You needn’t abuse me so, sir, because I have not written to you for
more than two Weeks. How could I write, with the President here, & so
many Balls and Assemblies. Besides, I write quite as often as is good
for you. I had thought of not writing any more to you, sir. I am
afraid that it may interfere with yr important Business. But I won’t
stop—just yet. I have seen yr Paragon, George Washington. He reached
here on Saturday after he was in Springfield, & it was a Gala-day for
Boston. There was a great Procession, Militia, marching very straight
and fine, trades-people, each guild with the Device of its Craft, and
many Gentlemen on horseback. Near the State-house was a triumphal
Arch, built acrost the street. On one side were the words, “The Man
Who Unites All Hearts.” On the Other “To Columbia’s Favorite Son.” On
the top of the Arch there was a stuffed Eagle. The school children
were drawn up in line, & saluted by rolling their writing quills in
their hands. The General rode a splendid white Horse, and looked every
inch the hero, in his blue and buff uniform. He held his Hat in his
hand, and bowed slightly to left and right. He went into the
State-house, and came out on the Balcony. Then the great throng below
went wild with Enthusiasm. By and by, when they could be heard, a
select Choir sang an Ode written for the occasion.
On Sunday morning his Excellency went to Church & sat in the Pew
behind ours. I had a new hat, which I think is very becoming. It has a
large brim, a gauze crown, & a broad bow with long ends at the back,
and it was trimmed with three Ostrich Feathers. What do you suppose
that ridiculous old anti-Federalist governor Hancock did? He refused
to call on the President, saying that it was the President’s place to
call upon his High Mightiness. The People were so angry, that threats
of violence were heard. You know that the President is stopping at the
Widow Ingersoll’s just opposite our house. Well, I was looking out,
when, about two o’clock, the Governor’s Coach drew up. His gouty legs
were done up in red Flannel & his lackeys carried him in, to see the
President. Later the President went and drank tea with him and Mrs
Hancock. I wouldn’t have returned such a call. My father was very much
pleased. He said that settled one thing forever, that the National
Government was supreme, and the States must take second place.
Wednesday night was the Assembly. I had a lovely pink Silk Gown, made
new for the great occasion, & I wore as all the young ladies did, a
broad white Satin sash, with G. W. in gold letters, with a laurel
Wreath around them. On one end of the sash was painted an American
Eagle, & on the other a Fleur-de-lis. I saw yr honored Mother, and she
was very gracious to me. She looked very Handsome & Stately, in a
beautiful Velvit gown, and the sash like ours, only black with gold
letters and Devices.
I had the honor of a Dance with his Excellency, and he was pleased to
be most charming in his Manner. He complimented my appearance, and
said that he had found our New England ladies quite as Handsome as
those in the South. I felt more complimented when he talked with me
about public Affairs here, & I know that I blushed when he praised my
knowledge of Politics. I admired yr description of him, & I know it is
true. I could feel his nobility and greatness of Soul. Oh, Jack, how
can anyone say such horrid things of him, when he is so Pure, so High
minded, when he is the Saviour of our Country. When he stood there on
the balcony of the State-house, with everybody cheering and shouting,
I could not help thinking of him as he was at Valley Forge, cold &
hungry, sacrificing everything for his soldiers, and the tears of
gratitude & affection came into my eyes. Well, he is gone, and I pray
he may return safely Home. I suppose he will not go through
Springfield on his way back. I asked him about Springfield, and he
said it was no great Town, but Lovely in situation, and that Zenas
Parson’s Tavern was a good one. I think—I am not sure—but perhaps,
under certain circumstances, a city girl might be happy in the
country. But this letter is too long. I meant to punish you by making
it short. You need not expect another for at least a Month. This is to
be a very gay winter, & I doubt not, I shall be much sought after, so
I shall have small time to write to my friends in the Country.
Yours, with some kindness,
DOROTHY.
The careful historical student may find some anachronisms in these
letters, yet in the main they give a true account of the time “when
Washington came to Springfield,” and rode, with his coach and four along
the New England highways, in the bright autumn weather.