1779.] TO HUMPHRY MARSHALL. 533 



troops, that were said to have embarked, are gone. Everything 

 we hear seems uncertain. As to news, in this place, there se< 1 

 to be little stirring. If thee has seen the late newspapers, 1! 

 must have observed that some of our great people have been vindi- 

 cating and giving an account of their conduct.* I live so out of 

 the world, I know very little but what is in the public papers. 



My cousin Dickinsons left me this day week. My daughter is 

 gone to Kent with them. When the roads and weather permit, I 

 think thee might spend a few days with thy friends in town.f 

 ***** 



I am thy obliged and affectionate friend, 



Mary Norris. 



Philadelphia, February 3d, 1779. 



Esteemed Friend : 



I am very glad to find that you are favoured with health. AW' 

 are bravely, and have been so through the winter. My daughter 

 is down in Kent, with Cousin Dickinsons. * * 



We have had accounts, for some time past, of the English being 

 in Georgia ; and now it seems to be confirmed, as it is published in 

 the newspapers that they are in possession of the sea-coast of that 



* The reference here is, probably, to some controversial publications, which 

 appeared about that time, between Silas Deane and the Lees (viz., Artiiur, 

 Richard H., and Francis Lightfoot Lee) ; in which both parties appealed to the 

 public in vindication of their conduct, as public servants. 



I In those days of unaffected hospitality, it was the custom with country people, 

 when they went to "town," to stop without ceremony at the houses of their city 

 friends. The residence of Mrs. Norris was usually the city home of Humphry 

 Marshall, when he visited Philadelphia. It was also a favourite resort of 

 polished society, whether residents or strangers. 



On one occasion, when a French gentleman of distinction was among the visi- 

 ters, Humphry Marshall, in all his old-fashioned plainness and simplicity, ar- 

 rived. Mrs. Norris's daughter Deborah (afterwards the accomplished wife of 

 Dr. George Logan) gracefully received her venerable friend from the country, 

 and, with the address of a well-bred lady, introduced him to the distinguished 

 stranger, although not without some slight misgivings, from the apparent want of 

 congruity in the parties thus brought together. She was much gratified, however, 

 to observe that they soon became closely engaged in conversation : and, after they 

 separated, the French gentleman, with an air of lively interest, inquired, "Miss 

 Norris, have you many such men as this Mr. Marshall among you ?" 



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