ld lady" spoken of in
the manuscript.

Ludwell Lee, a son of Richard Henry Lee, married the "Flora" of this
chronicle. She was a daughter of Philip Ludwell Lee, of Stratford, and
sister of Matilda Lee, the first wife of "Colonel Henry Lee;" whose
little boy is mentioned as so "fine" a "child." Colonel Henry Lee was
none other than "Light-horse Harry;" the "little boy," his eldest son
Henry, half-brother to General Robert E. Lee.

It is believed the publication of this Journal will be well received, at
a period when everything relating to the family of General Lee is of
peculiar interest. It presents, also, a curious picture of the life and
manners of that day.

There will be found in it many errors, and some antiquities of
orthography, which it has not been deemed advisable to correct. It is
believed that the Journal will be more entertaining in its original
state than it would be with the aid of any amendments that we might
make. It is certainly the work of a very clever girl, and possesses all
that freedom of style and charming simplicity which is so pleasing and
so rare.

Had the writer anticipated any criticism more searching than that of her
amiable Polly, her style and orthography would doubtless have been more
correct, and her Journal quite as commonplace as most of those that find
their way into print.

The proceeds of the sale of this little volume will be devoted to the
"Lee Memorial Association of Richmond," which must further commend it to
the favor of the public.

JANUARY, 1871.

[Illustration]

JOURNAL

OF A

YOUNG LADY

OF VIRGINIA.

1782.

Sept. 16.

FROM LUCINDA TO MARCIA

_THE WILDERNESS, September 16._

[Sidenote: "Wilderness" Residence of John Grymes, Esq., who married Miss
Fitzhugh, of Eagle's Nest. One of this family was Gen. Robert Lee's
grandmother.]

I hear you say, "The Wilderness! where in the world is that, Lucy?" It
is the name of this place. I can't say I was much struck with the
situation of the House; but they are as kind, good People as I ever saw.

Sept. 17.

To-day is Sunday. Old Mrs. Gordon lives in sight of this [place]. One of
her Daughters is just come--Lucy Gordon--very clever, though not a
Beauty.

A Mr. Spotswood and his Lady are come to dine here. I must dress, of
course.

They are gone.

Mrs. Spotswood, I think, is very Affable and agreeable, though not
handsome. She has invited us to see her, and we shall go day after
to-m