Evening star., 1941-11-03
z@ -e<oSA N\Ocs-
els2eme> from an Old
WASHINGTON DIARY

ruffled tarletans in pastel shades
like flowers in a summer breeze.
Wednesday, August 2. 1854.
Gorgeous day.
MY darling, handsome son has
just come in. My sweet, beautiful
girls have just gone out.
How many mothers must envy
me my fine flock of children" (The
above was written by my saucy son
and must never be considered as
emanating from me)
Thursday, August 30, 1854.
Very warm.
Yesterday several baskets of figs
were sent to me by friends in Nor
folk.
They came on boat which land
ed at the Navy Yard.
I reached there just before the
gates were closed.
Drove so rapidly that it attracted
considerable attention on the Ave-
| nue-drove home more Sedately.
Mrs. and Mr.. Ogle Tayloe, Mrs.
Mason and Judge Tayloe Lomax
first professor of law at the Uni
versity of Virginia. appointed by
Jefferson) of Fredericksburg dined
with us.
Every one enjoyed the delicious
figs.
After dinner Ogle Tayloe and
Judge Lomax went to call on the
President.
Judge LomaX is a distinguished
and charming person-tall and slen-
der, with an intellectual face and
courtly manner.
I invited him to stay with us, but
he declined, saying with that kindly
smile of his, My dear Elizabeth, I
am here to- try a case before the
Supreme Court, my hours are much
too irregular to make me an agree
able guest. Perhaps some other time
you will permit me to avail myself
of your gracious hospitality"
Saturday, August rs, 1854.
My darling boy left on the early
cars this morning for West Point.
The house is desolate without him.
Mrs. Lee brought large box OF
edibles for our boys to take with
them.
Tuesday, September 10. 1854.
Raining, with no signs of clear
ing.
Mr.. Latham. a member of Con-
gress from California. called to see
me today to ask if would give his
young wife lessons on the harp-1
assented to his request.
He seems to be very gentleel man
and his wife is quite lovely.
With my large family, my expens-
es increase daily-after much con-
sideration I have decided to make
use of the talent with which God
has blessed me, and give lessons on
the harp and piano.
Would my dear Page be displeased
with me for deserting my woman's
sphere-the home fireside? I Won
der? On the contrary believe he
would understand and approve.
Wednesday, September 20, 1854.
Still raining.
Distressing news from Fort Lara
bic.
They have been surrounded by
hostile Indians and expect an at
tack at any moment.
Poor dear Emily Page. her baby
was to be born this month. God
only knows what may happen.
1oSA
Bitterly cold.
This morning three Italians, stroll
ing musicians, played in front Of
our house.
They played delightfully."-. Airs
from Norma" and other operas.
I brought them into the house,
gave them food and the little money
1 could spare. They were so CRATE
full they insisted upon playing more.
I accompanied them on the piano.
1t was quite lark which I enjoyed
greatly.
Anne Scott is to be married this
evening to James Young. A large
reception after the wedding We
lent them our best silver and glass.
Friday, December 8, 1854.
Still very cold.
Capt. Anderson (of Fort Sumpter
fame) and Col Burt dined with us
this evening, afterward taking Vic
and Anne to the burlesque opera.
They said the music was very
spritely and pretty.
The St. Johns Choir will meet
here tomorrow evening to practice
| the music for Christmas, which
| promises to be beautiful.
| tCopyrisht. 1S41 by Lindsay Lomax Woody
/ Continued Tomorrow