To Octavia.
Boston, Feb. 7th, 1800.
After the toil, the bustle and fatigue of the week I turn towards home
to relate the manner in which I have spent my time. I have been
continually engaged in parties, plays, balls, &c. &c. Since the first
week I came to town, I have attended all the balls and assemblies, one
one week and one the next. They have regular balls once a fortnight, so
that I have been to one or the other every Thursday. They are very
brilliant, and I have formed a number of pleasing acquaintances there;
last night, which was ball night, I drew No. 5, & 2nd sett drew a Mr.
Snow, bad partner; danced voluntarily with Mr. Oliver, Mr. Andrews, Mr.
McPherson; danced until 1 o’clock; they have charming suppers, table
laid entirely with china. I had charming partners always. To-day I
intended going to Mrs. Codman’s, engaged to a week ago, but wrote a
billett I was indisposed, but the truth of the matter was that I wanted
to go to the play to see Bunker hill, and Uncle (William King) wished I
should—therefore I shall go. I have engagements for the greater part of
next week. To-morrow we all go to hear Fisher Ames’ Eulogy. And in the
morning going to look at some instruments; however we got one picked out
that I imagine we shall take, 150 dollars—a charming toned one and not
made in this country. I am still at Mrs. Frazier’s, she treats me with
the greatest attention. Nancy is indeed a charming girl,—I have the
promise of her company the ensuing summer. I have bought me a very
handsome skirt, white satin. Richard Cutts went shopping with me
yesterday morn, engaged to go to the play next week with him. For
mourning for Washington the ladies dress as much as if for a relation,
some entirely in black, but now many wear only a ribbon with a line
painted on it. I have not yet been out to see Mrs. Rawson and Miss
Haskell, but intend to next week. Uncle William [King] has been very
attentive to me—carried me to the play 3 or 4 times and to all the balls
and assemblies excepting the last which I went with Mr. Andrews. Give my
best respects to Pappa and Mamma, and tell them I shall soon be tired of
this dissipated life and almost want to go home already. I have a line
to write to Mary Porter and must conclude.