Razor[63]
7 Shirts 2 D^o Carr^d by M^r Thornton[64]
6 Linnen Waistcoats
1 Cloth D^o----
6 Bands[65]
4 Neck Cloths[66]
7 Caps[67]----
[Footnote 63: The razor in colonial days was an essential part of
a gentleman's toilet outfit. Washington had a strong beard and was
early called upon to use his razor. Long, full beards were not
then in fashion in America. It is a notable fact that there is not
a portrait extant of an American-born patriot or statesman of the
Revolutionary period, painted with a full beard. This memorandum,
although not dated, is believed to have been written in 1748. The
clean shaven face was constrained by the fashion of the continent;
and prevailed as the custom in England and France for a period of
quite 75 years.]
[Footnote 64: The Thorntons intermarried with the Washingtons.]
[Footnote 65: A kind of shirt collar.]
[Footnote 66: Neck Cloths.--These were usually made of fine white
cambric, folded wide, were wrapped twice around the neck and worn
without collars.]
[Footnote 67: Caps.--The number here will attract attention
considering the list of other articles; but it must be remembered
that it was the custom at that period for both men and women to
wear caps at night in bed. At the time when this journal was
written, bed rooms were not heated, hence the custom of warming
beds before retiring in winter, and the necessity for wearing night
caps is more apparent, and, further, the head was frequently shaven
and wigs were worn during the day by many. It is the tradition that
Patrick Henry wore at home, in the day, even, when not in full
dress, a "tarred cotton cap," whilst in public he wore a wig. In
speaking, when he was earnestly moved, a striking emphasis of his
is said to have been a rapid whirling of his wig around his head.]
M: the regulater of my watch now is 4 M: and over the fifth from
the Slow end
'Twas Perfect Love before } s: Young M: A: his W
But Now I do adore }
What's the Noblest Passion of the Mind? 6: 2:
M: Delivered M^{rs} Humphras this 30^{th} Day of October 2 Shirts
the one marked G W the other not marked 1 p^r of Hoes & one Band to
be Washed against November Court in Frederick[68]
[Footnote 68: At this point in the journal several blank pages
occur.]
Oh Ye Gods why should my Poor Resistless Heart
Stand to oppose thy might and Power
At Last surrender to cupids feather'd Dart
And now lays Bleeding every Hour
For her that's Pityless of my grief and Woes
And will not on me Pity take
He sleep amongst my most inveterate Foes
And with gladness never wish to wake
In deluding sleepings let my Eyelids close
That in an enraptured Dream I may
In a soft lulling sleep and gentle repose
Possess those joys denied by Day
From your bright sparkling Eyes, I was undone;
Rays, you have; more transparent than the Sun,
Amidst its glory in the rising Day,
None can you equal in your bright array;
Constant in your calm and unspotted Mind; }
Equal to all, but will to none Prove kind, }
So knowing, seldom one so Young, you'l Find. }
Ah! woe's me, that I should Love and conceal }
Long have I wish'd, but never dare reveal, }
Even though severely Loves Pains I feel: }
Xerxes that great, was't free from Cupids Dart,
And all the greatest Heroes, felt the smart.[69]
[Footnote 69: The poetical effusions of George Washington are
neither numerous nor notable. The specimens here given are found
on the spare pages of his memoranda mixed in with his notes of
surveys. Some leaves are missing at this point and the concluding
lines of one poem, at least, are lost.]
A List of the Peoples Names that
I have Warrants for[70]