A Young Woman talks of Balls and Parties

Miss Mary S. Taylor
Miss Mary S. Taylor
Washington County
Miss Malvina Crockett
Washington County
Virginia
Wythe County

Mail
Polite help of
Mr Friel

P. P. 12 ½

Miss Mary S Taylor
Washington
County
Va.

Washington County Jan. 21st 1822

My Dear Cousin

I cannot let so favorable an opportunity pas without writing to you but not so much on that account as the breaking of that unviolable promise I made you when we were together(.) I have been expecting a letter from you for some time, the reason of my not writing sooner was, I was waiting until I came from Abingdon I thought I should have something very interesting to tell you, we had a fine ball at Mr Saules on the 8th of this month(.) I was very much pleased with Miss Ailoy Ann Saules(.) I think she is a very fine girl(.) I do not think Maria is as lively as she was I had the pleasure of seeing all of the Hieronymus if I consider it a pleasure(.) I think Miss Julian looked better than I ever saw her Miss Emily did not look so well she was dressed in the old two ruffle as usual(.) I had also the pleasure of seeing the much admired Miss Sarah Bicham she would be very hansome if she was not so affected(.) I spent the greater part of my time at General Prestons I was highly amused she sent for us to come and stay with her the most of our time she gave us a party the evening after the ball I think I have said enough about Abingdon I think it necessary to tell you something about the parties in the valley we had one at Mr McCarty's at Christmas they came down for us we refused going as Mary Smith and Cousin Harriet had just come over the day before and

was too much fatigued to go but however they came for us the second time Mr McCarty came himself and several others we were almost obliged to go Harriet Ficklen, Mary Smith, and myself were very unfortunately whitmans(.) I will not undertake to explain the term for I suspect you understand it perfectly well(.) I wish I could see you I have a great deal to tell you that would not do to commit to paper, I expect you are full of news yourself when you write to me write everything you have heard or seen I understood Betsy and Margaret were at the masonic hall I should have been very glad to have gone if it had not been so soon after I left there. Tell Betsy John Smith took her painted trimming home and that I am going over soon and I will send it to her the next opportunity. I must conclude as I have to fix for preaching tomorrow. Write to me as soon as you receive this tell Betsy and Margaret to write to me and I will answer there letters. Give my love to all the family and all enquiring friends And you will oblige your affectionate cousin

Mary S. Taylor