Letters of Mary Boardman Crowninshield, 1815-1816

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LETTERS

OF

^arp iloarliman Crotonittsfjtelti
1815-1816

Edited by ¥ 'Si Ancu Boardman Crowninshield

CAMBRIDGE
l^rmteti at t|)e lUiijeriefxtie ^xt^^

1905

300 Copies Printed. No. //

INTRODUCTION

IN going over a file of family correspondence I
was much interested in some letters from Wash-
ington^written by my great-grandmother, Mary
Boardman Crowninshieldy in the years 1 8 1 5 and
1 8 1 6. Thinking that they would prove of interest
to her descendants, to friends of the family, and pos-
sibly to some others, I am publishing them with a few
notes, telling who some of the persons mentioned in
the letters are. If I have made any errors in these
notes [and I am afraid I have"), I should be much
pleased to have them brought to my attention.

As the Crownins hie Id family of Salem, Mass.,
had been identified for a number of years with the
shipping industry of the country, and all the members
of it were strong supporters of the government, it
was not unnatural that, in the year 1805, Presi-
dent fefferson should have appointed the Honorable
facob Crowninshield, then a member of Congress
from Massachusetts, to the ofiice of Secretary of the
Navy. Mr. Crowninshield never entered upon his
duties, on account of a sudden illness which finally
terminated in his death, at Washington, April 1 4,
1808.

[vi]

On December 15, 1 8 1 4, while the War ofi'^12
was still in progress^ President Madison appointed
benjamin W. Crowninshield, a brother of facoby
to the Secretaryship of the Navy from which Mr.
William fones had just resigned. Mr. Crownin-
shield accepted the appointment and immediately
started for Washington. He served through Presi-
dent Madison's administration, and held the same
position in President Monroe's Cabinet until he re-
signed, in November, 1 8 1 8 .

Mr. Crowninshield married on fanuary i,
1 804, Miss Mary Boardman of Salem, and at the
time he removed to Washington ( 1 8 1 5), they had
six children. As Mrs. Crowninshield disliked the
long separations from her husband which his duties
in Washington were making necessary, she deter-
mined to accompany him thither when he returned
in October, 1815.

Accordingly, toward the end of that month, they
set out from Salem in a private carriage, and drove
to New Haven, Connecticut, accompanied by their
two eldest daughters, Mrs. Crowninshield' s maid,
and a manservant. At New Haven they took the
steamboat for New York, en route for Washington.

The following letters tell of her journey to Wash-
ington, of her life there, and of her arrival home,
in Salem, fune 2, 18 16.

[vii]

In order properly to understand Washington
life of that time^ we must bear in mind thaty only
the year before ^ the White House and most of the
public buildings had been burned by the British.
This made it necessary for many prominent people to
live a " boarding house" existence, and accounts for
much of the simplicity of the life set forth in these
letters.

The letters are published exactly as they were
written, with the exception of a few paragraphs of
a too personal nature which have been stricken out,
and the addition of an occasional word to make the
meaning clearer.

The letters from President Madison and Mrs.
Willson serve as an interesting introduction to
Mrs. Crowninshield' s account.

Francis B. Growninshield.

Boston, March i, 1905.

NOTE TO THE PORTRAITS

'The frontispiece is the picture of Mrs. Crowninshield
painted by Vanderlyn in Washington /'« 1816. // is
mentioned in the letter on page 6^.
7'he portrait of Mr. Crowninshield facing page 44 was
also painted by Vanderlyn at the same time. Mention is
made of it on pages 46 and 47.

Both of these paintings are now in the possession of
Mrs. John ^incy Adams, a granddaughter of Mrs.
Crowninshield.

[xi]

Washington, December 15, 1 8 14.

Benjamin W. Crowninshield,

Salem, Mass.
Sir : —

Mr. Jones ' having retired from the
Secretaryship of the Navy, my thoughts have
been turned to you as a desirable successor, and
I have this day sent in your name to the Senate
for the appointment. I hope you w^ill excuse
my doing it w^ithout your consent, which would
have been asked if the business of that Depart-
ment had less urged an avoidance of delay.
The same consideration will apologize for my
hoping that it will not be inconsistent with
your views to aid your country in that station,
nor with your convenience to repair to it as
soon as you may receive notice that the Senate
have given effect to the nomination.

Accept, Sir, assurances of my esteem and of
my friendly respects —

James Madison.

' William Jones of Pennsylvania.

[ ^" ]

PVashington^ December 17, 1 8 14.

Benjamin W. Crowninshield,

Salem^ Mass.
Sir : —

You were yesterday nominated to the
Senate for Secretary of the Navy. As there is no
doubt but the nomination will be confirmed, I
have taken the liberty to write you a few lines
to offer you a room in my house. I can now if
agreeable to you give you an excellent South
room. It is large and pleasant. Perhaps it will
be more agreeable to you as it is very near and
convenient to the house now occupied as the
Navy Office, and I believe every Secretary
almost has lived in my house. Mr. Dallas and
family are now with me, and a most agreeable
family they are. If you should want two rooms,
you can have them, and after the fourth of
March as many as you may want. I refer you
to Mr. Pitman and to Mr. Jones, late Secre-
tary of the Navy, for any information you may
want regarding my house, etc. etc. Your
brother, Mr. Jacob Crowninshield, boarded in

[ xiii ]
my house until the last winter he was here.
He only left me then because I was removed
too far from the Capitol, which he after re-
gretted. We regretted it very much also as he
was a most amiable character and esteemed by
us all.

Should you be inclined to be one of my
family, I shall be much gratified. I pray you
to pardon me for the great liberty I have taken,
and believe me. Sir, to be with much respect
your Obedient servant —

Sarah Willson.

N. B. Should you see Mr. Pitman I will
thank you, Sir, to present my kind regards to
him and tell him we all hope to see him here
in February next.

S. W.

[xiv]

Washington., January 3, 181 5.

Hon. Benjamin W. Crowninshield,
Salem, Mass.

Dear Sir : —

I have just received yours of the
28th of December communicating the agree-
able result of your reconsideration of your first
determination on the subject of the Secretary-
ship of the Navy. It only remains to say that
no obstacle has been erected by another nomi-
nation to the Senate, and to repeat my hopes
that you will be with us as soon as possible.
Accept my friendly respects.

James Madison.

LETTERS

I

Steamboat^ 1 1 o'clock^ Thursday.
^November ^ 1815.]

Dear Mother' and Sisters^: —

Here we are on board the boat since
five this morning. The wind is not fair, con-
sequently there is more motion than is usual.
I feel a little dizzy. Mary ^ is having a grand
frolic — says she has heard so much of the
steamboats she is determined to enjoy it. Is
really amusing all the passengers with her fun.
There are eight on board The cabins are very
fine. I was astonished when we were called to
breakfast, to be carried to a very long room,
two very long tables spread with everything
good, for I thought I had seen every part of
the boat before. It is a charming way of trav-
elling. There is an elderly lady on board,
about your age, who lives in Washington.
Has been from there about a month. She tells
me all about it — says they expect to have a

' Mrs. Crowninshield's mother was Miss Mary Hodges.
She married Francis Boardman of Salem.

^ Her sisters were Sarah, who married Zachariah Silsbee,
and Elizabeth, who married Nathaniel Bowditch.

3 Their second daughter, who married Charles Mifflin,

[4]

gay winter there. She was acquainted with
Mr. C. last winter. I expect to go on in com-
pany with her. There is a family of children
here whose parents are moving to Baltimore —
a little girl who is playing with Mary, and
boys about as big as ours, and make about full
as much noise. And we have the British Ad-
miral Coffin,' and many others not worth men-
tioning, — a very pleasant lady and her daugh-
ter, belonging to New York. Not a word
about Elizabeth.^ When we stopped to dine
the first day, she was sick a little and could
not eat her dinner, but slept grandly all night
with me, and Mary with her Pa. The second
day she was sick several times, once in the
carriage all over her Pa's cloak and mine. The
third day she was not sick [at all], only dizzy,
and I think if we had ridden to-day she would
have felt nicely. Miary feels sick now in the
boat, but she is playing about and eating boiled
chestnuts.

We have really had a very pleasant journey,
— everything good to eat for breakfast, dinner
and supper, — chickens, oysters, pies, waffles

' Sir Isaac Coffin, an illustrious admiral of the British
Navy, Born in Boston, 1759. "He never forgot that he
was an American,"

* Their eldest daughter; married the Rev, William
Mountford, author of Euthanasy.

[s ]

and preserves. I have not taken any cold.
The first night was very tired, — since then
have not felt the least fatigue. Uncle George'
has been grand company and we are very glad
he came with us. Shall be sorry to part with
him. He and Mary would try who could eat
most ; he always finished the pie he began.

Well, now for yourself and the dear chil-
dren. How do you all do ? How often we
talk of you ! Uncle G. would say, " Now,
Mary, Francis's^ fingers are in the sugar bowl,
and now grandma 's catching him." The dear
babe,3 what can I say of her ? Tell the boys to
kiss her a dozen times a day for me. I really
feel too dizzy to write. I could not write at
New Haven. We got there late in the after-
noon ; — so much company, and so many con-
tinually arriving, and so much noise and con-
fusion, I thought it best to wait till to-day.

I wish you could see what a pretty place we
are in. The girls are now in one of the berths.

' George Crowninshield, Mr. Crowninshield's brother,
a Salem merchant and owner of the celebrated yacht Cleo-
patra's Barge. Mr. Crowninshield was then starting on a
journey to New Orleans.

* Their second son, Francis Boardman Crowninshield ;
married Sarah Gooll Putnam. He was the first president of
the Somerset Club of Boston.

3 Their youngest daughter ; married Jonathan Mason
Warren.

[6]

There are a dozen around the cabin, covered
with nice white counterpanes — look very
neat. Tell Mrs. Dodge Sophia ' is nicely.
Has fared as well as any of us, ate and drank
at the same table with us so far, and is very
attentive. Think we shall like her very much.
We shall arrive at New York about dark, so
shall not see Sally ^ to-night. The steamboat
leaves New York to-morrow morning, and we
ought to go on, but we must see Sally and
shall have to stay till Monday ; but the man
who attends here says we cannot go sooner, so
many are wanting to see Mr. C. ; for the last
dozen trips as soon as the boat arrives there are
a dozen down to inquire for him. You can let
both Aunt Sally see this, and Aunt Silsbee.^ I
will write to her after seeing Sally. Tell the
children all about it. I hope they got the sugar
plums from Boston.

Good bye — good bye.

Your affectionate daughter,

M. B. C.

' Maidservant.

* Mr. Crowninshield's niece, daughter of Jacob Crown-
inshield ; married Richard S. Rogers.

3 Mr. Crowninshield's sister ; married the Honorable
Nathaniel Silsbee, United States Senator from Massachu-
setts.

II

New Tbrk, \th November^ 1815,
Saturday Afternoon.

Dear Mother and Children : —

Benjamin,' Francis and George,*
don't you long to see us ? and dear little babe
too ; she could give us a pretty little smile.
Have you been good ? It is Saturday, and I
think you are playing in the yard. Now mind,
don't run away nor plague Grandma. We are
still in New York and shall remain here till
Monday morn, seven o'clock. The steamboat
does not go till then and it is so much easier
to go in that way. Our girls enjoyed the day.
They were on the water more than any other
day. We arrived here late on Thursday even-
ing. Mr. Bailly came on board and had his
carriage waiting, put us in and carried us to
his house, where we were very kindly received
by his wife. She had her tea all in waiting,
and fixed a trundle bed in my chamber, think-
ing I should bring children with me. I now

' Their eldest son, Benjamin Varnum Crowninshield.
He died on his twenty-first birthday.

^ Their third son, George Caspar Crowninshield ; mar-
ried Harriet Sears.

[ 8 ]
feel quite at home. The next morning, as
soon as breakfast was over, to Mrs. Brenton's*
we went. Mrs. B. went in the carriage with
us. We did not know as we should see Sally,
but without any hesitation we were admitted.
Uncle George and Mr. Dodge went with us.
We were shown into a parlour, and soon after
Sally appeared. She saw the carriage and knew
us, but was not certain she should see us.
She has grown very fat. Her cheeks are as
plump and she looks more like Aunt Silsbee
than ever. Mrs. Brenton was very sick the day
before ; it was not thought she would live ;
but is better ; I did not see her, but she de-
sired Mrs, Bailly to show us the house, which
is opened to company only on Wednesdays.
This was a great favor and gratified Sally
very much. I was a little disappointed in
seeing the garden, for it was not larger than
ours, but the house very large and spacious.
We went in the school room, saw the young
ladies, some very little girls, many not bigger
than Mary Silsbee, but some eighteen. We
stayed more than an hour, but how to part
from her, — it was very painful. If I had
been at a public house I should have requested
Mrs. Brenton to let her go in to town with

* The head of a boarding-school for young ladies.

[9]

US, but as Mrs. Bailly did not mention it I
could not invite her, but we left her in tears
on the steps, promising to see her again if
possible.

To gratify our girls we went last eve to the
theatre. We were late and the play begun,
but Mary was so frightened, — " O ! do let
me go, I shall die if you don't," — we could
not coax her to stay ; she declared, if we did
not let her go home, she would scream as loud
as she could, so Mr. Dodge had to carry her
home, and she passed her evening with Mr.
Bailly reading religious tracts and saying hymns.
You can't think how frightened she was —
everybody in the next boxes was so amused
with her. You boys would have been de-
lighted. There were four live horses came on
the stage. They looked like the Troop. Eliza-
beth was very much pleased. I have been
walking all the morning. While I was out a
number of ladies called on me. I was invited
to dine today at the Navy Yard. Mrs. Evans*
called herself for me, but I was not at home.
Her husband urged me very much (when he
came for Mr. C), but I did not want to go as
I should have to cross in a boat. I had rather
be here. Mrs. Bailly says she shall carry us

' Mrs. Evans was probably the wife of the Commander
of the Navy Yard.

[lo]

all to meeting to-morrow. Tells Uncle George
he must and shall go, and I hope he will, but
I am afraid he will set out this afternoon. He
dined here yesterday, went to the theatre with
us, and you can't think how agreeable and po-
lite he has been.

Mary is now out walking with Sophia.
Hanson ' has gone to show them the way ; they
were out all yesterday afternoon and bought
sugar plums. I wish you boys had some too.
Everything pretty to sell here, but I have made
no purchases — I forgot to take my money ; I
am sorry ; — I shall make my purchases in
Philadelphia.

Good night, dear children,

M. B. C,

' Manservant.

Ill

Philadelphia^ November 7, 18 15.

Dear Mother : —

We arrived here this morning at
twelve, after a most delightful sail down the
Delaware. We started in the steamboat at seven
o'clock. We saw most elegant country seats
along the banks of the river on both sides. At
several little towns stopped to take passengers on
board, which made it very pleasant. I ought to
have begun with our leaving New York on Mon-
day at seven o'clock, in the boat. It was very
foggy so that we could see very little till noon.
Had not very smart passengers. The old Eng-
lish Admiral came part of the way with us.
We have seen him so that much it seemed like
meeting an old acquaintance, and he is pleased
with our girls. Calls Elizabeth his sweetheart,
but she runs from him. We stopped at Bruns-
wick and there met Uncle George. He got
there a day before us. We left there about four
o'clock in the stage, to go nearly thirty miles.
I was dreadfully frightened, as our horses were
gay to go so great a distance by night. We
had four stages in company, but go we must

[,2]

or lose our passage. This morning we arrived
at Trenton at ten, safe and sound ; Elizabeth
was not sick ; had a good supper and went to
bed. Up this morning before six to be in time
for the boat again. We had many passengers.
A lady with her two daughters about the age
of ours and the same names. They had a good
frolic together, but the mother was unsociable
so that I did not get acquainted with her on
the passage, but the same lady has called on
me this evening with Mr. Meany, as his wife
was sick and this lady was their sister. They
wish us to stay in this city several days, but we
are determined on leaving to-morrow at three
o'clock in the steamboat, and shall have to ride
again to-morrow evening, but we shall have a
moon. It will be only sixteen miles, and the
next morning early we shall take the boat for
Baltimore.

I have been about the city with the girls
and Hanson for my guide, but dare not venture
far. We found much difficulty in getting lodg-
ing. We are at a Quaker lady's — nothing
smart. Her daughter is now amusing our girls —
about their age — telling them about her school.
Here is Mary and she says I must tell you she
doesn't like Philadelphia half, nor a quarter,
so well as she does Salem, and Elizabeth says
she wishes she was at home. We have found a

['3]

new carriage and horses here, tell the boys, but
I have not seen it. Pa says it is a handsome
one. I can't tell them what color the horses
are, but I don't believe they will be so good
as the old gray. It is to be sent to Washington,
and we are going in the stage and the boat, as
it would take us too long to go in a private
carriage. Uncle George is going to Baltimore
with us. You can't think how agreeable we
find him. He is much pleased with this city,
says the turkeys are up to your knees — such
good eating.

Well, how do you make out ? How I long to
hear from home. Are the children well — are
they good ? Have you begun to repent yet that
you engaged to have the care of them ? I am so
impatient to hear. Does George go to school?
yes, indeed, and learns beautifully, and I hope
Francis gets his Sunday lessons, and Ben, I am
sure, is a good boy because he is the eldest.
Does the babe grow ?

• •«••••

M. B. C.

IV

Saturday^
Washington^ November ii, 1815.

Dear Mother : —

We arrived here yesterday afternoon
early enough to see the city. It looked dreary
to be sure on our first getting here, we were
so cold and fatigued. We left Philadelphia on
Wednesday at three o'clock in the steamboat.
Had a very pleasant sail to New Castle, where
we arrived about ten. Had very bad lodging
that night. Were up at four o'clock, to take
the stage about sixteen miles. We had six
stages in company, all filled with passengers.
We arrived at French Town about nine o'clock.
We found a fine breakfast ready for us on board
the boat ; were all proper hungry. We have
excellent fare on board the boat. It was a
rainy day and considerable wind, so that we
had not so pleasant a passage. Many were very
sick indeed. We all were a little so ; Mary
could not sit up, but Elizabeth did not feel
sick.

We arrived at Baltimore about nine in the
eve — found excellent lodgings, but left the
city at eight o'clock the next morning. This

['5]

we regretted, as we wanted to see more of Bal-
timore ; and here we left Uncle George to go
on his journey Westward. He had made him-
self so agreeable I was unwilling to part with
him. We always had a grand time when we
sat down to table, all had such excellent appe-
tites. We had an addition to our party. We
took a young lady with us from Philadelphia
who wanted to visit her friends here. Quite a
pleasant girl, and looked so much like Priscey '
that I could not but like her.

Well, here we are. All the folks ran to the
door to welcome us — so glad to see my hus-
band. We soon had tea by ourselves. All
looked so strange. We went to bed early.
Com'r Porter's ^ family is at this house. She
[his wife] came in to see me soon after I ar-
rived. She is a very pretty little woman —
looks like Abigail Knapp. I was introduced
to many gentlemen, but should not know them
again, although I met them again this morn-
ing at breakfast.

About twelve o'clock Mr. C. came in and
said I must go immediately to see Mrs. Madi-
son. Our girls went with me. She lives in the

' Priscilla Webb, an intimate friend of the family.

* David Porter, an illustrious American naval officer ;
born in Boston, 1780. Married Elvira Anderson of Ches-
ter, Pennsylvania.

[i6]

same block* with us. I did not alter my dress.
Well, we rung at the door, the servant showed
us to the room — no one there. It was a large
room, had three windows in front, blue win-
dow curtains which appeared to be of embossed
cambric, damask pattern, red silk fringe. The
floor was covered with dark gray cloth, two
little couches covered with blue patch, a small
sideboard with I don't recollect what on it.
In about two minutes the lady appeared, re-
ceived us very agreeably, noticed the children
much, inquired their names, because she told
them she meant to be much acquainted with
them. You could not but feel at your ease in
her company. She was dressed in a white cam-
bric gown, buttoned all the way up in front,
a little strip of work along the button-holes,
but ruffled around the bottom. A peach-bloom-
colored silk scarf with a rich border over her
shoulders by her sleeves. She had on a spencer
of satin the same color, and likewise a turban
of velour gauze, all of peach bloom. She looked
very well indeed.

Since returning home, Mrs. Porter has called
in my room with her sister and cousin, two

' For a year after the burning of Washington, President
Madison occupied the Octagon, a spacious mansion on the
corner of New York Avenue and i8th Street. This house
was built in 1798 by Colonel John Tayloe of Virginia.

[>7]
very young ladies, and Mrs. Lear who came
from Portsmouth. Mrs. Porter brought in her
babe about twelve weeks old. I was delighted
with seeing it, but it did not look much like
my dear babe.

I received Betsey's * letter written last Sun-
day. I was gratified to hear from home and
that all was well. Well, what good boys ! —
I wish I could say our girls were as good —
they have the worst time going to bed every
night. " Oh, if I only had my own bed,"
Elizabeth says ; she is not willing to sleep with
Mary. We have a bed for them in our cham-
ber, and we have a very pleasant parlour which
opens immediately into our bedchamber — this
we have to ourselves ; dine with the boarders
and sit in the family parlour below when we
choose. Dined with a table full of gentlemen
— just left them at table. The dining-room is
next to ours. I can now hear the gentlemen
talking and telling stories.

Our carriage has not come yet. May be
here to-morrow. I rode a little in it at Phila-
delphia. It was a very easy one, rather too
gay — the horses are a chestnut color, rather
light, but very large and appeared very gen-
tle. The coachman is a white man and recom-

' Elizabeth Mead, a distant relation ; married Francis
Boardman, Mrs. Crowninshield's brother.

[i8]

mended as a very good one. We shall* keep
him if he will stay. We shall keep Hanson
too. At Philadelphia, at our boarding-house,
I became acquainted with a Miss Custis, a
grand-daughter of General Washington's Lady.
She carried me to the most fashionable milli-
ner ; — elegant goods we saw, but I did not make
many purchases. Saw most elegant white vel-
vet for gown, and everything that was pretty.

I really think Washington much pleasanter
than I expected. From my window now it
looks like a common ; houses about as far dis-
tant as from your window. As we went up to
Baltimore I could not but think of poor Aunt
Wellman ' ; how many times have I heard her
tell of her journey there !

Tell the boys there is a little boy here who
has a little brass cannon that he can fire. His
name is William Porter. He is six years old,
but not so big as Francis, and I don't believe
that he can read so well or studies Latin, but
I will ask him next time I see him. I wish
we had brought George. This letter is as much
to Sally, and she must write me ; and Frank,*
— why does he not write ? M. B. C.

' Mrs. Wellman was a sister of Zachariah Silsbee. She
was called Aunt by many persons who were not really re-
lated to her.

' Francis Boardman, Mrs. Crowninshield's brother.

BT iKitr iffw "WW itritr ixw i>rw isrw initr itritr isw law utitr

V

Friday^ December I, 1815.

Dear Mother: —

We are just up, and Mary says, "you
must write. Ma, that I may send my letter."
Elizabeth is not out of bed yet. She is always
the last one; — we are earlier than common,
for the first bell has not rung yet for break-
fast and it is half-past eight. Indeed, every
day when I get ready to take my work, I am
astonished to hear it is twelve o'clock. We
never dine till after three. Soon after rising
from table it is candle-light and then we go
in to tea — have it sent round. We have excel-
lent tea, but nothing very good to eat with
it. After that, if we choose, we can play
whist, chess or [back] gammon, for there are
always enough to make up a party. I gen-
erally return to my own room till the girls
tease me so to go visiting in some of the other
parlours.

I think I told you we were to dine at Mrs.
Monroe's ' the day before yesterday. We had

' James Monroe was then Secretary of State.

[20]

there the most stylish dinner I have been at.
The table wider than we have, and in the mid-
dle a large, perhaps silver, waiter, with images
like some Aunt Silsbee has, only more of them,
and vases filled with flowers, which made a
very showy appearance as the candles were
lighted when we went to table. The dishes
were silver and set round this waiter. The
plates were handsome china, the forks silver,
and so heavy I could hardly lift them to my
mouth, dessert knives silver, and spoons very
heavy — you would call them clumsy things.
Mrs. Monroe is a very elegant woman. She
was dressed in a very fine muslin worked in
front and lined with pink, and a black velvet
turban close and spangled. Her daughter, Mrs.
Hay, a red silk sprigged in colors, white lace
sleeves and a dozen strings of coral round her
neck. Her little girl, six years old, dressed
in plaid. The drawing-room was handsomely
lighted — transparent lamps I call them; —
three windows, crimson damask curtains, tables,
chairs and all the furniture French ; [and] and-
irons, something entirely new. This would suit
Aunt Silsbee.

After breakfast. Pa and the girls have been
sitting here and we have had a good talk about
home — wondering if Grandma would come
on next winter with us and you boys. I think

[21]

she would like to be here very well and live
just as we do now at a monstrous expense. I
do not know what we are giving, but gentle-
men give fifteen dollars per week. We shall
give more as we have a drawing-room. It
costs us seven hundred dollars a year to feed
our horses, — the coachman's wages and board
over twenty dollars a month. Pa says Grandma
must not let you eat too much sugar. How
does the cow do ? Does she give milk ?

Tell Aunt Priscey nothing I have worn has
been more complimented than the ruff she
netted for me. Mrs. Madison was in one morn-
ing, took hold of it and said she had been
admiring it; so if she will net me one I will
present it. She could send it in a letter. I
wish I had some of the old net Van Dykes.
Betsey, is yours done, or can you get Priscey
to lend me hers. She shall have it again next
summer. It can be sent in a letter, — it would
not be larger than a newspaper.

Why does n't Aunt Silsbee write me, or
Sally ? Almost five weeks from home, and
no letter from them. Don't tell all my nonsense
to everybody, only our own folks — for I
write anything. — Elizabeth reading French,
but don't try, — her master has no idea how
much she knows; — and as to music, she will
not take a lesson ; so you may expect to see

[22]

Mary very accomplished, for she does her best.
The EngUsh Admiral has arrived here. It
seemed like seeing an old acquaintance, for he
called on us as soon as he arrived.

Good morning, I hope to have a letter to-
day.

M. B. C.

VI

Thursday Mornings December "Jth^ 1 815.

Dear Mother : —

Just up — the girls still in bed. I
arose on purpose to write, as it is some days
since I wrote you. I received Betsey's letter
yesterday, written on Thanksgiving. She says
you had unpleasant weather on that day. Here
it was almost a summer's day. It gives me the
greatest pleasure to hear you are all so well and
the children so good. How I long to see them
and the dear babe. I feel more contented than
I expected, but I shall never wish to live here.
[Shall be] glad to get home again ; however,
as I am here, will stay to see the winter out.

Ball to-night. Last eve I went to the draw-
ing-room. We were not crowded, but one
room well filled ; — all much dressed, but their
new dresses saved for this eve. Mrs. Madi-
son's is a sky-blue striped velvet, — a frock, —
fine elegant lace round the neck and lace hand-
kerchief inside and a lace ruff, white lace tur-
ban starred in gold, and white feather. Clothes
so long that stockings or shoes are not seen,
but white shoes are generally worn. Mrs. Dal-

[ 24 ]

las* a dark green velvet trimmed with a lace foot-
ing half a quarter wide. It was beautiful lace,
but did not look well on so dark a color — a
green and white turban helmet front and green
feathers waving over. Several black velvets,
crepes, brocades, satins ; — any one who has
tolerable hair does not care to cover it up, —
the object is to look as young as you can.
The folks here in the house say I must dress
my hair, not cover it up, so last eve it was
combed up as high on the top as I could get
it, braided, and a bunch of flowers pinned in
with one of my best ornaments — the green
and gold one. In the evening Mrs. Madison
said, ** Oh, Mrs. C, your butterfly is too much
hidden." I asked what she meant. She re-
plied, *' that elegant ornament in your hair —
it is superb indeed." I imagine she took a lik-
ing to it, for she had little neat ornaments —
emeralds set in gold. I had on my plain mus-
lin trimmed with lace over white satin. The
newest fashion to make a gown is like my
English ones that go down in a peak before
and behind. I have just brought in a pretty
white silk one that is made in that way, but
I have no pretty trimming for it, so think of

' Wife of Alexander James Dallas, Secretary of the
Treasury.

[25]

preparing my gold muslin for this eve ; as I
got in Philadelphia a beautiful gold trimming
for that and we do not have many balls here
— perhaps not one again till Washington's
birth-night. I am so sorry I did not take on
my feathers, for I have to give nine dollars for
two to wear this eve. You cannot get the
most ordinary headdress for less than eight, up
to fifteen dollars, and you must have a new one
almost every time you go into company, so I
save much expense by not wearing turbans.

The gentlemen last eve did not sit to take
their tea ; those in uniform had their chapeaux
under their arms, but others had on hats.
Richard Derby ' was there. His wife was not
well enough [to be there]. He did not choose
to recollect me till [we were at] table, then
said, ** I forget Mrs. C. — are you married or
not ? " — " NOT." So I heard no more of
him. He sang and ladies played on the piano.
There were three rooms open, so we walked
through and through as the company chose.
We had tea and coffee on a small waiter, with
four plates and a little confectionery ; cake,
one little frosted cake, fluted. After [wards]
we had punch, wine, etc., sent round a num-
ber of times. Ice-cream, put in a silver dish,

' Richard Derby was Mr. Crowninshield's cousin.

[26]

and a large cake — not good — on the same
waiter ; and saucers instead of plates, — very
common ones, like your old china cup, — all
put on the same one waiter. Then came in an-
other with grapes and little cakes. We returned
about nine.

The girls are very unwilling I should go
to-night, as all in the house [are going], Mrs.
Willson and her daughters, and they think it
will be so lonesome with only Sophia. I tell
them I will buy them some molasses and they
can make candy. That suits Mary but don't
satisfy Elizabeth. Mary is not well, — a sore
throat and cold, but is up and playing about.
Their French master is here. Miss Sarah,
Mrs. Willson's daughter, is a very fine woman.
She is going to dress my head — has taste and
is very kind — far superior to any of the fam-
ily. Mrs. Jackson ' wears a white lace dress.
Mrs. Porter a black crepe bugled a quarter of
a yard high. I have not seen it — she has
been fixing it. She always dresses in black,
and her little sister about fifteen and her cou-
sin. Miss Beal. The young girls would look
much prettier in colors. I can't find that they
wear it for any friend.

It is raining fast — the roads will be bad to-

' Wife of General Andrew Jackson.

1^7]
night and the moon will be down. Tell Mrs.
Dodge Sophia is well — she cannot write to-
day but will soon. She must write to her and
enclose it in one of yours. I wish you would
ask Aunt Sally about the blue velvet. I have
left the red in my trunk. I don't think it will
be too much for a dress ; — but I forget how
many yards I left, — and you send it by Judge
Story.' First ask him if he can put it in his
trunk, for it will not do to send it in a bun-
dle ; but he will not come till the last of Jan-
uary — perhaps you may hear of some oppor-
tunity sooner.

Well I am in a dreadful hurry — have my
muslin to make over and hair to curl. Tell
Mrs. Rogers ^ that I will write her very soon.
Tell Priscey no letter yet. Say everything to
the children — that I love them dearly.

Adieu — your affectionate daughter

M. B. C.

I hope you won't give out — don't run home
till I return.

' Joseph Story, at that time an Associate Justice of the
United States Supreme Court.

^ Mrs. Rogers was the mother of Richard S. Rogers,
who afterwards married Sally Crowninshield, Mr. Crown-
inshield's niece.

VII

Washington^ December 24, 18 15.

Dear Mother : —

It has been a most delightful day —
almost summer — you don't have such weather
with you. The Jacksons are gone — set out
about eleven. The house was crowded with
folks to bid them good-bye. The General sent
twice this morning to G. Town to get our girls
some little ornament from the jewelers; but
no shops open, so could not get anything. It
was so rainy yesterday he could not go out. He
gave Elizabeth his inkstand and I write this
letter with his pen and ink. Mrs. J., little An-
drew and black Hannah in the carriage, and foUr
horses. The General mounted on sweet Sally,
and his servant on horseback by the side of his
carriage; — then followed Betty, Mr. Donaldson
and his servant ; Mayor Reid ' and his servant ;
the hostler, — all on horseback, — and two spare
horses ; — they made quite a dash. I feel it a
great loss to have them gone. We set off soon

' This probably refers to Jacob Read of South Carolina.
He served in the Revolution as Major of South Carolina
Volunteers.

[ ^9 ]

after for church in Congress Hall. It was much
crowded. The Chaplain of the Senate preached,
a Mr. Glandi. He was very liberal, but his
manner very different from what we are ac-
customed to. He had a glass of water handed
him and kept it on his desk, — drank very often.
Our girls wanted some, it was so warm, and yet
they wore white gowns and the new cape I
made them yesterday. After meeting we called
at Mr. Dallas's — not at home; at Mr. Dexter's'
— he was not at home, but his wife and daugh-
ter received us very agreeably. They live at a
very small house — take the whole and say they
find it very lonesome ; — no such sociable
evening visits as we have in New England.
They were so glad to see us and I should have
stayed longer, but other company called in.
Called — when we got almost home — at Mrs.
Pleasenton's, — at home, and a pretty room
furnished with scarlet woolen furniture. Then
at Col. Lear's, but did not get out, as Mrs. Lear
was not at home. Mr. C. went in and we pro-
mised to pass a sociable evening there soon. At
our own door was Mr. Crawford's "" carriage —
the driver's seat just even with the top of the
carriage, but the horses very ordinary. They

' Samuel Dexter, ex-Senator from Massachusetts and
Secretary of War under President Adams.

* William Harris Crawford, then President of the Senate.

[ 3° ]
came in with us. He is a very agreeable man.
His wife says but little — dressed in a light
green pelisse with bonnet.

Christmas morn. It seems more like our
Independence — guns firing all night. I am
going to the Catholic church — it is their great
day. Last eve we passed at the President's, —
took the girls with us. Found several gentle-
men there and a young lady from Kentucky
who is come to make a visit there. She had
the parrot brought in for the girls, and he ran
after Mary to catch her feet. She screamed
and jumped into a chair and pulled hold of
Mrs. Madison. We had quite a frolic there,
returning soon after eight. Tea was brought
in after we went. Mary has gone there again
this morning to know what time she wishes to
go to church, as she invited us to go with her.
[We are] to set out at the same time, for we
must ride.

It was rather lonesome at home. Mrs. Por-
ter and family dined at her Uncle's and many
of our gentlemen dined out. At dark Mrs.
Madison called in and passed part of the eve.
She is very sociable and agreeable when alone
with her. Our tea was sent in but she never
takes tea. Mrs. Chapel and Mr. Porter came
in soon after and we had quite a pleasant party.
This was in my own parlour. Soon after Gen.

[3']

Ripley' called in — he has just arrived and tells
us the weather is very mild with you for win-
ter. He puts up here and is a very agreeable
man.

I have had the mantua-maker here, for she
did not make my gown to suit me, but she
will fix it right now. I would have you take
off as much of the red velvet as there is over
of the blue, for it will always be useful for
trimming, and you must first send to Judge
Story and know if he will bring it to me, for
if he cannot you need not exchange it at pre-
sent. I hope you have bought some logs, for
you must want some. I know the wood was
split up too much, but Mr. C. thinks not.

The Assemblies begin this week in the city ;
suppose I shall go if everybody goes, but it is
too hard work to fix dresses so often, — for to-
morrow eve is the drawing-room again, and I
shall sometimes have to go to George Town
as we have been invited ; so we go on. I shall
begin to be tired soon and want to go home.
I have quite a cold in my head to-day — shall
not go out. The girls are going to take a walk
with Sophia. It is a fine day, but rather cold.
The children I hope are well. Tell Francis I
cannot believe he gets fifteen verses ; does he

' General Eleazar Ripley, a very gallant soldier of the
War of 1812.

[32]
remember how he used to plague me last sum-
mer and would not get his Sunday lesson ? I
am delighted to hear such good things of him ;
and George got a new book and read in a tes-
tament, and Benjamin is good ; — well, I wish
you had the girls if you could make them bet-
ter, for they are not half so good as they ought
to be. I wish I could send the boys something
for New Year's gifts, but you must get some-
thing for them — such good boys must have
pretty things. And how is little Kiddy, doesn't
she want something ? Tell them I wish them
a happy New Year. Sally has not written
lately, nor yet Mrs. S., nor Mrs. Rogers, and as
to Priscey, she does n't intend writing. Well,
goodbye ; I must go to work. I believe I am
the only one who works here excepting Mrs.
Porter. The girls are plaguing me to death.
I wish I had sent them to school.

M. B. C.
Com. Tingey ' has just been to invite us to
dine on Thursday with him. They always
have high times there. Mrs. Dallas has been
here almost an hour with Miss Patterson, — a
very sensible young lady, — and we had a good
talk. She asked my opinion about her opening

' Thomas Tingey, British naval officer ; entered the
American Navy during the Revolution, and remained in that
service until his death, in 1829.

[33]
a drawing-room. It would be so much easier
for her to have some particular evening in the
week to receive company than to send out for
a party, as it would take her servants two or
three days to give out invitations ; and she
would prefer much to have a fixed evening,
and then she would be always ready and her
friends would be sure to find her at home.
Two drawing-rooms in a week would keep the
ladies always at it ; and a ball every week. Oh,
dear, a new investment this morning, — ele-
gant ball dresses, millinery, etc. etc. — this
will set the carriages flying.

VIII

Washington^ January 2, 1816.

Dear Mother: —

I believe it is some days since I wrote
you, but I don't know what has prevented me.
I grow lazy, I believe. Yesterday was New Year's
day and we thought of you all. Tell the boys
we were packing up some little presents for
them, to send by Mr. Storrow, who has set
out for Boston, but will be a long time going
on, perhaps three weeks; but he has promised
to send the package safe to Salem. I wrote by
him to little Sally. He has two nieces at Mrs.
Brenton's ; — he has been here longer than
we have and I felt sorry to part with him;
he is a very agreeable young man. I sent in
the bundle a ruff that is much worn here —
it is only made for a pattern, but perhaps
nothing new. They sell them here worked
at the edge with a scollop, or peaked, with a
pink ribbon through the collar, for 30 dollars.
Sometimes the ruffles are plaited. I made this
by Mrs. Porter's, made of plain muslin with
edging. I have not made the ruffles at top
full or wide enough, for it was made in a great
hurry. Betsey must show it to Aunt Silsbee.

[35]
Yesterday I was at the President's levee.
Mary went with us, but Elizabeth would not
go. Such^ crowd I never was in. It took us ten
minutes to push and shove ourselves through
the dining-room; at the upper part of it stood
the President and his lady, all standing — and a
continual moving in and out. Two other small
parlours open and all full — likewise the entry.
In every room was a table with wine, punch,
and cakes, and the servants squeezing through
with waiters for those who could not get to
the table. Some of the ladies were dressed very
elegantly, beautiful bonnets and pelisses, shawls,
etc. Mrs. Madison was dressed in a yellow
satin embroidered all over with sprigs of but-
terflies, not two alike in the dress; a narrow
border in all colors ; made high in the neck ; a
little cape, long sleeves, and a white bonnet with
feathers. Mrs. Baldwin, a sister of Mrs. Bar-
low,' was dressed first in a pretty white gown,
high and much ruffled, the ruffles worked,
which is thought handsomer than lace, and
over it a scarlet merino dress made short above
the ruffles of her gown, crossed before and be-
hind about the waist, and short sleeves; it looked
very tasty, trimmed with merino trimming with
fringe; a black velvet hat turned up in front,

' Widow of Joel Barlow of Kalorama.

[ 36 ]

with a large bunch of black feathers. Mrs.
Clay/ a white merino dress with a deep bor-
der and a shawl to match. Mrs. Brown/ an
orange dress of the same kind. Mrs. Decatur/
a blue lustre trimmed with satin ribbon high
like a pelisse, a white hat turned up in front.
Mrs. Dallas, a light pelisse trimmed round with
velvet the same color. Her daughter, who had
just arrived from Philadelphia, a brown merino
pelisse trimmed with a rich trimming all colors.
Matilda, a very young girl, a scarlet merino,
a blue hat with a large blue and white feather.
In short, the greatest variety of dresses, for all
the ladies in the city were there ; — began to
go at one o'clock. At three it was all over and
done. I was disappointed in my pelisse. First
it was made too short — it was then pieced
down and the border quilted; it really looked
handsomer, but she charged me ten dollars
more than she engaged to make it for, so I
sent it back. I ought to go out to-day and get
another, or I shall not have one till spring.

Com. Decatur and his family arrived on Sat-
urday eve. I have heard much of this lady. She
looks much as Mrs. Colton used to, and is cer-

' Wife of Henry Clay.

^ Wife of General Jacob Brown. General Brown was
then Commander-in-chief of the United States Army.
3 Wife of Commodore Stephen Decatur,

[37]
tainly very agreeable. She passed all yesterday
afternoon with me — I like her much, — a
very sensible woman.

You have dined, and [are] sitting comfortably
round the fire, — boys fixing to go to school.
Little Ann is up I know, for I hope by this
time she has regular naps. It is past one, but
it seems as though we had just done breakfast.
Here sits Mary working a ruff, — finds it diffi-
cult and is out of patience. Elizabeth doing
the same in the bedchamber with Sophia, who
is making a lace and cord trimming for my
gown. To-morrow evening is dance night.
Thursday we are invited to dine at the Presi-
dent's. Friday eve we are engaged to Mr.
Dallas, to a large party. My dresses have been
almost worn through twice ; I must get a new
recruit soon.

I am worried about the children having the
measles ; Betsey says you think that the boys
have had them, but they have not. Elizabeth
and Mary had them, but the boys did not. Do
take good care that they do not get cold if they
take the disorder. Sally's children got through
nicely, and I hope ours will, for I should prefer
they should have them when young, but should
wish to be with them.

Mrs. Decatur and others wonder I do not let
the girls wear black silk aprons ; they would look

[38]
SO pretty with their scarlet gowns. They are
worn much in New York, — I saw a great many
in Philadelphia, and Mrs. Jackson said the grown
ladies as well as children wore them in New Or-
leans ; so I wish Betsey would cut each of them
one out of their black gowns, put a waist to
them like their old ones left at home trimmed
with blue ; and have you not some old black
fringe or narrow lace [with which] to trim
them ? She need not make them, and if you
could fold them small and send one at a time
in a letter — if not, send them with the velvet.
Send a little piece for shoulder straps, for you
can't think how much I miss my old bundles.
The girls dirty their white aprons very soon,
and the woman takes our clothes on Monday
morn and we do not get them again till Satur-
day or Sunday. Give seven dollars a month.
Sophia sometimes washes little things, but not
often, as it is almost impossible here with such
a house full.

How I long to see you all. Two months
gone — a third part of the time. What joy to
meet again. I did wrong to take the girls —
they would be better at home to go regularly to
school ; they have here so much idle time it
makes them cross, and my time is all taken up
visiting and preparing to visit. I am afraid they
will forget all they have learned. I have some

[39]

thought of sending them to school here, but
they don't want to go. They have been teasing
me all the morning to ride, but it is not pleasant
— looks like rain ; the ground is covered with
snow and has been since Saturday. I think you
must have had a good snowstorm with you. I
hope to have a letter to-day. I wish you would
look at my new knives in the sideboard. I am
afraid they will rust. Aunt Silsbee says it is best
to wrap them in flannel, and the others may want
looking at. I should admire to just peep round
a little, [but I] don't get homesick. How does
Mrs. Brooks do ? Has she got out yet ? Tell
Priscey I thank her for all her letters. Tell Aunt
Sally to write often. Mr. C. thinks she writes
better than any one.

M. B. C.

IX

Washington^ January 1 6, i8l6.

Dear Mother : —

The letter I sent yesterday had been
written several days — it was too late for the
mail on Saturday, and Sunday no letters go from
Mr. C.'s office. I mention this that you may
not think any letter is missing. I yesterday re-
ceived Priscey's letter and was gratified that she
condescended to let us know she thought there
were such beings in existence. Tell her I will
write her soon when I have something pretty
to tell.

It was planned just now at breakfast for me
to go with Mrs. Chappell to Capitol Hill, make
calls, and then go to the House of Representa-
tives. We wanted the girls to go, as it is ex-
pected several will speak ; but it is now raining
and we are quite disappointed, but if it should
be pleasant in an hour we shall go. It is fine
sleighing — better than ever was known here
for so long a time. There is a level snow, but
not such good banks as you have. This rain
will make horrid going.

How are the children .? It will soon be Ben-

[4i]

jamin's birthday — on the 26th. Don't for-
get it ; he will be eight years old and I hope a
better boy than he was when he was seven.

All the ladies have new caps. They will not
believe that I let my children go without caps
this cold weather. I called on a lady late on
Saturday. She told me she had two children
with her, the youngest about ten months. She
told me what a beautiful boy he was. On Mon-
day morning I heard this babe was dead with
the croup. This disorder prevails here in the
winter with young children. I can't but think
how glad I am mine are at home. I have fre-
quently wished I had her with me ; I can't bear
to think she is growing so fast and I not witness-
ing her improvement — but she is better off at
home.

Yesterday was a clear cold day. I was at
home making the girls new bombasets ; their
red ones are worn out. They sometimes put
on white, which is not a day's wear. I have not
been able to get them stockings, — the other
day I found some cotton ones at a store, but they
want clean ones every day. I continue to like
Mrs. Decatur. She says she must adopt Mary,
for it is thought here that she resembles her
very much, — just such a dimple. The Com'r
says, "Mary, I must have you." Mary has been
so gay lately, she astonishes every one. Sunday

[ 4a ]
eve she had one of her high times. No whoa to
her. Mrs. Chappell says, " Oh, Mrs. C, what
a time you will have with her when she is
eighteen ! " She thinks Elizabeth one of the
sweetest children she ever saw, — wants her
little Eugenia to be just like her. I tell this to
please Grandma.

I have no engagements at present. The ladies
here who are inhabitants do not give any par-
ties, — it is a continual succession of morning
calls, — never are offered anything to eat or
drink. Mrs. Todd ' and Miss Inis '' called yes-
terday morning, — I had not seen them for
some time. Begged I would be at the drawing-
room on Wednesday, not send an excuse again.
[I said] I might be taken for a piece of furniture,
I was there so often, although last week Mr.
C. went without me. The first thing Mrs. Todd
does on her coming in is to take from the shelf
a tin box of snuff and pass it round. I keep this
box handy as all the ladies take snuff, but I have
not got in the fashion yet, nor I don't mean to
learn any bad habits. The rain continues, so
I shall not go to-day. I am glad you have
bought pork and wish I had some of the scraps ;
are they good ? We have no such things here.

' Wife of Thomas Todd of Virginia.
^ Probably the daughter of Harry Inis, jurist ; married
John J. Crittenden.

[43]
I was asking Mrs. Chappell how many hams
she thought I put up ; — she said, if a large fam-
ily, she supposed three hundred. She generally
had that number. Laughed very much when I
told her only four single legs, for here at the
South they eat ham morning, noon and night.
Good day.

M. B. C.

X

Washington^ January 19, 1 8 16.

Dear Mother : —

It is Saturday, and if I do not write
a few lines to-day, it will seem a long time to
you, as I cannot send conveniently a letter on
Sunday. It is now two o'clock and I have just
returned from George Town. Have been shop-
ping all the morning with the girls. Bought
them new rings with which they are much de-
lighted. I am now waiting with my things on
for Mrs. Decatur to get home, to go out with
her to make several morning visits, although it
is past two o'clock.

I feel anxious to hear how the children are,
— if the boys have the measles. I really hope
they will have it, and do not let them get cold.
How will the babe have it ? is she not too
young ? Sometimes I feel like flying, I want
to see the children so bad, as they say here ; but
if all continues well, I shall not return till
spring. The going now must be dreadful. Our
sleighing here is all gone.

Com'r Chauncey * came here last eve. He
' Commodore Isaac Chauncey of the American Navy.

.::^t>t. A.3

[45]

says the travelling is very bad since the rain. We
go out every pleasant day — to ride ; the two
last days we have been to the Senate and House
of Representatives, but it was so crowded and
so very warm, the girls begged to come away ;
not very good speaking. We made several
morning visits. Mrs. Monroe and Miss King
have just been to see us. Almost three, so I
think it will be too late to go out with Mrs.
Decatur, and she is not come yet.

I hope Mr. Story will bring the velvet. How
I want a new dress. But there is no visiting.
Mrs. Dallas's is the only party we have had. I
don't mean to go to another assembly. I wish
I could have a party, but it is impossible in this
house, for I must invite all the boarders, and,
what would be worse, Mrs. Willson and her
daughters ; but this I would not do. However,
it is not expected that I should. There are many
strangers here, — foreigners from every nation.

Tell Aunt Silsbee I have met Dashkoff de
Kantson,' Don de Onis, and many more hard
names. I was introduced to many at the Presi-
dent's last levee, but don't tell everybody this
silly stuff. There is a fine painter ^ here, — the

' Russian Minister at Washington. Not long after this
he was disgraced ; was dismissed by request of Secretary
Monroe, and finally was exiled to Siberia.

* John Vanderlyn.

[46]
one who took W. Rogers's likeness in France.
He is taking Mr. Monroe's family and the
President's. We talk of having ours done. Mr.
C. is now sitting, but he can't stay long enough
to take mine. Those he is now doing are ex-
cellent likenesses. I cannot write another word.
I have received the black silk and expect a let-
ter to-day. Remember me to the children.

M. B. C.

ar Tttur twut tsttf ttsvf isitr itrw mw tffw Ttsitf itfw iffw 11118"

XI

JVashington^ January 28, 18 16.

Dear Mother: —

It is Sunday, but we are none of us at
meeting. I did not want to go to the Capitol.
I don't like the minister who preaches to-day.
We have a Baptist [churchj very near, and the
minister is a very good man. I wanted to go,
but it is not far enough to ride, and the walking
is bad, so I have stayed at home.

Mr. C. has gone to the President's to see the
painter who is taking his likeness. He sits for it
at Mr. Monroe's, as we had no convenient room
for him at this house, and he stays there, and has
all his apparatus. Here are the girls with a plate
of crackers, cheese and grape j elly for a luncheon,
but are quarreling who shall have the most and
are hardly willing I should take any. I wish they
were at a good school. Do tell Mrs. Rogers she
must take them when they return. They are
improving in their French and music since we
have had the piano. Their French master is an
old man, and so good-natured and pleasant that
the girls have become quite pleased with him.
He says Mary reads French best when she is a

[48]
little cross, and is more agreeable to him, and he
tries to coax her up : — " Why, Miss, you are
one of my best scholars. You are so young, you
do read French very well." The music master
tells the Misses C's they will be great belles, —
but Miss Elizabeth is told of it too much, that
she is very handsome. This is only to please
Grandma, — don't tell of it, for I really don't
think either will be very handsome. If they are
only good [that] is all I want.

Mr. C. has returned, — says Mrs. Monroe is
quite sick to-day, — she is not up. She often has
the rheumatism, but now has a cold. I have not
been out to see any one since the levee, so have
no news to tell. Great talks here of who is to
be the next President, but I really hope it will
be Mr. Monroe, — he is a very good man and
deserves it. Some think Mr, Crawford stands
some chance, but he has not been long enough
in the Cabinet. I don't know what his wife
would do, for she dislikes so much to go into
company and appears there to no advantage ; is
a good woman I have no doubt.

Just had a call from two young ladies — very
pretty — introduced by their brother who is a
clerk in Mr. C's office. They were dressed in
white cambric high in the neck, ruffled round,
merino shawl, both alike, and very pretty white
satin bonnets. Stayed about three minutes. Here

[49]

are the girls laughing in quite a frolic. Pa says,
" Done, done, Mary ; " but she won't be still. It
is almost two o'clock and I want my dinner, but
it will not be ready this long while. We pretend
to dine earlier on Sundays, but we do not. Mary
had been writing to the boys, but Elizabeth is
too lazy to write. I long to see Judge Story, —
he will be here this week, I hope. I begin to
think of home and I wish I could be there for a
minute and see you all. So Benjamin is learning
his piece, and will be willing to speak it often at
home. He must send us word what it is. And
how does Francis come on ? I am glad to hear
he gets his Sunday lesson so easily ; and George,
don't you want to begin your Latin grammar ? I
would get a little lesson every day if I were you ;
— come, I would try, for you are almost as old
as Francis was when he began.

Give my love to Aunt Sally C. Tell her she
might write me. Here is the man to take the
letters, so good bye. Past three — no table set.

M. B. C.

XII

Thursday Mornings
Washington^ February i, 1816.

Dear Mother : —

Here is Mary taking her French les-
son, and is so cross I wonder her master puts
up with it ; but he says so frequently, " Oh, I
love to see her so, she speaks French so much
better." Elizabeth is reading and her Pa look-
ing over letters. It is ten and we have just
come from breakfast. I arose earlier this morn-
ing to mend the girls' gowns. The bottoms of
the sleeves were worn out, Mary put on her
new one yesterday, but she dirted it so much
I won't let her wear it any more, for she must
keep a best one. How do you make out with
the boys' clothes ? Do they want new ones ?
Does Francis wear his knees out as fast as he
did ? I think you must have got George new
clothes, — I long to see him with his trousers.
I suppose he despises frocks and trousers. Has
he begun his Latin ? I don't want him plagued
much about it, but should think he might
get a few lines. It is three months since I left
you all. In three more I expect to see you
all again. How often we talk of going home.

[SI]

[Do you] think you will know us ? George,
do you remember how we looked ? I wish you
could see Mary, she is crying and scolding the
poor French master. I wonder he don't flog
her. You are never so bad, I hope, boys. How
I shall delight in seeing three good boys. I
wish I could exchange you for the girls. Does
little Ann grow prettier, for Grandma says she
is not handsome. Does she love to look at the
candle yet ? Kiss her a hundred times for me.

We dine out to-day, at Mr. Jones's ; ' — I
have never seen them and wish I was not go-
ing, as the ladies in the house are not going, —
I expect to meet only strangers ; — this is not
pleasant. I have quite a headache to-day.
Mrs. Madison has been sick since Sunday —
bilious colic. I have seen her once since, and
she left her chamber to meet a party in her
drawing-room who dined there, but she could
not go to table and has been more unwell
since — had no levee last evening.

For several days I have been making morn-
ing visits with Mrs. Decatur. Tuesday morn-
ing called on fifteen — only two at home.
Mrs. Crawford was at home making up her
window curtains, — one green curtain drawn
on one side, — yellow drapery trimmed with

' William Jones, ex-Secretary of the Navy.

[52]
handsome silk fringe ; only two windows in
the room, — pretty French chairs, — mahog-
any backs and bottoms stuffed, covered with
striped rich blue silk, some with arms ; carpet
blue ground, crossed with rich yellow flowers ;
an elegant pianoforte. I do not recollect any-
thing else. Met there half dozen ladies. Stayed
ten minutes. But Mrs. Crawford has never be-
fore been from the country, — seldom looks neat.
I have never seen her children ; they say they
are fine looking children, but dressed dreadfully.
They are about the age of mine, and the same
number. And yet it is thought here she will
succeed Mrs. Madison — what a change this
will be ! — but I still hope Mr. Monroe will be
the next President.

Elizabeth wants my pen, so good morning.

M. B. C.

XIII

Friday^
Washington^ i6th February ^ 1816.

We have received no letter from
home since last Saturday. I hope you are not
sick. Perhaps the babe has the measles and
you will not let me know it till she is well
again. I dreamed last night of seeing her —
she was so fat but not very pretty. She let me
take her but would go to no one else. Seemed
not to think me a stranger, which will not
happen if I ever do see her, for she won't let
me touch her. Do take good care of her till
I get home, which will be in May I think, for
we begin to talk of it. We are very much
urged to take a house but we should have to
build one for there is not a vacant house in the
city. Com'r Porter has been round this week
to find one. His wife is going home soon to pack
up her things to move on, and Com. Decatur
is determined on taking a house here. Mrs.
Decatur is going soon to Norfolk to see her
father. She has not seen him for two years,
and she is his only child ; and she will pack
up and send on her furniture and come herself
about the time we shall be going home.

[54]

The girls are going to a dancing party this
evening and we are going to Mrs. Cutts's.' She
invited me to pass a sociable eve, but I hear
everybody is also invited, but she don't wish to
have it called a party. We have an invitation
to dine on Tuesday at Gen. Van Ness's ^ ; sup-
pose I shall go, — they are some of the smart-
est folks here.

I was at the drawing room on Wednesday —
expected to be the only one, as there were so
many the last Levee, and there was another
party on the same eve. Soon after I got in
Mrs. Madison said how much we think alike
— both with a little blue and flowers. I had
on my blue velvet, and flowers on my head.
Mrs. Madison a muslin dotted in silver over
blue — a beautiful blue turban and feathers. I
have never seen her look so well. There was
a lady there I had never seen — monstrous large,
dressed in a plain muslin, not even a piece of
lace about the neck — just like a little girl's
frock. Neck bare, a pink turban with a black
feather. All the gentlemen thought her very
handsome, but Miss Randolph is the most
admired, — not pretty but very accomplished.
Her grandfather, Mr. Jefferson, has taken much

' A sister of Mrs. Madison, wife of the Honorable
Richards Cutts of Maine.

* John Van Ness, Mayor of Washington.

[55]

pains in educating her. I can never get a
chance to speak to her, she is so surrounded
by gentlemen — for here there are half a dozen
gentlemen to one young lady.

Tell the boys we often talk of them and
would give I don't know how much to see
them. Mr. Porter who went from here some
time since promised to call on you. He was
on here and lived with us two months. He is
a cousin of William Woodbridge, who plays
with our boys. I forgot to mention it before
and suppose you have seen him by this time.
Just had a call from Mrs. Telfair ' from Georgia,
and a strange gentleman with her.

It is now three o'clock. Another call from
Mrs. Monroe, our next door neighbor — a very
large woman. She had on a white wrapper
gown, a black lace cap, a pretty worked cap
tied with yellow ribbon. Miss King, her niece,
in white, a merino shawl, black straw with
feathers. She is very pretty, — reminded me
of our Hannah Hodges.^ Tell Sally this letter
is to her too, — I neglect her more than any one,
but it is because she will forgive me, knowing
I don't intend it, — for I have not much time
to write, and yet I have if I would; — can you
understand this ? Tell the boys to tell Mrs.

' Wife of Thomas Telfair, Congressman from Georgia.
* A cousin of Mrs. Crowninshield.

[56]
Rogers I received her letter and will write her
soon. She is very good to have the children so
often. Good bye —

M. B. C.

XIV

Saturday^
Washington^ February 24, 1816.

Dear Mother : —

I have forgotten to number my last
letter, but I am inclined to think you get all.
We have had quite a dissipated week. You can
have no idea of the great crowd at the ball.
The hall was as full as it could possibly be.
They danced cotillions, but you could only see
the heads. We stood up on the benches. I was
afraid to move about much lest I should lose
the girls. Mrs. Chappell took care of Mary.
Finally the heat was so great, I moved on for
the bottom of the hall, but was half an hour
getting there. After taking some refreshment,
one of the managers said there was a parlor
opened below for the ladies who wished to go,
so I took the girls down. It was more pleasant
there. From this room we went to the supper
table. The managers appoint gentlemen to wait
on the ladies, and take their seats according to
their rank. Mrs. Madison headed the table, Mrs.
Brown on her right, Mrs. Dallas on the left,
then came my turn. Gen. Brown was my gal-
lant. My dress got entangled in his spurs and

[58]
I fell over his sword going upstairs, but arrived
safe at the table, which was very large, but not
one quarter could come to table ; indeed, half
of the company did not get anything. The
girls fared very well. Don't, dear, tell every-
body what I write — it might be thought van-
ity for me to tell who waited on me or where
my seat was at table, so don't say I wrote it.
Mrs. Madison, dressed in black velvet trimmed
with gold [and] a worked lace turban in gold,
looked brilliant, — a lace and gold kind of a
something over her shoulders. The greatest
variety of dresses as to colors and materials, but
nothing entirely new. We came home some of
the first. I bought the girls new white kid
shoes. Gave five dollars for both, and new
gloves, but such sights when they got home, —
so dirty, and yet they did not dance.

Yesterday was delightful weather. I rode
out. Mrs. Decatur went with me to make calls,
— first on General Brown's lady. They have
just arrived in the city. Then we went to the
hill to call on Mrs. Dexter. There we found
the Brown party and went with them to the
Navy Yard to see the monument and the ruins.
Heard good music. Returned and walked the
pavement till dinner time. It is paved in front
of the seven buildings, so we go out of our
houses, and sometimes we muster a large party

[59]

if it is pleasant. Mrs. Madison and Mrs. Todd
on one side and Mrs. Monroe's family on the
other, and the ladies of our family, and we
can always find gentlemen. They sit in the
doorway reading papers, and yesterday was so
warm I sat here a long while with the win-
dow up, but it is colder to-day. Last eve I was
at Mrs. Monroe's our neighbor — quite a large
party, but I was only invited to pass a sociable
eve. We played loo and I won — I am afraid
to say how much, but shall give it to the or-
phan asylum. I am going this morning to carry
my winnings to Mrs. Madison.

Well, how do you all do ? I have written so
far without mentioning home. Tell the chil-
dren I long to see them. I am delighted to
hear the boys are so good, and when you have
company too ; — quite a party I think — do
have another. Here is Elizabeth playing away
on the piano, but can you believe she does n't
play so well as Mary ? — but it is true. The
ladies here think they improve very fast. I
cannot write any more and I have told you all.
Will write Sally soon. Let her see this letter.

M. B. C.

XV

Thursday^
Washington^ March, l8l6.

Dear Mother : —

Well, I have returned from Balti-
more, which is more than I expected after I
set out, for such horrid roads I never saw. I
suffered everything. Stayed one day longer for
the roads to dry, and they were tolerable when
we came back. The girls were so glad to see
me, it seemed like getting home again. Mr.
Allen, a young gentleman who has boarded
with us all winter, went with us and showed
us all about the city. By us I mean Col. Chap-
pell and his wife. Mr. Smith,' a son of Gen.
Smith, found us out and was very attentive.
We told him we should certainly go on Tues-
day, for we did not want him to invite us to
his house, but the next day he heard we were
still there and brought his wife and another
lady to call on us and invited us to take tea
and pass the eve ; but we declined going. In
the eve Mr. Patterson, a brother of Madam
Bonaparte, called with Miss Carter, his wife's

' John Spear Smith, son of General Samuel Smith of
Baltimore.

[6i]

sister, one of the most dashing belles in the
country. They were going the next day to
Washington and called to invite us to go with
them in the stage, but we had engaged pas-
sages in another and were obliged to take our
seats. They said they were desirous to get
here early as they wished to be at the drawing
room to see Mr. and Mrs. Bagot." I arrived
at sunset, but tired as I was, I dressed for the
drawing-room.

But I first must tell you that on Saturday
the English minister's carriage drove up to the
door to call on me. I had been expecting
them as I saw them go to the President's. I
did not know how I should make out. He
came in first and introduced his lady ; — she
looked elegantly — her hair dressed high,
braids, and curls, a muslin dress over satin
trimmed with a thread lace a quarter wide,
most elegant, and two rows let in in front ; two
narrow rows of lace round the neck, rather
high ; no handkerchief, a bead or pearl neck-
lace, and a gold watch chain round her neck ;
long sleeves with several rows of gold chain,
clasped with a large emerald bracelet. The

. ' Sir Charles Bagot, second son of William, first Lord
Bagot, British Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington.
Later he became Governor - General of British North
America.

[62]

chain was large and perhaps looked clumsy,
and just above, two rows of beads or pearls, —
looked more like beads, — a scarlet shawl
thrown over her shoulders, no bonnet or veil.
Mr. dressed in uniform ; both very agreeable.
Gave an account of their voyage — expected
to be pleased with Washington. Talked all
the time. I had sent Hanson for Mr. C, but
he would not come home. Stood just below
the door with some gentlemen, laughing to
think how I should make out. Round the door
a dozen children collected to see the carriage
and servant so smart. At the drawing room
they came in late. She was dressed in white,
a figured lace over satin, very much trimmed
at the bottom, long sleeves. The short ones
very full and trimmed below, very close, and
the same ornaments I had seen before, but
round her neck diamond necklace, and ear-
rings. Her hair dressed, a narrow gold band,
and nine white ostrich feathers. Looked very
beautiful indeed. Aunt Silsbee would have
been pleased with this dress. The rooms very
much crowded and very warm. Even Miss
Pickering and her brother Henry appeared.
They could not be there to see the President
as this was their first appearance. I came away
very early and this morning my husband went
with me to call on these new folks. I put on

[63]

a new chip bonnet with flowers, that I bought
in Baltimore, a plain cambric gown, but only
left my cards, — not at home. When I re-
turned, called in to the President's — found
ladies with Mrs. Madison. They soon went
away. I sat a long while with her. She is a
very pleasant woman, — had really a good talk
with her.

Mr. and Mrs. Patterson and Miss Carter
have taken rooms here in this house. They
were at breakfast, after which I called down
to see them, but some gentlemen soon came
in and I was off. They will only stay one
week — are going this spring to England.

Com. and Mrs. Decatur are gone. How
much I miss them. Mrs. Porter calls every
day — has taken lodgings near us.

You must let all see this who feel interested
in hearing about the English minister — Aunt
Silsbee and Sally, etc., etc. Tell her that Mr.
C. had his letter, which he wrote to Uncle
George at New Orleans, sent back in one from
a gentleman, saying that he had left there for
New York on his way to Washington ; so we
are expecting him here, but perhaps he may
be in Salem.

Well, how do you all do ? We have not
had any letter for some days. I could not bear
to come back when I was at Baltimore. I

[64]
wanted to proceed towards home. Judge Story
will be home before this reaches you, and I
hope the boys will be pleased with their pre-
sents. I saw nothing pretty in Baltimore for
them. Tell them we talk of them and we
think of them so often and tell everybody what
fine boys we have at home, and they must
love little Ann and kiss her for us all. We
shall now soon be at home.
Dinner time.

M. B. C.

XVI

fFashington^ April 6, 1816.

Dear Mother: —

It is some days since I have written.
I have been engaged with Vanderlyn. He has
now almost finished my portrait,' but I cannot
as yet say the likeness will be good. The girls
say, *'Oh, Ma, it is too handsome for you."
But he has not flattered Mr. C." Mrs. Madi-
son says it is not half handsome enough for
him.

Well, how are you all? — I have not heard
this long while. I hope the children were
pleased with the bundle Judge Story brought
them. You will think the box too big, but it
was the prettiest we could get. I have sent a
trunk with some clothes that we should not
want, by Silver, and think I shall put up some
more to send by him, — he has not sailed yet.
Hanson bought at Alexandria a barrel of crack-
ers and some marbles for the boys, to send in
the vessel. Mary is now teaching Elizabeth a
tune. We have just breakfasted — past nine.

' Mrs. Crowninshield's portrzit^ frontispiece.
' Mr. Crowninshield's portrait, page 44.

[66]

Mrs. Patterson and Miss Carter left here this
morning. It is so disagreeable to part with
those we like, — for certainly they were as fine,
elegant women as I ever knew, — so amiable
and agreeable. They dressed elegantly, — had
the most superb ornaments I have seen here,

— one comb cost two hundred dollars, — ame-
thyst set and necklace, earrings and bracelets,
etc., etc. to match. Mrs. P. told me she spent
$1 200 in two days for jewelry. They are very
rich — are going this spring to Europe.

I have not been out for several days. We
dined at the President's on Tuesday. The din-
ner very handsome, more so than any I have
seen, — the heads of departments and all the
foreign ministers there. Mrs. Bagot dressed in
a light green Italian crepe, striped with folds of
white satin about a quarter apart, a roll of satin
at the bottom with large braids of satin. It
was shorter than the satin dress under it. It
stuck out very much at the bottom. Three
bracelets on one arm, two on the other — all
different. A string of pearls round her neck,

— dress very low behind. She has the whitest
neck I ever saw, for she has black eyes and hair
and her hair dressed very high; wreath of red
roses and purple and white flowers round her
head, and her hair was above it, — a great wave
on the top. This for Betsey to improve on. And

[67]

she is a very agreeable lady — is determined to
be pleased with everything. All the other ladies
in old dresses. Mrs. King and Mrs. Gore '
there, — two old ladies. I had not seen them
before, for they do not visit any in cold weather.
We dined part of the time by candle light,
drank coffee in the drawing-room and came
away immediately — almost nine.

At the drawing room the next eve Mrs. Bagot
was dressed superbly — lace dress embroidered
with gold and a turban of the same. I did not
go, so cannot tell any more. And this is all
the news, excepting the Bank Bill has passed
both Houses, and no doubt the President will
sign it.

We have had rain for several days — the roads
must be very bad and I cannot say when I shall
be at home, but certainly the last of May, I
think. Mr. C. says Frank will be home first.
We were very glad to hear he had arrived safe,
but I am afraid he will not make much money.
How glad the boys will be to see Uncle George.
I long to hear about his getting home. Where
does he live? I am sorry he did not come here.
I think we must have letters to-day. How I
do long to see the babe. Does she continue as
good as ever? How we shall plague her when

' Wife of Christopher Gore, United States Senator from
Massachusetts.

[68]

she sees us, dear creature ! I suppose the boys'
exhibition is over by this time. Nathaniel sent
me their pieces and they must not forget them,
for we will want to hear them when we get
home. George learns Latin — I can hardly be-
lieve it. Why, what a great boy he will be.
I shall not know him in his new clothes. He
wore frocks when I was at home. Does he
have a new suit like the boys ? How much they
will be grown, — for the girls are a great deal
taller — I have to let out all their tucks.

I cannot say any more — here is my painter.
Hope to have a letter. Tell the children I long
to see them, and Betsy must write me oftener.

M. B. C.

XVII

To Francis B. Crowninshield,

Salem, Mass.

Thursday^
Washington^ April i8, l8i6.

Dear Francis: —

I wrote yesterday to Grandma on
purpose to tell her it will be your birthday
next Tuesday, 23 rd. I was afraid you would
not remember it, — but I forgot it until after
I sent the letter. So we will think and talk of
you on that day. Seven years old — time for
you to be a very good boy. Do you go to dan-
cing school ? I think you had better go, if any
boys go [that] you and Ben know. Go next
quarter. Don't you sometimes practice your
steps with Betsey Mead ? I am willing Ben
should go if he wants to. George will go next
year. Grandma must go with you and tell
Turner not to scold you too much. And when
will little Anstiss go? — but I suppose that
she dances now better than she can walk. Oh,
how I want to see her. Were you glad to see
Uncle George ? Does he come to see you often ?
Tell him he must take you to France with

[70]

him.' Should you Hke to go ? Give my love
to your brothers and sister and tell Grandma
we shall be at home soon. The girls are play-
ing with little George and Benjamin Campbell
who live here — two very little boys.

Good bye, dear boy.

Your affectionate mother,

M. B. Crowninshield.

I would write more, but I am dressing to dine
out and write this in a hurry.

' The following winter Mr. George Crowninshield set
sail for Europe in his yacht, Cleopatra's Barge.

XVIII

To Benjamin W. Crowninshield.
Salem, Mass.

Steamboat^ Chesapeake^ Saturday.

My Dear Husband: —

We have just passed Com. Porter's
house. Saw the children run to see the boat
pass. I held out my white handkerchief in
vain for Mrs. Porter — could see nothing of
her. We arrived this morning at French Town
and took the stage about four o'clock and got
to New Castle about seven ; had a very cold
morning ride. We had the stage with Mr.
and Mrs. Dallas — they continue very polite
to me. We had the cabin so crowded last
night we did not get much sleep, although
we had the best berths. How much we wish
you were with us. THe girls do finely. I filled
Mary's bag with candy and she is buying nuts
on board the boat. — " Why, Ma, you know
this money will not pass after to-day." Eliza-
beth is not sick, — complained of the headache
this morning. It was because she did not sleep
any in the night.

Mrs. Payson called on me in Baltimore;

[72]
says Shillaber will sail perhaps in a week. He
has the trunk and box at his house. You will
see him at Annapolis, for I hope you will go.
Mr. Dallas will go with him to Mrs. Camp-
bell's, and he will send out for lodgings for
us ; — this I shall not like to do, and I cannot
but hope that Mrs. Meany may be at the
wharf to receive us. I shall not stop long in
Philadelphia. To-morrow being Sunday I
shall see but little, and so I may stay over
Monday ; but if there is any trouble about
getting lodgings, I shall go on immediately.
Saw nothing pretty to buy in Baltimore. Mr.
King will arrive to-day about the time we
shall be in Philadelphia. How astonished you
will be to see him. But we do so well I do not
feel at all anxious. We shall get home safe —
you will be glad to hear when we get there.

Mary gave me a piece of her hard candy
yesterday and said to tell you I broke a large
piece of my front tooth. I was quite alarmed,
but it does not show mflch. It split from the
back part, but another hard bite and it is gone.
I am almost afraid to eat.

Adieu — I hope we shall get a letter in
Philadelphia.

Your affectionate wife,

M. B. C.

My best love to Mrs. Madison. Tell her

[73]

she must go to Annapolis ; everybody is going
from Baltimore, expecting the President to
be there. Sunday : We arrived in Philadelphia
yesterday about four o'clock. Went w^ith Mrs.
Dallas to Mrs. Campbell's. How delighted
they all were to see their parent again. They
had dined but got us some dinner. George
D. went out in pursuit of lodging for us. He
got us one very near, but when there I was so
discontented that I sent John to Mr. Meany
to inquire about Hanson, and when he left [I
was] in hopes we should be invited there, and
I was not disappointed. Mrs. M. came imme-
diately down and would have us go with her
and we are there [now]. The girls are much
delighted — the little girls they saw on board
the steamboat when they came on, are here
with their Aunt, so they have fine frolics. I
have been to-day to the Catholic Church —
far superior to what I saw in Washington.
Matilda has just been to see me — said when
I wrote I must send her love to you. I must
stay one day more here as I can see but little
on Sunday and the boat goes to-morrow and
not again till Wednesday, but I feel very im-
patient to be home. They say I must stay a
week, but I shall certainly go on Wednesday
morning, seven o'clock. Good bye.

M. B. C.

[74]

Mr. M. said he had written you about the
horse and given Hanson his own, which was
far better than ours but a good match.

XIX

Philadelphia^ May 19, 18 16.

Dear Mother: —

We arrived here yesterday in safety.
We set out from Washington last Thursday
morning. Mr. King was to accompany us to
this place, but at Baltimore Mr. Pinkney* told
him he would not have time, as they would sail
in a few days, and he was going with him to
Naples. I was quite distressed, for I had stayed
there one day on his account. Mr. and Mrs.
Dallas were at the same house with us and they
concluded to take the steamboat with us and
send on their carriage. We had a pleasant pas-
sage. Set out at five o'clock, sailed all night, got
in the stage about four o'clock, then we took
the steamboat at French Town and arrived here
about four o'clock. Mrs. Dallas would make us
go with them to their daughter's, and their son
went out to get us lodgings. Regretted very
much that they had not a house to take us to —
all their family were at their daughter's. At our
new lodgings I felt quite disconsolate, but Mrs.

' William Pinkney, Maryland statesman ; then on the
point of sailing for Europe as special envoy to Russia.

[76]

Meany soon called and would have us go home
with her, so here we are. She is a charming
woman. I regret that it is Sunday, as I cannot
go on to-morrow, for I want to stay here one
day to see all the pretty things. The girls are
quite pleased here as there are two little girls
that they saw before. This morning we went
to church and walked round. This is a most
delightful city. We shall not go from here till
Wednesday morning. I was in hopes to meet
Aunt Silsbee here, but cannot find her. There
are a number of Navy officers going on to Bos-
ton. Com. Bainbridge' has written them to
call on me, so I can have a choice. Indeed, I
don't care about going alone. I do not feel so
much in a hurry, as Hanson^ only left here the
day before we came and we wish to go on from
New Haven in our carriage — and he had to
stop here to get a new horse, for one of ours
never seemed strong and Mr. C. wrote to Mr.
Meany to try to get a match for the best one,
and he says he has got a very fine one.

I am afraid you will expect us too soon —
shall not get home till sometime next week.

' Commodore William Bainbridge.

* As it was necessary to drive from New Haven to
Salem, they sent on their carriage in advance, so that it
should be ready for them when they arrived there in the
steamboat.

[77]

Wi^i We shall get to New York on Thursday and
must stay one day to see Sally. I shall feel
much disappointed if Mrs. Silsbee is not there.
We will probably leave there on Saturday, if

P the boat goes on that day, and it will take us

five or six days to get from New Haven home.
How I long to see you all. Will the boys be
glad to see us ? Little Ann will not, I am
sure. Poor Pa — left behind. He did not like
it very well, for he wants to be home as much
as I do. Give my love to everybody. I expect
to see a great many pretty things tomorrow
and shall I buy some ? — I am afraid my money
will not hold out. Good bye.

M. B. C.

XX

To Benjamin W. Crowninshield.

Saturday^
Salem^ June 2, l8l6.

We have arrived safe home, my dear
husband, found all well. Took the steamboat
from New York on Monday. Had the pleasure
of meeting Mr. Frazier on board. He andCapt.
Read were very attentive. Arrived at New
Haven before night, [and] took a walk out. We
started the next morning at six. The horses
in good order and the weather very fine. Got
to East Hartford, forty one miles, that night.
The gentlemen overtook us in the stage. Han-
son went with them — I preferred John ' to
drive us on. Capt. Silsbee gave me a list of the
towns and the distances to stop, on the Wor-
cester road, which I found much better than
the road we went. As soon as we got into
Massachusetts, we found election at all the
public houses, and slept at a tavern where they
had a ball the next room to us ; but we slept
the better for it. The third night we arrived

' Their regular coachman.

[79]

within seven miles of Boston. Went in the next
morning to breakfast. All the Republicans
were at Merriams, but I waited for breakfast,
and who should pop in but Uncle Zac and
Aunt Sally — so unexpected that we were quite
delighted. They expected to meet us in the
course of the day. Told us Grandma and the
boys were in Andover, but they had sent for
them as we were expected, — so we dined in
Boston as I did not wish to go home first. Oh,
how pleasant to see again dear Salem ! We
passed through about five, at a time no one was
in the streets, and stopped at our own door and
saw Grandma and the children at tea. Such a
start from the table — all out in the yard in
a moment. George was the first, — so altered
I should not have known him if I had met him.
Francis next, and looked much the same as
when we left him. Benjamin not at home, but
the babe — I would not believe her ours — not
the least look of the others. I told them I was
sure they had changed her ; — not so pretty as
I expected — very light blue eyes and almost
white hair, — looked more like little Mary, but
she was quite good to let us take her. Stared
at us, — followed the girls about. They are
delighted with her and she with them. I think
her more gay and lively than any of the others.
Grandma was so delighted to see us again.

[8o]

We were all very happy and enjoyed it much.
Soon Uncle George came in with Ben. He has
grown very much indeed. They got so burned
being in Andover a few days that they looked
rather badly and their clothes shabby. I gave
out the presents, but a little brass cannon, very
small, pleased the most, and I had only one.
Ben has been firing it to-day, but he will not
again often ; — I am so afraid of powder, for be-
fore I got home he got his hair and eyebrows
and lashes scorched with gunpowder and it has
altered his looks very much.

They admired the horses and carriage. The
old gray is sent to Grandma's barn. We cannot
get oats and I don't know what we shall do.
Uncle George has been in to-day ; — had a let-
ter from you, — the first time I had heard from
you since I left Washington, — but I got one
since from New York. I was disappointed in
not getting one there. Saw by the papers you
were having your frolic at Annapolis. I should
have enjoyed being there, but enjoyed getting
home much better. You tell Uncle George you
shall be home soon, and soon let it be. It will
be so good to have you here again.

Mr. Bentley ' called to see me this morning.
Inquired much about the President. " Well,

' The Rev. William Bentley.

[8.]
ma'am, you have seen what I so much wish to
see — the good President." Asked if I found
his good lady a pleasant woman. You may be
sure I said yes; and how does she do? I sup-
pose by this time she is in Virginia and you left
alone. I pity you for I am so happy and all the
boys — Jacob 'and William^ and Nathan — soon
came; and here sits Edward not improved any,

— grown taller, — says they are all well and have
a master to teach them at home. The factory
going on very well, etc., etc.

Aunt Sally C. has not been down to see us
yet. Our girls called, — she was very glad, they
said, to see them. They have been all round
to see their girls, as there is no school election
week. Elizabeth says she never enjoyed any-
thing so much as getting home, and Mary is
so happy and the boys so pleased ! — how grate-
ful I ought to be to get home again without
any accident and find all well, — nothing want-
ing but yourself.

Frank has not arrived yet, but will soon, I
hope ; — no news. Mrs. Cummings has a son

— when you were home last year she was not
married. Been at home one day — our house

' Jacob Crown inshield, Mr. C.'s nephew ; married Mary
Miller Schuyler.

* William Crowninshield, Mr. C.'s nephew, was lost at
sea.

[82]

looks like a palace — my chamber so comfort-
able. George slept with me. I think I never
shall want to go from home again. The girls
are frolicking with the babe, — say I must tell
you they think her very pretty, as much so
as Thomas Porter whom they used to love so
much. Mr. and Mrs. Silsbee did not leave New
York the day I did, — the rain prevented, —
but they had determined on going to Baltimore,
but should not go to Washington. Mrs. Silsbee
wished you would meet them in Baltimore, but
I told her you had so lately been to Annapolis
that I did not think you could, and you would
so soon be home. Remember me to all the
folk — the girls say you must give their love
to Emily and Frances and Debby — and you
must not forget it — they must write to them.
And you must tell Mrs. Willson that they were
so happy to get home, and the boys so glad to
see them.

Good night — tea is ready.

Your affectionate

M. B. C.

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