William D. Valentine Diary

[page torn] [No] N.C. Hertford Co. Oak Lawn, 30th Jan 18[illegible] I will first record a wonder of a few nights ago Aurora Borealis - of 25th Inst Our attention is at this moment & at PM (25 Jany attracted by an Aurora Borealis as Astronomers call such Northern lights. We first discovered it at about 1/2 / 2 6 o.c. when the light to the North N.E. was red as the red of sun set - Some of the family were at first alarmed. It spreads over all the Northern horizon appraching the Zenith: and makes every thing light out the door as if the moon were shining, and it is very dark nights until near 10, o.c. This is the strangest sight of the kind that any of us ever saw - I mean to so great a degree for Northern lights on a small scale are common to every person's view.

It is a wonderful phenomenon of nature, but perhaps as natural as thunder and rain, excepting that its cause is not so apparent. Indeed, philosophers have yet failed to account for it, many of this body write almost their knowledge divine differ as to its cause the cause of the Aurora Borealis. The most probably accounts yet given deduce these wonderful lights from electricity. A writer very recently has furnished much information on this wonderful law of nature. Of this night's appearance I look out for an Astronimical report (The above is a copy of what I wrote at the very time of the strange appearance it pruports.) Jan 31st, (Fr) vast quantity of rain on the earth - very cloudy. truly this dreary winter. All nature chilled in water and ice scenes sleeping the sleep of cold death outdoor business is forbiding so wet soddy and disable. Indoors however all find business most agreeable.

Sun Set feel very disinclined to study from indisposition

1st day of Feb. (Wed.) Hail short month - a pretty morn ushers thee in the sun clean the wind breezing from South, the blue birds giving their cheerful notes: [a ll?] reminding the farmer [missing text] a new years crop and the knell of time's approaching [missing text] It is time saith this morn's indications for all men to be complying with the design of their creation - to number among the heads of famililies, to be virtuously and industriously engaged in a life business, replenish the species and perpetuate their names, and leave a life spotless and exemplary and a name worth a pleasing and useful remembrance [missing text]

Oak Lawn, Feb. 2nd (th) 1837 -- Where shall I throw my restrictions? let every one look to ho[missing text] says one and he will work there for reformation. It i[missing text] enough too continues this one, for every body to mind their own business! Granted. Every body's business is a duty to their God, their country and to themselves. "God and our country then shall afford a fair trial to those I may suppose no fault. As we revere God and preserve our own honor. So we should deal uprightly to the accused and guilty. It is a fundamental [?] of cilized government that service to one's country is properly his [?] duty and therefore, business. whenever we behold government, or the heads of government going wrong it is our business by the authority of civil polity to respond as things deserve and to do what we can however humble, to set things right or prevent them from going wrong. One or two bad acts unnoticed have their examples and afford precedent for future evil.

The Virginia Legislature then now in Session ought not to go unscathed--to pass without censure commensurate with its improper legislation which may have a bad effect in future in N. Carolina and througout the Union. On this potent body then severest restrictions should be brought down. Party and Spoils to the victors, men as tools vindictive for self gratification--these are the motto and go-by of this high body at present-- They strike at all social order and wise polity. For parties sake and vengeance dire, the Va. Leg. trample on all moral restraint, violate the most Sacred instruments of law and order, instruct the first men of the age to do the same and to violate their own honor--then censure these ornaments of her counsel because they refuse to comply with Such nefarious instructions and moral degradation. All these enormities this representative body has perpetuated. This is not all--By a system of causing they (this body) cause the minority to defeat the majority in choosing the highest officers in the State. A judge of the Supreme Court [missing text] instance may according to his ability and integrity [aff?] [missing text] men's lives, property and earthly honor--Such officer therefore should be the choice of the whole commonwealth. But alas! how fallen men nowadays. sacred O mores O [? [the col Jo.?] of Gocheland, why tramplest on law and justice once sacred!

The above is common place work for I am more inclined [missing text] sleep than any thing else. Algernon Sidney.

Sunday 20th. I know not how to portay my feelings -- how things are best known to myself. Suffice it to say, I am not in the happiest mood. The of a few trusty and genuine friends might be of some alleviation.

Oak [?] Mo Tues 14th March, 1837 My present manner of life beyond my control is uncongenial with my feelings, my predelictions, and is the greatest alloy to the earthly enjoyment destined for me. I am fond of [Se---, ---rtion] knowledge: the people in this section of the country have no relish for these things. They aim to render themselves notable and respectable by hoarding wealth, yet business is unprosperous no enterprise, commerce but dull, no [matter] fortunes and business appears all apathetic. So there is nothing which is followed for a livelihood. People here live well are kind, hospitable. As I can not live lonely, I sometimes visit, but none appri ciate learning, none patronize the learned. This will be the 3rd day I have spent in assemblies seeking enjoy ment in vain. 19th March Sunday evening. I am just abstracted from company in which I have freely mingled for a week. During the late sale of the estate of G. Montgomery I was in all sorts of company. I might make many useful observations (to myself) [inspecting] what transpired before my eyes during all this bustle, but to dispatch many things at once, I will just say that while the valuable earnings of my late friend [--] were [cou---ing] under that hammer, my departed friend the [ --- ] [--]was not out of my mind — I was after sorrowful for his decease, for the loss I had sustained as a friend, for the loss our country would sustain by his sad bereavement. But as sorrow bringeth not back the dead, it is wiser to sustain our loss with complacent composure. So I too should return to cheerfulness. At this sale, I plaid a new game. I [---] a house and field with all app[---] and bought [---] [--] three and four thousand loads of first-rate lot [--] for $21.00. Cheap! to speculate all.

[8] I cannot omit mentioning here the events of this day. I was one of a courting party. Yesterday (Sat 18th) in con formity with previous arrangment. I and two others, gentlemen, arrived early at Mrs. [Feny's] in Mill creek where we dined and spent the best part of the in company of young ladies. We past off the time here very agreeably. The wind [---]ing some what, we put off for the river cha[--] took boat [hung] heavily loaded and the waves running high dipped water several times to the fears of all nearly excepting myself. It seems I have a strange constitution against fear. While danger is startng me, then I have a precense of mind which dissipates or prevents fear. We however landed safe. Three in all dressed gentlemen approached the elegant mansion where resided a window, sons and ladies. We were received with becoming respect and time went off cleverly. I mostly however was high in the family as to our business. It devolved on me to introduce the party to the family and a [--] higher part was assigned me ([mir---usly] to introduce the suit. This important part I performed today, by first addressing the beautiful young lady formerly and confidentially in honorable friendship. The way I having paved, the real suitor son after. Waras found opportunity to brouch the delicate topic of matrimony to the lady. To effect this latter, I flatter myself I made a master manouver, all happining better than anticipated. I must have touched her tender feelings favorably, the suiter pleaded perhaps eloquently, the lady talked pretty an interesting and [affect---] girl she. The position I occupied was new to me, and was much less frivolous than may be supposed. Friendship, honor, responsibility all so far seems well, but I am done, the suit must "go a head"! We arrived home safely, and fine evening it is. This country expedition will I think can [--] low imporantance, nothing less than neighborhood talk. Lovers and dealers in love matters should be fertile in expedients like a skillful general. Sat 25th March Many things I might touch upon from what I have observed during the past week

Oak Lawn, March 23th 1836 My pen does sometimes relieve my feelings May it bring me out. I am too sleepy now for reflection or comment. 26th A fine day this. I will amuse myself. Walking out on one morning bright night in a certain county Town, I retired alone along the river banks enjoying the lovely scene and communing with myself. Returning to my boarding house I past along a house in which I heard several voices of both sexes. The character of this house I suspected and so was about to pass on when I heard the voice of a gentleman who I well knew was my intimate friend. For the gratification of curiousity, I thought I would for once see the interior of such a house the character of which I was not certain but suspected. Information I thought was sometimes gained in the very sinks of iniquity while my conscience and my honor interposed to the reserve of my person from so indecent a company: my morals it would seem were about to suffer. But judgement or common sense soon decided. Indulge your curiousity, behold and then judge, but be profited, go not to catch the disease but to cure it. Being a man of the world, in pursuit of knowledge and knowledge some things only by report, therefore know then not at all: being a lawyer who should be bold yet modest, well versed in human nature yet entertaining the noblest and most delicate sentiments: determined therefore to indulge curiousity for the sake of knowledge, I first hesita ting, ascended at length up the high steps, [hailed] and was admited, and lo! man, woman, and and shocking obscenity. Since all of my respectable acquaintance were here and cordially greeted me, Although shocked and indignant for some were married men, I concealed my emotions and to make the best of situation, I apparently thou gh in reality did not, participated, this is seeming to countenance what was before me. Modesty and morals were here put to the [bl--]. Low life, wretched indeed.

The head of this seraglio was in every respect a beautiful girl, a splendid girl to look at. Nature had done much for her in giving her an exquisitely beautiful person and a strong mind- but vice had warped her notions of propriety- she was deficient in one quality and that quality it is which renders the fairest so ethereal so much the angel - the virtue of woman. How I sympathised for poor human nature to see this fairest specimen of her workmanship prostitued to the lowest, meanest, obscenest practices. Here I beheld with my own eyes what I had hitherto only heard and hardly believed - saw it in all its detestable, revolting odium yet I pitied this unfortunate and lost girl to modesty this fallen angel of the lovely fair. My curiosity being satiated with disgust, sorrow and sympathy for this girl expressed her sensibility of her degradations I retired. Soon after I returned to get a borrowed book which I had accidentally left. Farewell abominable sink of [beautiousness] and low [lived] vice. This fell sting of human happiness, the wo! to the fair daughters.

31st?] [H?] My soul is sick of sorrow. Another citizen highly gifted is no more- B. J. Montgo- mery of dear old Hertford Co. Yesterday I saw him through he was quite sick- yesterday he died. This was one of the oldest of business men in the county. For business of the county he had great capacity. For several years Genl. B. J. Montgomery was a member of the State Legislature, in both houses. Here his business capacity was displayed and was said to be the most influential of the members. He was in abilities a powerful man. A handsome and very commanding speaker a debator shewed and unsurpassed. His domestic

affairs and living prospects deprived the public, I mean the state, of his usefulness. Had his home affairs admitted and he been more ambitious, a distinguished character throughout the nation might have been beheld in him. But I sorrow. This is a serious time- one by one our best men are dropping off yielding to the summons of death! Hertford Co is nothing like such a place as it was 12 months ago.

Another death gives my mind a still more sombre hue- sorrow sinks deep in to my soul. This is the demise of a beautiful and finely accomplished young lady Miss Wynns. It is with sorrowful emotion to hear of the death of any acquaintances - but when it is a young lady, interesting and fair, and ummarried too, it is delicately heart rending. I can't express my feelings at present. This lovely angel and the above mentioned able gentleman left the world at [once?] unexpected [to me?] This bereavement of the pleasure of or hope of the pleasure of their society, impresses my mind with more regret than my counte- nance expresses. The times are calculated to [i?] with a sentiment- al and serious turn of mind. In the first place I am unwell, the weather is cloudy, I have just returned from Court where I realized no money - this with my deficient situation and these deaths, render me sorrowful.

Oaklawn, April 1, Ths 1837

Since I last wrote I have been very sick in great pain of fever and now in dread of another Lord keep it off I pray: but to my fate I submit - I must not murmur against Providence. My case might have been worse Lord protect me. Now I commit myself to the bed of repose - Take me to thy care. Uninterrupted and well may I rest. when I shall have risen in the morning (if it be thy will may I feel thankful unto thee) O, thou All Creator and Ruler of the Universe - who leest and and knowest all things [endure?] me with the mind to do thy will_ to obey thy commands to reverence with more interest thy holy book. Pardon I beseech thee my fauls of the past and protect me in future [?] my experience of the past so guide me in regard to [its?] future that my past offences be expirate. Be with me ever I beseech thee - When death receive me unto thy Kingdom where I may be helped forever through the Lord Jesus Christ world with out- end.

April Th. 13th Practice makes perfect. Every new piece of law business I transact or participate in transacting teaches me something I understood not before. Even yes - terday taking depositions gave me some useful infor mation. For many weeks I have done nothing in law reading having attended Courts &c. Last I was quite sick from cold I took at our Supr. Court. This cold had a singular effect on me- a hard real ague and fever quotidian and tertian, and severely sick I was so much so that I feel very thankful that it was no worse that it was not the prevailing epidemic which is deadly even where as almost- every day informs us- in short that I am again in tolerable health I am truly thankful for every spring (a fine April day) inspires me with poetry, with sighing, with sorrow and sympathy. The green foliage and varied] blooms and songs of birds are poetic that these remind me of by gonedays I sigh _ that as they bring to my reflection those who are gone forever, and those grown up and embarked in life business being thus alone and abstracted. I feel sorry I cant-tell [which?] that as my situation is between misfortune and high hope seeing no immediate chance of relief, I sympathise for myself.

Oaklawn April 14th [?] 1837 Having just read the first vol. of Norman Leslie, I take up my pen. I have just left a great city Couty (used?-well) house crowded with an immense multitude attracted there to witness the trial in an extraordinary case- a murder alledged to have been committed under most extrodinary circumstances, by a younf gentleman of the finest accomplishments, and of the first of families in a great city on a most beautiful and queen-like young lady of first standing and like wise of one of the first families. Having read this volume, I say it seems that I too have just witnessed this thrilling trial. I heard some thought the verdict of "not-guil ty" witnessed the effect the annunciation of it had on the vast assemblage joy, confusion, and surprise. In this state I left there - in the court-room. And now sitting by my writing table I can note or comment as choose. What was peculiarly interesting to me was the the testimony ans counsel- whether it was alike any thing I had been familiar with Whether the manage- ment of extracting testimony was in strict accordance of law and rules of court- as I had learned from study of books and practice and attendance in the courts. All I discovered was strictly to the letter. The latitude, reluctance and credulity of witnesses, the acuteness, shrewd- ness, keen and sarcastic sparring of counsel relative to the [?] and relevancey of evidence and the dutiful and stern interference of the court all were as I had understood ought to be. This portion of the book though a lightsome novel, was in the [line?] of my profession and dutiful dayley study. It was putting on paper what I have so often seen illustrated in the courts. One word respecting the reporter of this case :- his partiality for one side was apparent throughout and as he wished, and I must say as I wished, his side triump- hed. His partiality though may it be the privilage of the novelist who selects his own in [e?] his own characters to please his readers.