In Which I Meet The Marquis de Lafayette

In Which I Meet

The Marquis de Lafayette

August 1824

Greetings to you my good friends, I am here to write to you today about my latest encounter with a famous person! Last week I met the Marquis de Lafayette, hero of the Revolutionary War. 

He thought I was Felicity! Do I look like Felicity?! And how does Felicity know him when independence hasn't yet been declared? He must have met her later.  

Mark Schneider of Colonial Williamsburg

I tried to sketch some self-portraits with Lafayette in the background. I gave up and let my guardian draw the picture instead. 

I heard from my friend Faith in Boston the Marquis was a bit of a fop but he is not such a fop any longer. He is a very interesting man fighting to abolish slavery, freedom of worship and rights for women. If he had known he was creating a nation of slavery, he would never have come.

This year, 1824, Lafayette is making a tour of America. He came to Providence to speak with an audience. He spoke about his time in America during the Revolutionary War and how he helped secure victory at Yorktown in October 1781. Lord Cornwallis was curiously ill that day and tried to send his second in command to surrender but General Washington would accept no one less than first in command! Lafayette helped corner Cornwallis and forced him to surrender.

Did you know Lafayette was at Valley Forge during that devastating winter of 1777-1778? He was then asked to lead an invasion of Quebec from Albany, New York. Finding there were not enough men, Lafayette recruited the Oneida tribe (Iroquois Nation) to the cause of American independence. 47 Oneida traveled back to Valley Forge to offer assistance to George Washington. The Oneida considered Lafayette a great warrior and named him Kayewla (fearsome horseman). Lafayette befriended a young Oneida man, Peter Otsiquette, and brought Peter back to France to stay in his own home and be educated. On his return journey in 1784, Lafayette visited the Oneida again and helped them negotiate better peace and trade relations with Anglo-America. On this tour, 1824-1825, Lafayette wanted to see his old friends. Most of the Oneida were too young to know Lafayette but a few warriors were still living, including Peter's father who could not die without meeting Kayewla.

Lafayette married his wife when she was 14 and he 16! It was an arranged marriage but they loved each other very much. They had four children. The boy, Georges Washington Lafayette, died young. The youngest girl was named Marie Antoinette, plus another name in honor of Lafayette's friend, American ambassador to France, Thomas Jefferson. When the name Marie Antionette fell out of favor, they called her by her middle name, Virginie!

A man named Thomas Coles presented this sword to Lafayette.

After he visited the Brown family mansion, Lafayette visited the Masonic Lodge and that night there was a ball in his honor. I was not invited to either of those events! 

It was a short visit on a warm day. We had to go back to the future and back to work! No fair! My guardian refused to buy me a new gown! She said she doesn't have the money. Why do you work other than to provide for ME and sometimes my friends? 

I will write more soon about another famous person I happened to meet last year. 

Your friend,
Susanna

A Visit to Felicity's Williamsburg Day 3: A Final Farewell

Before I leave Williamsbug and the 18th-century behind, I must pay a call on the Royal Governor and his family.

The Governor's Palace was built new in 1722 after 16 years! It was renovated in the 1750s.

The first Governor to live here was Alexander Spotswood. When the entrance hall was completed in October of '11, Governor Spotswood had it decorated with a display of bayonet-tipped muskets.

Governor's Palace entrance hall with weapons display

The word "Palace" was first used for the governor's house about 1714.

Lord John Murray, Earl of Dunmore is the current Royal Governor. His wife and children live here too. As you know from speaking with Felicity, the people are not happy with the governor. He was appointed by the King as the King's representative in Virginia. The people are becoming unhappy with the King's strict laws. I think Lord Dunmore will not be governor for long!

The Palace hosts the finest entertainments for the most fashionable people, like the Coles. This is their ballroom. 

Practicing dance steps in the Governor's Palace ballroom under the eye of King Charles II.

                                                    

I'm tired from practicing my dancing! I think I will sit down over here. *

Resting after dancing 

*Susanna was given exclusive access to the historic chairs from one of the interpreters on duty in the ballroom, who again, thought Susanna was Felicity. 

Off the ballroom is a supper room where one can take refreshments. 

Governor's Palace ballroom refreshment room

After relaxing, a servant gives me a tour of the Palace.

Governess's bed

I like this little camp bed and doll. Surely this must be the youngest daughter's bed? (Actually, the youngest daughter is but an infant, but Lady Susan is 7 years old like Felicity's sister Nan.) The servant informs me that this is the bed for the French Governess! That must be Lady Susan's doll. 

Lady Catherine and Lady Augusta's dressing table

The eldest daughters, Lady Catherine and Lady Augusta are quite grand at 14 and 13 years of age. 

Looking in Lady Dunmore's mirror

When I look out the window I see the sun has come out again, just before sunset.

                                

Looking out the window of the Governor's Palace

The household requires approximately 25 servants and slaves to tend. Some of these servants and slaves live and work in the outbuildings, while some live and work in the main house. 

Palace back entrance

Outside on the grounds there is a formal garden (where I went through the maze), a large naturalistic park, stable, carriage house, kitchen, scullery, laundry, and an octagonal bathhouse!

Resting on a bench in the gravel walk

Palace grounds

If you want to peek at the rest of the Palace, come with me back inside. (Be sure to look at each picture individually and read the captions).

I will leave you here and say "Farewell from Williamsburg!" I'm not done having adventures so look for me again soon in another time. 

If you want to know more about Williamsburg in-depth, follow my guardian over to her nerdy world -she's very boring but you can look at the pictures!

See you soon on my Jamestown advernture!

A Visit to Felicity's Williamsburg Day 3: Books, Medicine, and Chocolate

Moving on after Patrick Henry...

I hear some sheep in the distance. I go to find them at the jail where they are mowing the grass.

Susanna with Leicester Longwool sheep in the distance

                                     
I want something new to read. I visit the printer to see what books are being printed now.

Susanna finds a little alphabet book at the printer's

                                                     
I can purchase my book at a store and have it bound at the bindery.

At the bindery choosing a cover for a new book

The still-fragrant bushes are making me cough and sneeze. I head to the apothecary for some licorice lozenges for my cough. The Apothecary also says I can apply lavender to my skin for stress and if I have a fever, he prescribes willow bark. If my father has heart problems the Apothecary will make medicine from a pretty, purple (poisonous) plant called Foxglove.

Susanna and the giant mortar and pestle

                                     
Remember when Felicity broke her arm at the fair? (Felicity Takes a Dare) The surgeon puts icky creatures called leeches on her arm to bring down the swelling. He puts her arm in a leather splint. I think this is a leg splint for a grown man.

At the Apothecary with the surgeon

The surgeon also hacks off limbs and other body parts! That is so gross!

Apothecary's office with human skeleton

I'm still cold. I head to Charlton's Coffeehouse for a tour and some hot, spicy chocolate. Mr. Charlton has all the latest furnishings from England and a curiosity cabinet. In the cabinet Mr. Charlton has some bones from small animals like fish, some porcupine quills and a skull.

Cabinet of Curiosities skulls, bones and quills

The chocolate tastes warm and delicious on a cold day. It's made with water as so not to disorder anyone's stomach, but if you have fine cash or ready credit Mr. Charlton will add a little something extra. I think this means he'll make it into a grown-up drink.

Sipping hot chocolate at Charlton's Coffeehouse

While I sip my chocolate I participate in some fine conversation. A news sheet prints topics for discussion for people to talk about at home or in the taverns and coffeehouses. We discuss whether it is proper to save old love letters.

Yes? No? Sometimes?  Don't you want to see where you once where and how you've changed? If your love has died, don't you want to remember them? Don't you want your family to read them in the future and see what your relationship was like? What if your second husband doesn't like it? But. what if you have children with your first husband? There isn't a right or wrong answer. What do you think?

Back outside for a walk before dinner.

That yellow carriage looks familiar

     I stop to rest on a bench and take in the fall colors.

Can you see me?

Relaxing on a crisp fall afternoon

Pray, excuse me, I have one more stop to make before returning home. Follow me and you may come as well.



                                                 

A Visit to Felicity's Williamsburg Day 3: In Which I Meet Another Famous Person, etc.

My second full day and final day visiting Felicity was full of lots of different things.

I started my day learning about the Virginia Indians! More on them later when I get to Jamestown.

Then I decided to try out the Governor's Palace maze. Felicity said it was easy. The center is to the right so I must surely keep turning right, right?

Heading into the Governor's Palace maze

Oh no! A dead end! Which way?

Dead end in the maze! Which way to the center?

Not even my guardian could help...

Huzzah! Finally found the center! Now, how do I get back?...

Finally found the center of the maze

Next up, some shopping! There are lots of toys in Market Square today.

Toys for sale in Market Square

Who's THAT? EEK! I didn't know there were witches in Williamsburg. (giggle)

A witch flies through the air 

I'm hungry. Time for a snack break. We stop at the Raleigh Tavern Bakeshop for some fresh baked ginger cakes. Felicity bakes them herself with ginger she buys at Father's store.

Raleigh Tavern Bakeshop 

Baker making fresh baked ginger cakes

I run into Patrick Henry giving a talk about his life. He's very famous. Felicity says Mr. Henry is the first elected (non-royal) governor in Virginia. He's a lawyer, patriot and founder of American independence.

Susanna sees Patrick Henry

Mr. Henry was homeschooled and studied law on his own. He became famous in '63 for calling the King a tyrant who would be disposed because the far away King refused to pass a law made by the representatives of the American people. Two years later he spoke out against the Stamp Act in the Virginia House of Burgesses. He compared King George III with dictators like Caeser and Charles I of England. Oh my! He's a very passionate speaker and got the Burgesses (representatives) all riled up because they thought his words were treason. Mr. Henry managed to win the men to his side and has begun to lead every protest for American rights and independence.

Patrick Henry answers questions

Henry was elected to the First Continental Congress in '74. On March 23, '75, Henry gave a famous speech. He argued the Congress should put together an army to fight against the British. He gave a dramatic speech, holding his wrists together like they were chained. Mr. Henry raised his wrists towards the heavens and stated dramatically “Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty” (imagine Mr. Henry bursting from his imaginary chains and grabbing an ivory letter opener) "Or give me death!" (picture Mr. Henry pretending to stab himself." Oh MY! . (Listen to him speak!) No one spoke for a few minutes. History will credit this speech with tipping the scales towards independence.

Patrick Henry  (Read a full biography of Patrick Henry)

Remember when Governor Dunmore tried to steal the people's gunpowder and Felicity warned everyone? Mr. Henry led the militia against Lord Dunmore and called for Lord Dunmore's removal.
He has children around my age. Anne is There are 17 Henry children total with two different mothers. The first Mrs. Patrick Henry became very ill after the birth of her 6th child. She stopped speaking and got so she didn't recognize her own children. Her doctor recommended she be sent to Williamsburg to the hospital here. Mr. Henry came to see he hospital and didn't like what he saw. It was too horrible and sad to consider. He made a "commodious establishment" in the basement of their home. It was not a dank, dark dungeon. His enemies made that up! Mrs. Henry had light, food, water and regular visits from her family. She suffered 4 1/2 years before she died. Mr. Henry married again after a suitable time and now he lives in the Governor's Palace with his family.

Patrick Henry didn't see Susanna there waiting to meet him

                                     
He will go on to become the longest serving governor of Virginia staring in 1776, serving five one-year terms. He'll help start the Virginia Commonwealth government, American government and win the war for independence. He is political enemies with Thomas Jefferson. Mr. Henry will argue for a Bill of Rights in the new Constitution. He feels these rights should be safeguarded and NO ONE can take them away from you.

A Visit to Felicity's Williamsburg Part 4: Make New Friends but Keep the Old

A Visit to Felicity's Williamsburg Part 4: 

Make New Friends but Keep the Old

The rain finally stopped and we can step outside.(Ignore the sign, this is clearly Mr. Merriman's store.).

Susanna at Mr. Merriman's store

We see some girls our size waving from the windows!

18 inch girls in colonial dresses

18 inch girls cry out "Come in, come in!"

Matching dresses for girls big and little

We go inside to greet them. 

Isabelle and Susanna make new friends 

They are more friends of Felicity's helping out in her father's store. What are your names, please?

Ann, Eliza, Maria... I should write these down! 

Could we interest you in a new wool cloak?

Susanna sized cloaks, muffs and bags handmade in the Mantua Maker's shop

How about a woolen muff? Winter is coming. Perhaps you need a small bag?

handmade wool muff for Susanna, Isabelle or Felicity

Do you need an apron, a cap or a pocket? 

A new straw hat?

Or a pretty new dress?

Straw hats and frocks for small girls 

We have them all here.

Beautiful handmade frocks

Straw hats with brightly colored ribbons

Fashions change as quickly as the weather. Purple is not so much in style now. I already have a frock and a hat. My cloak is supposed to be blue. The muffs look warm and it is a bit chilly but they're expensive.

We also find a book. It's called The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes published by John Newbery, a decade ago in 1765.

Susanna and Isabelle find a book

Isabelle shows off a copy of The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes

I know this book! Felicity has a copy. She let me read it. It's kind of like the fairy story about the girl who went from rich to poor, went to a ball, lost her slipper and married a prince. Goody Two-Shoes is very GOOD. Felicity's book does not have the woodcut illustrations. This one does but it costs a lot more.

It was time for Isabelle to leave. We cried and hugged each other a lot. I will miss her sooooo much!! 

Ask her teacher friend starryeyeschick to tell you more about our day on something known as Instagram, whatever that is. 

Susanna and Isabelle say goodbye to each other and Felicity outside the Merriman residence

I liked making new friends but Isabelle will always be my best friend!

p.s my new friends come from someone called Sophia who has a shop called Sophia's Heritage.