Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1843-06-17
MARTHAVV NJ
nv MRS. sIGoURNEY.

The state ofsocieiiyin Virginia, a cen
fury since, was uEquiet and Eimposlng.
The siAncient Dominion retained strong.
or features Of resemblance to the father
land than any offs sisters. The manners
ofthe nobility of England had been trans
planted, with but little radical change 70
the territory of Powhattan: A kind Of feu-
dial magni6cence, high and quick sense
of honor, generous and lordly hospitality
early characterized a State which has CIV
en- to the Western Empire SO many OF its
mightiesta and modest names.
One of the most immediate changes
arising from The severance of the mother
country, was the breaking down Of that
courtly and almost solemn etiquette which
marked the intercourse Of The higher clas-
ses. .Tknow your age by The edition Of
your manners, said u lady Of discernment
to gentleman Distinguished for politeness.
Il am certain that you were educated be-
fore the Revolution.' Butlhe republican,
ism which may possibly have swept with
too full tide over our national manners,
had, at that period of which we speak, no
existence in Virginia. The leyees Q. her
royal governors, though stripped of mon.
&archal pomp, displayed a remnant OF those
stately trappings of chivalry,' with which
the titled and yulient Of a still earlier age,
Were accustomed, in European courts, TO
bay homage to- beauty and rank.
1t was early in the winter Of HAS that
dc levees of Governor Gooch opened with
6nwonted splcndor at Williamsburg. Ma.
Nv of the members Of assembly took thiih-
with them a part Of their families, and
bis season was graced- by the presence OF
veral young high born maidens, who
bid never before been presented at court.
Dne among these was evidently the theme
general admiration.s Some of the state-
Ter matrons criticised her as deficient in
Height. But though somewhat beneath
Die middle stature, she possessed the round
Ind exquisite symmetry which the earlier.
historians have ascribed TO The fascinating
Anne Boleyn. A pure complexion, and
elear eye, were finely ycontrasted with
lark, glossy, and redundanthair. Still i
Eas found dimcult, byscommon observers,
3 analy re her beauty; for'it'restedSnot on
by permanent giff, button the consento Of
be whole person ia Iovcliness. Grace Of
ovemen,, and melody Of voice, were con-
Bssed to be amongTiis elements. More
i animation was hers, than is wont 10 dis
Ihguish the modera SJuhern beauly; but
bat chiefly won old and young,ywas q
bind cheeriuIness, the sienthistory ofthe
/, 1ul's happiness and an expressive smile,
Spring every bcholder with confidence,
, ke beam fromfthe templesof truth. a1n
Though she had scarcely Numbered
Ice eight .summers,~ there was about her
!. eomanly dignity which chastenedf former
!. <nirationsinto respect. ~ 4
y Among those who had paid iheiFdcroirs
!. this lovely young creature was Colonel
y sits, one oftheemost accomplished gen.
y han Of bis time., His father, the Hon.
. IN Curtis, of Arlington, held the office
- Kings counsellor, and was a man Of
Y !th and distinction His attendance at
#" iamsburg during The present session
j. been some what interrupted by i'll.
'. Eel lh; and while there, the grayerS du-
!. I< bfthe statesman had ESQ far absorbed
w as torenderhiln ignorant as TO what
~ 81 mng beauties had produced sensation
d, purt. Noticing after the SUSPENSE o.
~" evees, andthefetutn Of the 'burgesses
eir homes, counsellor request ed'a
ersa,ion in his cabinet with his son
mel Daniel Parke Custis.s There was
gular mixture. ofgravity and cnnde-
sion in his manner as he, desired him
'a seated, and thus opened the dis
IT, TT= Sc. ~ - - ~ =
have someiimc wishes. 20 see you on
w lterestIng sobject. Though still young
slider you have arrived at years q
'P0y eilon. ',rss r 49, ~ ~ =, ~ -.
ecl be Colonel bowed. - -Y-ssts-sJ
~, trust-I have always shpwndhat're-
tor your welfare which is due from
n wv f.,fh or to .,.I.y