TO DEBORAH NORRIS1:
Tho' I have not the
least shadow of an opportunity to send a letter, if I do write, I
will keep a sort of journal of the time that may expire before I see
thee: the perusal of it may some time hence give pleasure in a
solitary hour to thee and our Sally Jones.2
Yesterday, which
was the 24th of September, two Virginia officers call'd at our house,
and inform'd us that the British Army had cross'd the Schuylkill. Presently
after, another person stopp'd, and confirm'd what they had said, and that
Gen'l Washington and Army were near Pottsgrove.3 Well, thee may be
sure we were sufficiently scared; however, the road was very still till
evening.
About seven o'clock
we heard a great noise. To the door we all went. A large number of waggons,
with about three hundred of the Philadelphia Militia. They begged for
drink, and several push'd into the house. One of those that entered
was a little tipsy, and had mind to be saucy.
I then thought it
time for me to retreat; so figure me (mightily scar'd, as not having
presence of mind enough to face so many of the Military),
running in at one door, and out another, all in a shake with fear; but after a
while, seeing the officers appear gentlemanly, and the soldiers civil, I
call'd reason to my aid. My fears were in some measure dispell'd, tho' my teeth
rattled, and my hand shook like an aspen leaf. They did not offer to take their
quarters with us; so, with many blessings, and as many adieus, they marched
off.
1 For sketch of Deborah Norris see
p. 114.
2 Doubtless this was Sally Wister's aunt,
Sarah Jones, born May 30, 1760, who married Samuel Rutter. The aunt was only
one year older than the niece.
3 The Battle of Brandywine had
occurred September 11th, and the surprise and massacre at Paoli on the
night of the 20th. Howe crossed at Gordon's Ford (now Phenixville),
and Fatland Ford, on September 23d, to the east side of the
Schuylkill, and thence moved down to Philadelphia. Washington was at Pottsgrove
for several days, and then moved over to the Perkiomen. — H. M. Jenkins.
SOURCE: Albert Cook
Myers, Editor, Sally Wister's Journal A True Narrative Being A Quaker
Maiden's Account Of Her Experiences With Officers Of The
Continental Army, 1777-1778, pp. 65-7
