoping that the Great Disposer of events, who has graciously vouchsaf'd to protect us to this day through many dangers, will still be pleas'd to continue his protection.

Sally Wister

North Wales, June 20th, 1778.